Scalabrone
Climate
The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri began with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall that caused the vines to break dormancy slightly earlier, beginning on March 20th. Spring brought periods of moderately intense precipitation that required careful vineyard management to keep the vines healthy and vigorous. Beneficial hot, dry weather in the month of July slowed down vegetative growth and provided perfect conditions for veraison and the beginning of the ripening phase. Temperatures in August were consistent with seasonal averages, although from August 20th to the 25th the area was affected by unusual hot and dry winds from the north that caused some episodes of canopy and berry dehydration in the most exposed vineyard parcels. At the end of August, unstable weather moved in from the Atlantic bringing rain showers and refreshing temperatures that restored beneficial conditions allowing the grape to progress through the ripening phase. The month of September was sunny and dry creating ideal conditions for the grapes to reach peak maturity in all vineyard parcels producing fruit of exceptional quality. The grape harvest began on August 21st with Merlot and Syrah and was completed at the beginning of September with the other complementary varieties.
Vinification
Each grape variety was harvested and fermented separately. Grapes were destemmed, delicately crushed, and transferred to the press for a short maceration period of about 2-4 hours at a low temperature to intensify the richness of emerging aromatic compounds. After pressing, the must was transferred into stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). Each individual lot was carefully and systematically evaluated and then blended. Scalabrone was bottled in the month of January 2024.
Historical Data
The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC appellation on the coast of Upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest of Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history as it was established in 1994 but has gained worldwide recognition as a new reference point in the international oenological scene. The estate covers an area of 1000 hectares (2500 acres), about 320 (790 acres) of which are planted with vines. The remainder is richly covered with wheat fields, sunflowers and olive groves, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the “Bolgheri amphitheater” due to its particular shape. Guado al Tasso’s vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino grapes; this last cultivated with both with white and red varieties. The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure. The vineyard, as well as the wine, takes its name from a bandit named “Scalabrone” who roamed this area in the early 1800’s, a local Robin Hood who raided the ships in Bolgheri’s old canal harbor.
Tasting Notes
Scalabrone 2023 is light peony pink in color. Aromas on the nose are intense, pleasant floral and fruity notes of cherries, pomegranates, and roses. The palate is delightfully fruity and savory with outstanding freshness and persistence.
The Wine
Three grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Syrah, produce a rosé with decisive and intense aromas that reflect the characteristics of Bolgheri’s territory. The wine and vineyard take their name from a bandit named Scalabrone who roamed this area in the 18th century. Vineyards thrive on clay-loam based soils, mainly of alluvial origin, with rocky deposits.
Climate
The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri began with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall that caused the vines to break dormancy slightly earlier, beginning on March 20th. Spring brought periods of moderately intense precipitation that required careful vineyard management to keep the vines healthy and vigorous. Beneficial hot, dry weather in the month of July slowed down vegetative growth and provided perfect conditions for veraison and the beginning of the ripening phase. Temperatures in August were consistent with seasonal averages, although from August 20th to the 25th the area was affected by unusual hot and dry winds from the north that caused some episodes of canopy and berry dehydration in the most exposed vineyard parcels. At the end of August, unstable weather moved in from the Atlantic bringing rain showers and refreshing temperatures that restored beneficial conditions allowing the grape to progress through the ripening phase. The month of September was sunny and dry creating ideal conditions for the grapes to reach peak maturity in all vineyard parcels producing fruit of exceptional quality. The grape harvest began on August 21st with Merlot and Syrah and was completed at the beginning of September with the other complementary varieties.
Vinification
Each grape variety was harvested and fermented separately. Grapes were destemmed, delicately crushed, and transferred to the press for a short maceration period of about 2-4 hours at a low temperature to intensify the richness of emerging aromatic compounds. After pressing, the must was transferred into stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). Each individual lot was carefully and systematically evaluated and then blended. Scalabrone was bottled in the month of January 2024.
Historical Data
The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC appellation on the coast of Upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest of Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history as it was established in 1994 but has gained worldwide recognition as a new reference point in the international oenological scene. The estate covers an area of 1000 hectares (2500 acres), about 320 (790 acres) of which are planted with vines. The remainder is richly covered with wheat fields, sunflowers and olive groves, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the “Bolgheri amphitheater” due to its particular shape. Guado al Tasso’s vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino grapes; this last cultivated with both with white and red varieties. The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure. The vineyard, as well as the wine, takes its name from a bandit named “Scalabrone” who roamed this area in the early 1800’s, a local Robin Hood who raided the ships in Bolgheri’s old canal harbor.
Tasting Notes
Scalabrone 2023 is light peony pink in color. Aromas on the nose are intense, pleasant floral and fruity notes of cherries, pomegranates, and roses. The palate is delightfully fruity and savory with outstanding freshness and persistence.
Tenuta Guado al Tasso
The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, on the coast of upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest from Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history, DOC Bolgheri was approved in 1995 and since then it has become an internationally recognized reference point for the Italian and international winemaking arena. The estate covers an area of 320 hectares (790 acres) planted with vines, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the "Bolgheri Amphitheatre" due to its particular shape. The vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino. The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes that mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure.
Soil
Tendentially sandy, deep, fresh, rich in nutrients.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
