The 1968 vintage marked the debut of Sassicaia, a bold and innovative wine that broke away from traditional Tuscan winemaking practices. Named after the stony soil from which it originates, Sassicaia’s unique character and groundbreaking approach set it apart, paving the way for a new era in Tuscan wine. By its very nature, this wine is destined for greatness, with a legacy that continues to influence and inspire.
Sassicaia 2020: Producer
Founded in the 1940s by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Tenuta San Guido is a family-owned winery with a rich legacy spanning generations. Committed to producing exceptional wines that capture Bolgheri’s unique terroir, Tenuta San Guido has become a trailblazer in the Super Tuscan movement. Their dedication to quality, meticulous vineyard management, and innovative winemaking techniques have garnered global acclaim and continue to enchant wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Sassicaia 2020: Vintage
The growing season at Tenuta San Guido began with heavy autumn rains and mild winter temperatures, followed by intense cold in February. March brought early budding due to mild weather, but a late cold snap caused minor setbacks for Cabernet Franc. Spring was mild with alternating sunny and rainy days, leading to increased vegetation that required careful management.
By mid-June, stable warm weather set in, continuing through harvest with occasional rain showers in July and August. The grapes ripened about a week early, arriving in the cellar healthy, with excellent quality and phenolic maturity, promising a remarkable vintage.
Sassicaia 2020: Winemaking
Grapes were meticulously sorted to remove impurities, followed by soft pressing and gentle destemming to preserve berry integrity and minimize tannin extraction. Spontaneous alcoholic fermentation, without added yeasts, was completed by late October at controlled temperatures of 27-28°C. Frequent delestage and pumping over enhanced aromatic extraction and maintained acidity. Malolactic fermentation occurred in steel tanks by late November. In early December, after several cleanings, the wine was transferred to oak barriques for ageing.
After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in barriques with a mix of 45% new wood, 45% first-use, and 10% second-use barrels. Sassicaia 2020 underwent over 25 months of wood aging before being transferred to steel tanks for final blending and bottling. The wine then underwent additional bottle ageing before its market release.
Sassicaia 2020: In The Glass
This wine presents a stunning nose, with rich and elegant aromas of blackcurrant fruit complemented by delicate spicing. On the palate, it showcases the classic Sassicaia profile: refined and linear, with savoury fruit, sharp acidity, and fine, grippy tannins. It’s clearly built for ageing, with a long, beautifully balanced finish. Priscilla suggests that while it will start to reveal its charm in about ten months, a twenty-year ageing potential will enhance its beauty even more.
Decant before drinking. Will continue to improve in bottle for 20+ years.
Sassicaia 2020: Awards
Jancis Robinson – 18/20
James Suckling – 97/100
Decanter – 97/100
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