By Marchesi Antinori
Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore 2023

Wine Description
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. This wine has been produced since 1990 from vineyards on alluvial soils whose composition ranges from clay-sand to clay-loam with rocky deposits known as "scheletro."

Vintage
The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri began with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall, causing the vines to break dormancy slightly earlier, beginning on March 20th. Spring brought periods of moderately intense precipitation that required careful vineyard management to keep the vines healthy and vigorous. Beneficial hot, dry weather in July slowed vegetative growth and provided perfect conditions for veraison and ripening. Temperatures in August were consistent with seasonal averages. However, at the end of the month, unstable weather moved in from the Atlantic, bringing rain showers and refreshing temperatures that guaranteed optimal conditions for the grapes to progress through the ripening phase. September was sunny and dry, allowing grapes to reach peak maturity in all vineyard parcels and producing fruit of exceptional quality. The grape harvest began in early September with Merlot, continued with Cabernet Franc during the first half of September, and concluded at the end of the month with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Production
Upon arrival in the cellar, the grapes were sorted on two different occasions - once before destemming and again immediately after to guarantee only perfectly ripe berries reached fermentation vats. Keeping with tradition, each single-vineyard parcel was subdivided into smaller blocks, grapes were harvested separately based on climate trends and the individual characteristics of each grape variety, and then fermented separately. Fermentation and maceration took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for 18 to 25 days. After racking, the wine was transferred directly into barriques, where malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. In February, wine from the very best vineyard blocks was selected, and the final blend was made. Guado al Tasso was then transferred into new French oak barriques and left to age until bottling in July 2025.

Tasting Notes
Guado al Tasso 2023 has an intense ruby red color. The nose presents extraordinary intensity with notes of plums, blackberries, blackcurrants, hints of tobacco and licorice root, and with light notes of mint and blood oranges. The palate impresses with its dense, mouth-filling tannic texture, exceptional depth, and pleasantness in both the mid palate and finish. The 2023 vintage is enjoyable right out of the gate but also has excellent aging potential.
[Information provided by Marchesi Antinori]