Tenuta Guado al Tasso

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the Bolgheri DOC on the Tuscan coast. The estate covers 1,000 hectares and has been part of the Marchesi Antinori family holdings since the 1930s. It was originally part of the extensive lands owned by the Della Gherardesca family, who began agricultural activities here in the late 1600s. The property passed to the Antinori family through Carlotta della Gherardesca, the mother of Marchese Piero Antinori. Today, the winery is managed by the daughters of Piero, Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia Antinori. While the estate historically produced diverse agricultural products, the family shifted the focus toward specialized viticulture in the late 1980s, releasing the first vintage of the flagship wine in 1990.

The vineyards occupy approximately 320 hectares within a natural plain known as the Bolgheri Amphitheatre. This geological formation consists of hills that surround a coastal plain, creating a microclimate influenced by sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea. These breezes mitigate summer heat and maintain clear skies, which aids in the ripening of international grape varieties. The soils are varied and feature alluvial deposits, clay loam, and sandy textures containing Bolgheri conglomerate. These conditions are used to cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Winemaking is overseen by Renzo Cotarella, the group CEO and head oenologist, who emphasizes parcel selection and controlled fermentation in stainless steel before aging in French oak barriques.

The flagship wine of the estate is Guado al Tasso, a Bolgheri Superiore DOC typically composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. It is recognized for its structure and aromatic profile and is considered a significant example of the Bolgheri style. Other notable labels include Matarocchio, a monovarietal Cabernet Franc, and Cont'Ugo, which is produced entirely from Merlot. The estate also produces Il Bruciato, a Bolgheri DOC blend intended to offer a broader introduction to the property's character. In addition to red wines, Tenuta Guado al Tasso produces Vermentino and the Scalabrone rosé, both of which utilize the maritime climate to maintain acidity. These wines have established the estate as a notable producer within the Bolgheri appellation.