Description
We have limited quantities of this famous ‘SuperTuscan’ red in rare half bottles, from Bolgheri in Tuscany. Sassicaia was first madeat Tenuta San Guido in 1968, changing the Italian wine scene forever (the 2017 is therefore the 49th vintage of this iconic wine). And even today, along with Ornellaia and Tignanello, it sits right at the top of the Tuscan quality tree.
TASTING NOTE: A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc the wine gives off vibrant, dark berry aromas and delicious spice and herb notes, with cherry, mocha, currants, liquorice and rosemary to the fore. It’s a full bodied, powerful red with lovely richness of flavour and compact tannins suggesting long ageing.
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: It’s a great wine if you are building a collection, as, other than being delicious and very much in demand, it will easily last till 2032 in half bottle, and even beyond. As an outstanding wine it is completely delicious to drink on its own, when pairing it with food it is as well rounded as the palate with options to match. Sassicaia goes well with rich foods such as stews, roast veal or pork. It also pairs well with aged cheeses, portobello mushrooms or charred tomatoes for a vegetarian option.
ABOUT: Once malolactic fermentation was complete, the wine was placed in French oak barriques, and a small part in American oak, where it was aged for a period between 20 and 25 months. 2017 was rather warm, indeed much of Italy suffered from heat and drought during the summer. Temperatures cooled by harvest, but the year’s wines are particularly powerful and heady, needing skilled winemaking, such as at Tenuta San Guido with this very fine Sassicaia, to bring a delicious balance and finesse.
