Sassicaia 2018

Sassicaia 2018, the Bordeaux-inspired momentum of Bolgheri

I recommend this Sassicaia for its blend of depth and freshness: cabernet sauvignon meets cabernet franc, while the floral notes and black fruits form a nuanced expression. Aged twenty-four months in French oak barrels, this Bolgheri red unfolds a silky palate and a lingering finish, without losing its brightness.

Bolgheri, a terroir shaped by history

Tenuta San Guido is located in Maremma, in the Tuscan part of Bolgheri. The story of Sassicaia begins with Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who, in the 1920s, dreamed of an Italian wine of "breed," inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux. His choice of cabernet sauvignon then broke with a local tradition dominated by sangiovese and nebbiolo. The cuvée is considered the first Italian wine to gain international recognition. From 1948 to 1967, it remained reserved for the private circle of the marquis and his aristocratic friends. The success of this project would give Sassicaia its own appellation, the DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia.

The vines occupy part of the Tenuta's land, on the heights behind Bolgheri. The estate covers 2,500 hectares, including 75 hectares of vineyards; the plots described lie at about 400 meters of altitude. Their alluvial soils mix silt, clay, sand and gravel, with a strong presence of iron and manganese. Cool nights and dry, hot summers accompany the ripening of the grapes. The 2018 vintage blends 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc. This choice of grape varieties extends Sassicaia's historic singularity, without giving up the freshness suggested by its balance on the palate.

In the glass, the color is that of a red wine, but the sources do not specify its shade any further. The nose opens on sweet berries, wild flowers — notably lavender — and fresh sage. On the palate, floral accents precede the blackcurrant, then mingle with olives, plums, cedar, tobacco and spices. The texture is delicate and silky; the bright acidity gives relief to the whole. The finish, polished and long, prolongs the flavors without overwhelming them. What I remember most is this progression, from flowers to black fruits and then to spicy and woody notes, which gives the tasting several stages to follow.

At the table, in time and sharing

I would serve it with roasted or grilled meat, for example a cut of beef, whose flavor will match the blackcurrant, cedar and spice notes. A Tuscan meat dish will also suit the spirit of the wine without trying to mask its nuances. To fully enjoy it, take the time to return to the glass and follow the evolution of its aromas. Sassicaia 2018 can accompany a chosen meal or become the thread of an attentive tasting: a wonderful way to taste Bolgheri through its history and its blend.