Spirit of the Day: Sassicaia 2017 (Italy)

Sassicaia 2017

Sassicaia 2017 is a prestigious red wine produced by Tenuta San Guido in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Italy. This vintage represents a significant achievement for the estate, as it successfully navigated a challenging, hot, and dry growing season to produce a wine of notable elegance and balance. As the flagship wine of the estate, it remains a defining example of the Super Tuscan category.

Producer History

Tenuta San Guido is a sprawling 2,500-hectare estate that has been under the stewardship of the Incisa della Rocchetta family for generations. The estate was brought into the family through the 1930 marriage of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta to Countess Clarice della Gherardesca. Beyond its viticultural fame, the estate is historically significant for the Razza Dormello Olgiata, a renowned thoroughbred horse breeding operation that produced the legendary horse Ribot.

Product History

The history of Sassicaia began in the 1940s when Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the gravelly hills of Castiglioncello. For over two decades, the wine was produced exclusively for private family consumption before its commercial debut with the 1968 vintage in 1971. The 2017 vintage was crafted from a blend of 83 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 17 percent Cabernet Franc, aged for 20 to 25 months in French oak barriques. The winemaking team, led by general manager Carlo Paoli, utilized shorter maceration times and precise temperature control to manage the heat of the 2017 season.

Taste Profile

Appearance: The wine displays a deep, dark ruby color that reflects its concentration and intensity.

Aroma/Nose: The nose is fragrant and complex, offering immediate notes of super-ripe red cherry and plum, followed by secondary layers of mocha, cinnamon, leather, and dried herbs.

Palate: On the palate, the wine is mid-weight and poised, showcasing a harmony between bright acidity and refined tannins that prevents any sense of heaviness.

Finish: The finish is polished and long, characterized by a subtle, dry tannin structure that is well-integrated into the overall profile.

Overall Character: This vintage is defined by its aromatic elegance and minerality, serving as a testament to the estate's ability to maintain poise despite the climatic challenges of a scorching year.

Review

The 2017 Sassicaia has received critical acclaim for its resilience and quality. Based on professional assessments from The Wine Independent, Best of Wines, and various industry critics, the wine holds an average score of 94 out of 100 points, reflecting its status as a high-performing vintage.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Large Bordeaux-style glass | Serving temperature: 16 to 18 degrees Celsius | ABV: 13.5% to 14%

Serving Suggestions

• Decant for at least one hour before serving to allow the complex aromatics to fully develop.
• Serve at room temperature to ensure the integration of the oak and fruit components.

Food Pairings

• Roasted lamb or game meats, as the wine's structure and tannins complement rich, savory proteins.
• Aged pecorino or hard Italian cheeses, which balance the wine's acidity and herbal notes.
• Truffle-based pasta dishes, which highlight the earthy and leather undertones present in the wine.