Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2023

Le Difese 2023, the Tuscan spirit of Tenuta San Guido

In Le Difese 2023, you'll find a meeting between Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, two grape varieties brought together in a Tuscan red with a bold style. This wine from Tenuta San Guido is presented as the estate's third wine, after the famous Sassicaia: a gateway into a property whose history is closely tied to the ambition of making wines inspired by Bordeaux.

Tenuta San Guido, from vines on limestone soils

Le Difese is produced in Tuscany and labeled IGP Toscana. Its blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. The story of Tenuta San Guido begins with Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who dreamed of producing wines in the Bordeaux style. From 1948 to 1967, the estate reserved its wines for the family; Sassicaia, born from this ambition, later helped make Bolgheri known as a wine region. Le Difese belongs to this story, without being confused with the wine that made it famous.

The plots used for this wine sit between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, with south and southwest exposures. The vines grow on limestone soils mixed with decomposed silt and clay. Cultivation is traditional, with a stated yield of 5,800 vines per hectare and hand harvesting. In the cellar, the grapes are sorted, destemmed and gently pressed. Cabernet and Sangiovese ferment separately in stainless steel tanks, at controlled temperature and with indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts 13 to 15 days for the Cabernet, and 15 to 18 days for the Sangiovese. After blending, the wine ages twelve months in French and American oak barrels.

As for tasting, the available information describes an expressive red with pronounced acidity, but does not specify its color or any particular aromas. I prefer to stick to these facts rather than attribute fruit or spice notes that are not documented. Its stylistic balance is described as moderately oaked, with medium to full body, halfway between fruity and spicy. Two critics rate it 90 and 92 points; that gives a reference point, without replacing your own palate.

At the table, a red for meats and cheeses

I would serve it with white meats, a cut of red meat or aged cheeses: pairings suggested to complement its character and lively acidity. It's a choice to consider for a meal where you want to explore an accessible expression of Tenuta San Guido, without expecting a description to invent what the wine only reveals in the glass. Take the time to let it open up and see how Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese respond to each other at the table.