Few wines have done more to put Italy on the fine-wine map than Sassicaia. The story began in the 1940s, when Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet Sauvignon on the stony, gravelly soils of Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux. Sassicaia remained a private family wine until the 1968 vintage was released commercially in 1971. Its success eventually led to the creation of the dedicated Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, making it one of the world’s most recognisable Italian wines.
The 2023 Sassicaia is a particularly elegant and fresh expression of the wine. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, it opens with cassis, blackberry and redcurrant, alongside classic Bolgheri notes of wild herbs, rosemary, lavender and graphite. On the palate it is beautifully poised: fine, chalky tannins, bright acidity and a wonderfully savoury, mineral character give the wine both precision and length. There is plenty of fruit and concentration, but the overall impression is one of elegance rather than sheer power.
The 2023 growing season presented plenty of challenges, including heavy spring rainfall and downy mildew, resulting in rigorous selection and significantly reduced yields. The reward is a wine of remarkable purity and balance – already compelling, but with the structure to develop beautifully over the coming decades.
Pairing Suggestions: This Sassicaia complements richly marbled bistecca alla Fiorentina or rosemary-infused leg of lamb. For a vegetarian twist, serve alongside grilled aubergine and red pepper tian or a truffle-scented mushroom risotto.
Tasting Note: Deep garnet in the glass, Sassicaia 2023 opens with lifted aromas of black cherry, cassis and graphite, followed by perfumed notes of mint leaf and wild herbs. The palate is velvety yet energetic, with layers of blackberry compote, cedar and fine graphite tannins giving way to a lingering mineral-driven finish.
Origin: Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
Alcohol: 13.5%
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
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