A Storied History
Sassicaia is not just a wine; it is a symbol of the revolution that transformed the Italian wine landscape in the late 20th century. Originating from the Bolgheri region in Tuscany, Sassicaia was first crafted in the early 1940s by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Inspired by the great Bordeaux wines he admired during his studies in France, Incisa began experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals on his estate, Tenuta San Guido.
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The first commercial release of Sassicaia occurred in 1968, and it quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality. The wine was initially produced for personal consumption but soon attracted attention from wine enthusiasts and critics alike. In 1978, Sassicaia was awarded a prestigious gold medal at the Bordeaux Wine Fair, solidifying its status as a world-class wine. In 1994, it was granted its own Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, making it one of the first wines to be classified as a Super Tuscan.
Prestige and Recognition
Today, Sassicaia is considered one of the finest wines in the world, often competing with the greatest Bordeaux wines. Its production is limited to about 70 hectares of vineyards, which are meticulously managed to ensure the highest quality. The combination of the region’s unique terroir, the exceptional climate, and the expertise of the winemakers contributes to the wine’s remarkable character.
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What makes Sassicaia truly special is its remarkable ability to age. The wine often develops complex flavors and aromas over the years, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. The flagship wine consistently showcases a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, resulting in a rich and elegant profile that captivates the palate.
Wine enthusiast and blogger “best.of.bordeaux“ on Instagram reflects on his journey with Sassicaia, sharing how his perception of Italian wines has evolved:
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“As a lover of Bordeaux wines (especially old, mature Bordeaux), I was never a real fan of Italian red wines. Today, that has fundamentally changed, but the Bolgheri winery has always fascinated me.”
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He emphasizes the unforgettable experience of tasting the 1985 vintage, which remains etched in his memory:
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“The highlight of all the Sassicaia I have tried so far was certainly the 1985 vintage; still unsurpassable today. The deep ruby red, the immense power combined with an overwhelming freshness, the cassis fruits with that unique, unmistakable mint note and a never-ending finish are still present to this day (probably with a lot of imagination, but this experience has left a lasting impression).”
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In a recent vertical tasting of Sassicaia, he shared notes on several vintages:
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- 2016: A rich, precise, and complex wine with tight tannins and a fruity finish; it’s made for decades of aging and is sensational.
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- 2018: Harmonious with clear wood notes and abundant fruit, this vintage is spicy and delicate on the palate, making it a good food companion.
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- 2019: Featuring a great nose and distinctive fruit, this vintage starts cold but reveals juicy dark berries, cedar wood, tobacco, and mint in the long finish, showcasing great potential.
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- 2020: Known for its precise elegance, power, and freshness, it offers dark cherry fruits and grippy tannins, although it was the least convincing of the recent vintages.
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- 2021: A blockbuster vintage that couldn’t be better, showing promise of being comparable to the legendary 1985, this wine is already remarkable even at a young age.
