At a glance

Producer

Tenuta San Guido

Region

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$280 - $350 USD per 750ml bottle (as of mid-2024)

Tasting profile

Aromas of blackcurrant, wild herbs, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and subtle floral notes. Palate is layered with dark berries, violets, dried Mediterranean herbs, spice, and finely etched tannins.

Evolution: Primary dark fruit will mellow and integrate, herbaceous and earthy notes will amplify. Tertiary flavors (leather, truffle, forest floor, cigar box) will emerge, tannins will continue to soften, mouthfeel becomes silkier.

At peak: Expressive bouquet balancing fruit, earth, and spice; palate marries velvety tannins, harmonized acidity, and tertiary complexity without losing freshness. Structure at peak grace, persistent and elegant finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, providing freshness and drive; supports longevity and slow flavor evolution

Tannins

Fine-grained, firm and well-integrated; beginning to resolve, but still provide significant structure for extended aging

Alcohol

13.5%, well-integrated; not dominating, contributes to the wine’s balance and harmony

Aging potential

15-20+ years from vintage, with the finest bottles maturing gracefully into the late 2030s

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2035

Optimal window

2025 to 2040

Current status

Drinkable now but still youthful; will benefit from further aging

Current condition

Structured, primary and secondary notes showing; tannins beginning to soften but still quite present; vibrant acidity; balanced but still on the ascent

The 2027–2035 period is considered peak because primary fruit is still present but has begun to integrate with secondary and emerging tertiary notes. Tannins soften, acidity remains vital, and all elements achieve maximum harmony. During this period, the wine displays full complexity and elegance. Once past peak (after ~2035), fruit continues to fade, tertiary characteristics dominate, and freshness may wane, though well-stored bottles may still provide interest.

Food pairing

Classic pairings: Tuscan bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb, game meats, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino. Currently, pairs well with grilled red meats, rosemary-infused dishes, and earthy mushrooms. As wine evolves, emphasize slow-cooked meats, game birds, truffle risotto, and hard matured cheeses to match increased tertiary depth.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has fine-grained, firm tannins that are beginning to resolve, indicating it can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Low-impact farming, reduced chemical input, manual harvest, biodiversity preservation

Tenuta San Guido employs sustainable practices, striving for environmental stewardship, but is not certified organic or biodynamic. Efforts include careful land management and ecological preservation, with moderate overall footprint relative to global fine wine peers.