Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese 2019 Toscana IGT
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese
Vintage 2019
ABV 14%
Crafted from vineyards set across a richly varied terrain, this premium Italian red wine is deeply influenced by its soil composition. Our estate-grown grapes thrive in mineral-rich limestone soils with areas of marl, pebbles, and clay. Located between 100 and 300 metres above sea level and exposed to optimal south/south-west sun, these unique vineyard conditions create a balanced and expressive wine profile.
2019 Vintage Weather – Ideal Conditions for Balanced Ripening
The 2019 growing season began with a mild, rainy autumn followed by a dry, warmer-than-average winter. Spring arrived early with warm, sunny days promoting early bud growth. April's cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall replenished soil moisture levels, ensuring healthy vine development. Summer offered ideal ripening conditions warm days, cooler nights, and excellent airflow. A brief heatwave in late June and a short muggy spell in late July were offset by mid-August rainfall, restoring vine vitality just before harvest.
Hand-Harvested Grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon & Sangiovese
Hand-harvested from early to late September, the grapes used in this vintage are meticulously selected to ensure only the finest fruit goes into production. Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began on September 5, followed by Sangiovese later in the month.
Traditional Winemaking Techniques – Controlled Fermentation & Oak Ageing
Each grape bunch is hand-sorted and gently destemmed before undergoing primary fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at 27–28°C. Extended maceration 13–18 days depending on varietal enhances aromatic complexity and refines tannins through frequent pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation completes in steel by late November.
Matured in Ex-Sassicaia French Oak Barriques
Following fermentation, the wine rests in stainless steel for 3–4 months with regular decanting. It is then aged for 6–8 months in French oak barriques previously used for renowned wines like Sassicaia and Guidalberto. A final cold stabilization stage ensures clarity and balance before bottling.
Tasting Notes – 2019 Vintage
The 2019 vintage offers an outstanding balance of dried cherry, ripe blackberry, and earthy tobacco, enhanced with delicate spice. With fresh acidity and supple tannins, this red wine pairs beautifully with rich dishes like fettuccine with wild boar ragu or grilled lamb chops. Best enjoyed decanted to open its full aromatic potential.
Discover Tenuta San Guido – Legendary Super Tuscan Wines from Bolgheri, Tuscany
Tenuta San Guido is an iconic Italian wine estate located in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC region of Tuscany. Best known for producing Sassicaia, one of the original and most celebrated Super Tuscan wines, this historic estate has set the global benchmark for Bordeaux-style red wines from Italy.
Founded by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Tenuta San Guido introduced Sassicaia in 1948, originally made from Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings and crafted exclusively for private family consumption. In 1968, Sassicaia made its commercial debut, quickly gaining international acclaim. It later became the first and only wine in Italy to be awarded its own appellation: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC.
Order Sassicaia, Guidalberto & Le Difese Online
• Sassicaia – A bold, elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged to perfection. Vintage after vintage, Sassicaia continues to earn top rankings from critics worldwide.
• Guidalberto – Introduced in 2000, Guidalberto is a refined Super Tuscan featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, crafted for earlier drinking while maintaining complexity and structure.
• Le Difese – A more approachable expression from Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, offering balance, freshness, and value.
Tenuta San Guido cultivates 75 hectares of vines across Bolgheri, with meticulous care given to every detail from vineyard to bottle. Annual production is limited, making these wines highly sought after among collectors and wine lovers.
Whether you are a connoisseur or exploring fine Italian wines for the first time, our curated selection of Super Tuscan red wines from Tenuta San Guido delivers excellence in every glass.
