ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO BOLGHERI SUPERIORE
TUSCANY, ITALY 2021
Why Buy: Having recently brought you the latest releases of Solaia and Tignanello, both from 2021, it's only fitting that we now bring you the third of Antinori's holy trinity: their 98-point Guado al Tasso 2021, from a stellar vintage in Tuscany. Aged for 30 months, it showcases the mastery of this 26th-generation family (whose origins in wine run concurrent with Leonardo’s in art and science) in coaxing sublime expression from exalted terroir.
What They're Saying: “The 2021s capture all the pedigree of this great Chianti Classico vintage in their combination of vibrancy, aromatic intensity, and fruit," Antonio Galloni, of Vinous, wrote, in his 98-point tone poem of a review, calling the Guado al Tasso 2021 "a very beautiful wine, but also quite a departure from the style that made it famous years ago ... a wine that emphasizes finesse more than power," with "silky tannins," "bright, saline undertones," and "exquisite finish."
Our Tasting Notes: We were struck, above all, in our recent tasting by its gorgeously vivid and expressive nose (aromas of ripe dark fruits, violets, and leather giving way to a palate of black cherry, cassis, and subtle herbal notes) and its richly textured mouthfeel. The finish is beautifully handled: long and elegant, with fine-grained tannins and a mineral undertone. The wine promises not just graceful aging, but an evolution into something magisterial — rewarding patience with its purity, elegance, smoothness, and delicacy.
The Specs: This Guado al Tasso undergoes a meticulous aging process. It spends 16 months in wood, beginning with 3 months in used French oak barrels during malolactic fermentation. The wine then matures for 14 months in barrels, 80% of which are new. This careful aging regimen contributes to the wine's complexity and refinement.
The Story: When Leonardo da Vinci was sketching his flying machines in Florence, the Antinori family was already perfecting the art of winemaking. This remarkable legacy, spanning 26 generations since 1385, places them among the world's oldest family-owned companies. The Antinoris' viticultural journey began in the rolling hills of southwest Florence, long before Bolgheri became synonymous with oenological excellence. Their story is not merely one of longevity, but also, and more importantly, of continuous adaptation and innovation. As the Renaissance reshaped art and science, the Antinoris were quietly revolutionizing viticulture, laying the groundwork for what would become some of Italy's most celebrated wines. Fast forward to 1990, when Marchesi Antinori acquired the Guado al Tasso estate in Bolgheri. This move marked a new chapter in their centuries-old narrative. The estate, nestled in what's known as the Bolgheri amphitheater, benefits from a unique microclimate that nurtures exceptional grapes. Here, the Antinori philosophy of respecting tradition while embracing innovation found its perfect expression. At the Guado al Tasso estate, ancient terroir meets modern winemaking techniques. The estate's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of production, from meticulous vineyard management to state-of-the-art fermentation processes. Yet, there's an ineffable quality to their wines that transcends mere technical proficiency – a sense of place, of history, of artistry that can only come from centuries of intimate knowledge of the land.
What to Pair It With: A perfectly seared and juicy ribeye, capped by a thick, caramelized crust; a wild boar ragù over hand-rolled pappardelle; a board of aged Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano; or, for a decadent dessert one-two, a plate of dark chocolate truffles.
Fun Fact: The name "Guado al Tasso" means "Badger's Ford" in Italian, referring to a common sight on the estate — a badger, or tasso, crossing a ford, or guado, in the stream.
Our Guarantee: As always, we buy and ship directly from the estate, to ensure that your wine arrives with pristine provenance. But act now; our allocation is not large.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NM, NY, TN, or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 18th, 2024.
