Guests at Guado al Tasso’s recent masterclass experienced an immersive tasting featuring eight wines from the esteemed Bolgheri estate. Among these selections were a classic Bordeaux blend and a remarkable 100% Cabernet Franc.
Guado al Tasso is owned by the Antinori family, who have been crafting wine in Tuscany for centuries. The masterclass was led by Alessia Antinori, the 26th generation of the family, alongside the estate’s CEO and leading oenologist, Renzo Cotarella. The estate itself is beautifully set among three key roads in Bolgheri: the ancient Via Aurelia, the iconic Viale dei Cipressi, and the Via Bolgherese.
The wines that attendees tasted included:
- Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore 1998 (magnum)
- Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore 2007
- Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore 2013
- Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore 2022
- Guado al Tasso, Matarocchio, Toscana 2007 (magnum)
- Guado al Tasso, Matarocchio, Bolgheri Superiore 2013
- Guado al Tasso, Matarocchio, Bolgheri Superiore 2016
- Guado al Tasso, Matarocchio, Bolgheri Superiore 2021
The highlight of the masterclass was the celebration of Cabernet Franc, which has established itself as a variety of particular distinction in Bolgheri. Cotarella emphasized the area’s suitability for international grape varietals, noting that Bolgheri offers one of the finest climates for Cabernet Franc worldwide.
The estate released its first Bolgheri Superiore vintage in 1990, blending primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot amongst other varietals. Renzo noted that the 2007 vintage marked a pivotal moment for Guado al Tasso, introducing significant portions of Cabernet Franc into the blend. Over the years, the blend has transitioned toward a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc to produce a more refined and authentic wine experience, culminating in 31% representation in the 2022 vintage.
The masterclass also introduced attendees to Matarocchio, a singular Cabernet Franc wine born from a desire to showcase the grape’s exceptional quality. Cotarella drew parallels between the cautious release of Matarocchio and the historic launch of Solaia in the 1970s, highlighting the estate’s commitment to quality and innovation.
In summary, the Guado al Tasso masterclass offered an insightful journey through the evolution of the estate’s winemaking practices, spotlighting the distinctive characteristics of Cabernet Franc and celebrating the legacy of Bolgheri wines.
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