ANTINORI, GUADO AL TASSO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2022
WHY BUY:
Early access to the 96-point Guado al Tasso 2022, a particularly velvety and finessed expression of this great and beloved wine, and yet another triumph of terroir and craft for the Antinori family, now in its, yes, 26th generation.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
“Fills the palate but remains fresh and even, with plush, ripe tannins, delicate warming spice, and a long finish,” wrote Jeb Dunnuck, in awarding 96 points. "While it has the richness and ripe fruit one comes to expect from this estate, it offers exceptional refinement as well."
OUR TASTING NOTES:
This is a wine of many secrets ... and it's not giving them up easily. Pour it, and the first thing that hits you isn't fruit — it's the wonderful graphite note that makes you pause mid-swirl. Then the seduction begins: waves of dark berries and a trailing hint of violet petals. There's leather here, but not the kind you'd expect, but of the well-worn variety, more like that of the binding of an ancient book. The palate holds the biggest surprise. You brace for Tuscan power, and it’s undoubtedly there, but you also get precision, elegance, and finesse, with a pronounced minerality and a gorgeous scattering of Mediterranean herbs. The finish lingers with the kind of grace that makes you understand why collectors pounce on these bottles when they become available.
THE SPECS:
Guado al Tasso is known for undergoing a meticulous aging regimen. 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.
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 only 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 Fall 2025. 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. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. The 1.5L is not available in IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, and MO. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025.