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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2019 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto Toscana IGT Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
REGION: Italy / Tuscany
GRAPES: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot
Guidalberto's name comes from Guidalberto della Gherasdesca, Nicolo Incisa della Rochetta great great great grandfather. He lived in the early nineteenth century in Bolgheri and was a pioneer of modern agriculture, and is famous for having planted the cypress alley that inspired the poet Giosuè Carducci. Guidalberto is a second wine from the producers of the legendary Sassicaia. Grapes are harvested and transported to an independent cellar. The soil is made up of various morphological and composite characteristics with a strong presence of limestone areas rich in galestro, pebbles and partially clay; they are located at an altitude between 328 and 984 feet above sea level, with exposure to South / South-West.
HARVEST NOTE
After a rather mild and dry autumn, winter temperatures dropped a lot, helped by the cold north winds. This period was characterized also by lack of rain, except for a few rainy days in February. Since the beginning of March, the beautiful sunny days and the substantial increase in temperatures anticipated the budding. However, temperatures dropped again in April, when the long-awaited rains arrived. It is thanks to these spring rains that it was possible to re-establish the water reserve of the subsoils. Two short hailstorms during two days in April thinned the shoots and slightly reduced the amount of production, especially for the more precocious Merlot. The continuation of spring was also somewhat unusual, as it was characterized by temperatures below the seasonal norm and persistent rains, accompanied by north winds. This climatic condition has kept the agronomists and country staff very busy. It also has affected the vegetation by delaying the growth of the shoots and consequently, also the flowering. Around mid-June, good weather arrived, with mild temperatures, sunny days and intense ventilation. A perfect condition for the phenological phases of the vine. Flowering was slightly delayed to May, and took place in optimal conditions with no winds. The result was an excellent, regular and complete fruit set.
TASTING NOTE
This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It’s nicely balanced by fresh acidity.
TECHNICAL DATA
APPELLATION: Tuscany IGT
PH: 3.52
ACIDITY: 5.95 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: French oak barriques and 20% of American oak barriques, for a period of 15 months. Subsequent fining for 3 months in glass before release
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.11 g/l
POINTS OF DISTINCTION
The debut vintage was 2000.
A second wine from the producers of Sassicaia, the famous Super Tuscan
More accessible at an earlier stage, Guidalberto is a blend that includes Merlot, to add roundness and a silky texture.