Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese 2022 Toscana IGT
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese
Vintage 2022
ABV 13.5%
Uncover the vibrant character of Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2022 Toscana IGT, a superb Italian red wine that delivers Bordeaux-style depth with Tuscan flair. Crafted by the legendary estate behind Sassicaia, Le Difese is a versatile and approachable expression of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. perfect for both seasoned collectors and everyday wine lovers.
Wine Critics’ Tasting Notes & Scores
Falstaff Wine Score: 93 points – Le Difese 2022 shows dark ruby-red colour with aromas of blood orange, ripe sour cherry, delicate wood spice, elegant tannins, and a lingering finish that gains with age.
Decanter Wine Review: 92 points – Bright red and purple scents with herbal touches lead to a soft, textured palate with fresh cherry and dark hedgerow berries. Balanced acidity and graceful tannins make it drinkable now with aging potential.
Jeb Dunnuck Notes: 91 points – Aromatic notes of anise, leather, and spiced cherries; medium to full body with a clean mineral touch and supple texture. Enjoy over 6–8 years.
Quick critic summary: 91–93+ points from top international wine reviewers underscores Le Difese’s quality and value as a Tuscan red blend.
Key Wine Overview
Vintage: 2022
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Sangiovese 55%, Cabernet Sauvignon 45%
ABV: 13.5%
Style: Medium-bodied Tuscan red
Drinking Window: Now–2032+
This elegant Tuscan red pairs Old World structure with forward fruit, making it a standout in its class.
Vintage 2020 – Tasting & Style Notes
Background: The 2020 growing season in Tuscany was warm with early heat encouraging ripeness, while a late‑summer cool‑down preserved freshness and acidity, ideal for balanced red blends. The higher than usual proportion of Sangiovese in this vintage adds character and precision to the wine’s structure.
Appearance: Bright ruby red with warm purple reflections, youthful and inviting in the glass.
Nose: The 2020 Le Difese offers aromas of juicy cherry and blackberry, complemented by plum, violet florals, subtle spice (clove & licorice) and hints of Mediterranean herbs or wild myrtle.
Palate: Medium‑to‑full bodied with a juicy fruit core, ripe dark berries and rich plum, framed by fine powdery tannins and lively acidity. Notes of blackcurrant, leather, earth and spice give depth and balance, making this vintage both approachable and food‑worthy.
Finish: Balanced and lingering, with savoury nuances of tobacco, dried herbs and a touch of minerality typical of quality Tuscan blends.
Style & Pairing: This vintage’s vibrant fruit and polished structure make it a versatile companion to grilled red meats, rich pastas, charcuterie or aged cheeses.
Winemaking & Terroir
Nestled in the Tuscan hills between 100–300 m above sea level, Tenuta San Guido tends limestone-rich, clay and Alberese soils that enhance complexity and balance in each grape. Grape sourcing combines estate Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese from trusted partners, giving Le Difese its unique Bolgheri-Tuscany profile.
Winemaking Highlights
• Hand-harvested fruit sorted for quality
• Temperature-controlled fermentation
• Gentle maceration for balanced tannins
• Aged in previously used French oak barrels
• Final maturation in stainless steel for freshness
Food Pairings
Le Difese 2022’s acidity and structure make it a versatile partner at the table:
• Grilled ribeye or steak salad
• Rich pasta dishes (Bolognese, ragù)
• Aged Parmesan, Pecorino & charcuterie
• Roasted game or venison
Read our Blog on Tenuta San Guido
Discover other vintages of this wine: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 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: What grapes are in Le Difese 2022?
A: It blends Sangiovese (55%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) for a balanced yet expressive red.
Q: Is Le Difese ready to drink now?
A: Yes, it is approachable upon release but will also improve over the next 5–10 years.
Q: How does it differ from Sassicaia?
A: Le Difese is more accessible and fruit-forward than Sassicaia, designed for earlier drinking with excellent quality for price.
Q: What food goes best with this wine?
A: Hearty Italian cuisine, grilled meats, mature cheeses, and tomato-based dishes.
