Style Profile at a Glance
| Attribute | Profile | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Medium-Bodied, Supple & Harmonious | ●●●●● |
| Sweetness | Dry | ●●●●● |
| Tannins | Polished, Fine-Grained & Soft | ●●●●● |
| Acidity | Fresh, Crisp & Vibrant | ●●●●● |
| Oak | Subtle & Integrated (Aged approximately 12 months in seasoned French and American oak barriques previously used for Sassicaia and Guidalberto) | ●●●●● |
Terroir, History & Acclaim
- 90 Points - James Suckling: A bright, fragrant and fruity wine with aromas of red cherries, violets and forest floor. Juicy and crisp on the palate, with a light to medium body and chalky tannins. Medium length and very fragrant. Easy drinking. Second wine of Sassicaia. Drink now.
- The Coastal Bolgheri & Tuscan Hills Terroir: Cabernet Sauvignon is grown directly on the Tenuta San Guido estate in Bolgheri, nestled in limestone- and clay-rich alluvial soils near the Tyrrhenian coast. The Sangiovese is sourced from carefully chosen hillside vineyards in central Tuscany, introducing red-fruited energy, floral lift, and refreshing natural acidity to complement the coastal Cabernet's dark structure.
- Tenuta San Guido’s Approachable Masterwork: First released in 2002, "Le Difese" is the estate's third wine (named after the wild boar teeth depicted on the emblem). Vinified with temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation and matured for about 12 months in used barriques from Sassicaia and Guidalberto, it is specifically crafted to deliver the aristocratic pedigree and balance of Tenuta San Guido in an approachable, early-drinking format.
Highlights
- A classic Tuscan blend of approximately 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese.
- Produced by Tenuta San Guido, the legendary makers of Bolgheri Sassicaia.
- A vibrant, accessible 2023 release; drinking beautifully now through 2030+.
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby-red with violet reflections, it opens with pure, fragrant aromas of dark cherries, ripe blackberries, and wild raspberries, interwoven with touches of Mediterranean scrub (rosemary and thyme), cocoa powder, and subtle cedar spice. The palate is medium-bodied, juicy, and supple, pairing ripe berry fruit with silky, fine-grained tannins and bright, mouth-watering acidity, finishing clean, smooth, and delicately savory.
Serving Suggestion
- Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C in standard Bordeaux or Chianti glassware.
- Decanting: A brief 20-to-30 minute aeration in the glass allows its fresh berry and herbal notes to fully express themselves. Best enjoyed from now through 2030+.
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