Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese 2021 Toscana IGT
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese
Vintage 2021
ABV 14%
Experience the elegance of Le Difese 2021, a refined Tuscan red wine crafted by Tenuta San Guido. This vintage is a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, offering rich structure, balanced acidity, and complex aromas that make it ideal for collectors and casual wine lovers alike.
Soil Composition & Vineyard Elevation
Le Difese's vineyards are rooted in diverse Tuscan terroirs, featuring a mix of limestone-rich soils, marl, pebble deposits, and clay, situated at altitudes between 100–300 meters above sea level. The south/south-west exposure maximizes sun ripening for balanced phenolic development.
2021 Vintage Weather Highlights
The 2021 growing season was marked by dynamic climate shifts. After a harsh winter featuring the polar "Burian" winds, which naturally reduced harmful vineyard pests, a cold snap in early spring impacted some early budding vines. Despite early challenges, the season balanced out with sunny summer days and timely rainfall in mid-August. This shift encouraged ideal grape ripening producing fruit with exceptional pulp, aromatic intensity, and balanced sugar-acid profiles.
Hand-Harvested Grapes & Winemaking Process
Harvest began on September 7th for Sangiovese and September 20th for Cabernet Sauvignon, concluding on October 2nd. Grapes were hand-selected to ensure top quality.
• Fermentation: Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats (27–28°C)
• Maceration: 13–18 days with gentle pump-overs and delestage
• Malolactic fermentation: Completed in steel tanks by late November
Ageing in French Oak Barriques
Post-fermentation, the wine is matured for 6–8 months in French oak barrels, previously used for Sassicaia and Guidalberto, lending subtle oak complexity. Afterward, the wine is returned to stainless steel for final stabilisation before bottling.
Tasting Notes
"The 2021 Le Difese is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body yet nicely layered, the 2021 is impeccably balanced. It is also a sheer delight to taste at this early stage. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a nervy feeling of classicism that is hugely appealing. It's one of my favourite recent vintages. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from several properties in Chianti Classico, with the energy of Sangiovese very much driving the feel in this vintage." 91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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.
