Tenuta San Guido – Sassicaia | The First Super Tuscan

Tenuta San Guido stands as a symbol of Italian viticultural excellence. Nestled in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, this historic estate is where Sassicaia was born — the first “Super Tuscan” and one of the most celebrated red wines in the world.

Founded in the 1940s by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, the estate pioneered the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany long before such blends became fashionable. Since its commercial debut in 1968, Sassicaia has embodied Italian refinement, timeless elegance, and world-class precision.

Vineyards & Terroir

The estate spans 2,500 hectares, with vineyards rooted in gravelly and limestone soils, cooled by maritime breezes and bathed in Mediterranean light. The parcels dedicated to Sassicaia are planted between 80 and 400 meters above sea level, meticulously chosen for their exposure, drainage, and unique microclimate.

Low yields, manual harvesting, and a strong focus on sustainability and biodiversity ensure exceptional fruit quality. This thoughtful approach gives Sassicaia its hallmark concentration, balance, and unmistakable identity.

Winemaking & Aging

Each vineyard lot is vinified separately in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures. After fermentation, the wines undergo strict selection before blending — typically 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.

Aging lasts 24 months in French oak barriques, followed by additional bottle maturation. This patient élevage results in a wine of remarkable texture and aromatic depth — an elegant fusion of Bordelais structure and Tuscan soul.

Style & Recognition

Sassicaia is celebrated for its harmony and precision: power without excess, complexity without heaviness. Aromas of cassis, cedar, graphite, and Mediterranean herbs unfold over a silky, finely structured tannic frame. The wine ages gracefully for decades, often exceeding 30 years.

In 1994, Sassicaia became the only Italian wine with its own appellation — DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia — a historic milestone that cemented its legendary status among the world’s greatest red wines.

Signature Wines

Sassicaia DOC Bolgheri — The estate’s icon: elegant, structured, and built for long ageing.
Guidalberto — A Merlot-based second wine, supple and approachable.
Le Difese — A youthful, vibrant blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet.
Grappa di Sassicaia — A refined distillate made from the estate’s own pomace.

Heritage & Vision

Today, under the stewardship of Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta, Tenuta San Guido remains faithful to its founding philosophy: integrity, precision, and profound respect for nature.

Sassicaia continues to serve as a benchmark for Italian winemaking — a bridge between classical inspiration and the distinctive coastal expression of Bolgheri. Few wines capture such a perfect balance between history, terroir, and timeless elegance.