Sassicaia

In the glass

Aroma: cassis, graphite, violet, Mediterranean herbs

Palate: blackcurrant, iron, sweet cedar, salinity

The founding Super Tuscan: a Bordeaux blend planted at Bolgheri in 1944 by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Granted its own single-estate DOC in 1994.

What it pairs with

• Bistecca alla fiorentina Find bistecca alla fiorentina on TableJourney →
  Cabernet weight and graphite mineral handle the T-bone.
• Rib of beef, dry-aged Find rib of beef, dry-aged on TableJourney →
  Dry-aged beef umami meets Sassicaia's cedar.
• Hard mountain cheese with truffle honey
  Sweet umami amplifies the wine's depth.

History

Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet cuttings from Chateau Lafite at Bolgheri in 1944. First commercial release of Sassicaia 1968 vintage. Robert Parker awarded the 1985 vintage 100 points in 1992, the first Italian wine to receive a perfect score from the Wine Advocate. Granted its own Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994.

1. 1944 — Mario Incisa plants Bordeaux cuttings at San Guido
2. 1968 — First commercial vintage of Sassicaia released
3. 1992 — Robert Parker awards Sassicaia 1985 a perfect 100 points, the first Italian wine to receive the score from the Wine Advocate
4. 1994 — Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC created for the single estate

Facts

Producer

Tenuta San Guido

Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Cabernet Franc (15%)

Classification

Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC (single-estate DOC)

Oak

24 months in French oak barriques, around one third new

ABV

14.0%

Price

EUR 250 to 500 at retail

Drinking window

10 to 30 from vintage

First vintage

1968

Scores

• Wine Advocate 100 (1985 vintage, reviewed 1992)

Tags