Profile

Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 1985: best 1995 to 2015.

vintage10 yrs30 yrs32 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 19921985100/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

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

With cheese

Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane Our pick The stagionato and da asserbo are firm with a peppery finish. Bolgheri reds, built mainly on Bordeaux grapes, bring tannin and high acidity, enough structure for a wheel of 6 months or more.

How to serve Sassicaia

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Bistecca alla fiorentina, Rib of beef, dry-aged, Hard mountain cheese with truffle honey. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet cuttings from Chateau Lafite at Bolgheri in 1944. First commercial release of Sassicaia 1968 vintage. Granted its own Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994.

  1. 1944Mario Incisa plants Bordeaux cuttings at San Guido
  2. 1968First commercial vintage of Sassicaia released
  3. 1994Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC created for the single estate

Facts

Producer
Tenuta San Guido · visiting guide
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

Frequently asked about Sassicaia

What does Sassicaia taste like?

On the nose, cassis, graphite, violet, Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, blackcurrant, iron, sweet cedar, salinity. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. 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.

When should I drink Sassicaia?

Drink 10 to 30 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Sassicaia?

Bistecca alla fiorentina is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Rib of beef, dry-aged and Hard mountain cheese with truffle honey. Cabernet weight and graphite mineral handle the T-bone.

What grapes are in Sassicaia?

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Cabernet Franc (15%). The wine is classified as Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC (single-estate DOC).

Tags

cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon cellar worthy cult wine dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic mood bold mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat price luxury still red super tuscan

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Tuscany

Bolgheri wine tours (11) · Wine tastings and winery visits in Tuscany (124) · Wine tours and day trips in Tuscany (250) · Wine and cheese tastings in Tuscany (18) · Cheese tastings and dairy visits in Tuscany (6)

See all 2334 bookable experiences in Tuscany

← Back to wines in Tuscany