Bolgheri Sassicaia

What to look for

• •Deep garnet colour with a bright rim
• •Aromas of blackcurrant, plum and cedar with hints of graphite
• •Smooth, polished texture with fine grip on the finish

About the producer

Sassicaia is the flagship wine of Tenuta San Guido, the estate that created the modern Super Tuscan category in the 1960s by planting Bordeaux grapes in Tuscany and proving they could rival the great wines of France.

About the year

2017 was a warm, dry vintage in Tuscany that produced ripe, concentrated wines with good balance. Sassicaia from this year will drink well now but has the structure to age for two decades or more.

Grape characteristics

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend to create a wine with the depth and power of Bordeaux, with dark fruit flavours and a firm grip that softens into elegance as it ages.

About the region

Bolgheri sits on the Tuscan coast where sea breezes moderate the Mediterranean heat, allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness and complexity. The gravelly soil drains well and concentrates flavours.

Tasting profile

Expect blackcurrant, plum and dark cherry with secondary notes of cedar, tobacco and graphite. The wine is full-bodied with a dry finish and a subtle earthiness that speaks to the coastal terroir.

Serving suggestions

Serve at 64 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Decant for 30 to 45 minutes before serving to open up the aromas. Use a large red wine glass to let the wine breathe.

Also pairs well with

• • Grilled beef steak
• • Aged hard cheeses
• • Slow-cooked lamb
• • Mushroom risotto
• • Roasted game birds