Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, DOC Bolgheri in Tuscany

All about Sassicia, the iconic wine from Tenuta San Guido in Tuscany

Sassicaia and the vision of the Incisa della Rocchetta family.

The history of Sassicaia dates back to the 1940s, when the Incisa della Rocchetta family began producing wine for private use on the Tenuta San Guido estate, located close to the Tyrrhenian coast. The name “Sassicaia” comes from the Italian word “sassi”, meaning “stones”, in reference to the very rocky soil in this part of maritime Tuscany.

The Innovation and pioneer of the “Super Tuscan” phenomenon since 1968.

It wasn't until 1968 that Sassicaia was marketed as a wine in its own right, at a time when Tuscan wines, it should be remembered, were largely dominated by Chianti wines. Sassicaia quickly acquired a reputation for excellence, and was one of the first Italian wines to be classified as “Super Tuscan”, a term used to describe superior wines produced in Tuscany with Bordeaux grapes, placing them outside the traditional appellations.

A complex vineyard, more Bordeaux than Tuscan in terms of grape varieties.

Tenuta San Guido extends over 2,500 hectares, but the wine-growing part of the estate covers around 100 hectares planted with vines. The area dedicated to the production of Sassicaia is unique for its soils, microclimate and parcel exposure (west/south-west), to the extent that all these factors have justified its own appellation: DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia. The vineyards are planted mainly with the Bordeaux grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, although other varieties such as Merlot and Petit Verdot are also present in certain vintages. In terms of pedology, the soils have complex characteristics, with a strong presence of limestone, followed by areas rich in marl and pebbles, and finally a more clayey part.

Sassicaia or the Flagship of DOC Bolgheri wines.

Wines under the Sassicaia banner are renowned for their elegance, balance, aromatic complexity and ability to age well in bottle. They often offer aromas of ripe fruit, spices, tobacco and cedar, with a well-integrated tannic structure. Sassicaia is generally considered one of Italy's finest wines, and is often compared to the great wines of Bordeaux. Sassicaia is often considered one of Italy's most prestigious wines. It has received numerous awards and is often highly rated by wine critics. Because of its exceptional quality, Sassicaia can also command a high price.

Competitive wine for absolute aging.

This “Super Tuscan” has great ageing potential in the bottle. The best vintages can age for decades, improving in complexity and character over time. Tenuta San Guido also produces other fine wines such as Guidalberto and Le Difese. These wines are somewhat more accessible in terms of price, while retaining Tenuta San Guido's signature excellent quality.

An estate that embodies Tuscan excellence.

Tenuta San Guido is often seen as emblematic of the quality revolution - in terms of innovation - that has taken place in the Italian wine landscape over the last few decades, starting in the 1970s. The wines produced here continue to be highly sought-after by collectors and wine enthusiasts the world over.

Sassicaia's greatest vintages :

1968-1982-1985-1990-1996-1998-2001-2006-2007-2008-2009-2010-2011-2013-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021