Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2022

Le Difese is the entry red from Tenuta San Guido in Tuscany, the Bolgheri estate that created Sassicaia and helped establish the Super Tuscan style. It blends Cabernet Sauvignon, which the estate has championed since Mario Incisa della Rocchetta's first Bordeaux-inspired plantings, with Sangiovese, the backbone of central Tuscany. The result, classified IGP Toscana, marries Cabernet's dark fruit and structure with Sangiovese's red cherry, acidity and savoury herbal lift. The coastal Bolgheri zone has stony, well-drained soils and a Mediterranean climate moderated by sea breezes, ripening the grapes evenly while the maritime freshness keeps the wine lively. Oak ageing softens the tannin through slow oxygen exchange and adds a light cedar and spice frame without burying the fruit. It is bright ruby. The nose is red and black berry with cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, the tannin fine and the acidity fresh, finishing clean and food-friendly. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled meat, tomato-based dishes and mature cheese.