Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese 2020 Toscana IGT
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese
Vintage 2020
ABV 14%
Le Difese 2020 is produced from vineyards rooted in diverse Tuscan terrain, rich in limestone, marl, and clay, with elevations between 100–300 meters. The south/south-west exposure enhances the ripening of the grapes, producing a red wine of elegance and structure.
Vintage & Weather Conditions
The 2020 growing season in Tuscany was marked by early warmth and late spring fluctuations. Summer brought intense heat, advancing ripening. A late-August cooling period allowed the grapes to preserve acidity and balance, resulting in optimal harvest conditions.
Harvest & Grape Selection
Hand-harvested starting September 5, Le Difese 2020 includes a higher-than-usual percentage of Sangiovese, selected for its outstanding ripeness and quality. The grapes were picked at peak maturity to maintain finesse.
Winemaking & Fermentation
Grapes underwent soft destemming and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats (27–28°C). Maceration lasted up to 18 days with regular pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation completed by late November.
Ageing Process
After fermentation, the wine rested in steel tanks for 3–4 months, then aged 6–8 months in French oak barriques previously used for Sassicaia and Guidalberto. Final tartaric stabilisation occurred before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Le Difese 2020 offers aromas of violets, blackberries, and plum, complemented by leather, liquorice, and a touch of spice. Medium-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and excellent structure, this vintage showcases the power and finesse of Tuscan red blends.
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Founded by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Tenuta San Guido introduced Sassicaia in 1948, originally made from Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings and crafted exclusively for private family consumption.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.