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%
Discover the acclaimed Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2019 Toscana IGT, a beautifully crafted Tuscan red wine offering Bordeaux-inspired structure with authentic Italian character. This approachable yet refined bottle blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese to deliver exceptional flavour, balance, and value.
Wine Critics’ Tasting Notes & Scores
James Suckling – 92/100: “Very attractive cherry and dark berry aromas follow through to a medium body with medium round tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, fruity finish. So delicious now, but can age.”
Wine Enthusiast – 92/100: “A savory and elegantly structured medium-bodied wine showing ripe blackberry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced.”
Falstaff – 90 Points: “Bright ruby red with cherries, cinnamon sticks, wild strawberries and light savoury notes. Juicy palate with pithy, salty tannins that underline the finish.”
Key Features & Wine Overview
• Vintage: 2019
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Designation: Toscana IGT
• Grape Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese
• Alcohol: ~14%
• Maturation: French oak barriques, creating elegant integration and roundness
Le Difese is from the legendary Tenuta San Guido estate, best known for its flagship Sassicaia, one of Italy’s most iconic Super Tuscans.
Vintage & Tasting Notes
The 2019 vintage at Tenuta San Guido yielded a wonderfully balanced expression of Tuscany’s terroir, thanks to ideal growing conditions that promoted even ripening and flavour concentration.
Appearance: Deep bright ruby red with youthful violet hues, vibrant and inviting in the glass.
Nose: A classic Tuscan nose combining rich red and black fruit notes, think cherries, blackcurrants (cassis) and wild raspberries, with nuanced layers of violet, black tea, and sweet spice. Subtle hints of herbal notes and delicate earth add complexity.
Palate: Medium‑bodied yet structured, this vintage delivers juicy ripe fruit framed by fresh acidity and supple, polished tannins. Flavours echo the nose with dark berry fruit, star anise, and a touch of coffee‑bean and spice, giving good depth and approachability.
Finish: The finish is smooth and harmonious, marked by lingering fruitiness and a fine mineral edge that speaks to the Tuscan limestone soils.
Producer Profile – Tenuta San Guido
Tenuta San Guido is synonymous with world-class Tuscan wine. Located in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, the estate rose to global fame with Sassicaia, the original Super Tuscan that redefined Italian red wine. Le Difese showcases the estate’s philosophy of combining classic Tuscan grape varieties with Bordeaux-inspired craftsmanship.
Best Food Pairings
Le Difese’s medium body and refined structure make it a versatile selection for food pairings:
• Italian classic: Pappardelle with wild boar ragu
• Red meat: Grilled lamb chops or roast beef
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Braised dishes: Beef brisket or slow-roasted pork
Serving temperature of 16 – 18°C is recommended to best express the wine’s aromatic complexity.
Serving & Cellaring Tips
• Decant for 45-60 minutes to open aromas of spice and dark fruit
• Drink now through 2028 for optimal balance
• Store in a cool, dark environment (~12-14°C) with stable humidity
Discover our range of Tenuta San Guido wines.
Read our Blog on Tenuta San Guido
Discover other vintages of this wine: 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Explore More Italian Fine Wines
You may also enjoy:
• Other Bolgheri wines
• Premium Super Tuscans
• Age-worthy Italian reds
Browse our Italian collection to discover your next cellar addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2019 a good wine?
A: Yes. With consistent critic scores around 90 + points, Le Difese 2019 is widely regarded as an excellent medium-bodied Tuscan red.
Q: What grapes are in Le Difese 2019?
A: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese that balances fruit intensity with Tuscan acidity.
Q: Should I decant this wine?
A: Yes, decanting enhances aromatics and softens tannins for a smoother tasting experience.
Q: What foods pair well with Le Difese 2019?
A: Rich pasta dishes, grilled meats, aged cheeses, and hearty stews are perfect teammates.
