Sassicaia

Sassicaia is a red wine produced by Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, along the Tuscan coast of Italy. It is a Bordeaux-style blend, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc, and it is widely regarded as one of the early and influential examples of the so-called Super Tuscan movement. The wine is commonly associated with the Bolgheri DOC and is often labeled Bolgheri Sassicaia.

The wine’s history begins in the 1940s, when Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta began experimenting with Bordeaux varieties on his estate. Sassicaia was initially produced for private consumption, and it was not until 1968 that a commercial release took place. The wine gained international attention in the 1970s after a series of high-profile tastings, including a Paris blind tasting that helped thrust Italian wines, and Bolgheri in particular, onto the global stage.

Terroir and winemaking practices contribute to Sassicaia’s character. The Tenuta San Guido estate lies in a maritime climate with gravelly soils that drain well and retain heat. Grapes are typically fermented in stainless steel or concrete and then aged for an extended period in mostly French oak barriques, followed by bottle aging before release. The resulting wine is known for its depth of fruit, structure, and aging potential, with notes of cassis, cedar, tobacco, and spice.

Sassicaia has had a lasting impact on Italian viticulture, helping to redefine expectations for quality wines from Tuscany. It remains one of Italy’s best-known red wines, widely exported and regularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.