The Amphora: Episode I
Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto
Discover the Elegance of Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto
Welcome to another episode of The Amphora Series, where we dive into the world of exceptional wines offered at Novél at The Agora.
Episode II spotlights a standout masterpiece: Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto. This exquisite offering hails from the renowned producers of the legendary Sassicaia, bringing a rich history and a commitment to unparalleled quality.
Guidalberto emerges from the esteemed Tenuta San Guido estate, located in the region of La Maremma, Italy.
Tenuta San Guido has crafted Guidalberto to showcase the region’s unique terroir while offering a more accessible and youthful expression of their winemaking prowess.
A Legacy of Excellence
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First released in 2000, Guidalberto is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It captures the essence of Tuscan winemaking with a nod to Bordeaux’s classic style. This wine is known for its full-bodied profile, intense red fruit flavours, and supple texture. The Merlot contributes to sweet black fruit notes, while the Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth and structure, supported by ripe, silky tannins.
The estate’s vineyards, planted at 100 to 300 meters above sea level, benefit from the temperate climate and gravelly soil. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled steel vats, with each variety undergoing separate maceration. The wine then ages for 15 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, followed by a period of refinement in the bottle before release. This meticulous process ensures a balanced, complex wine that is approachable and can age gracefully.
The Essence of Guidalberto
The Sip
The 2021 Guidalberto vintage has garnered high praise, earning 94 points from Robert Parker, who highlighted its vibrant tart cherry notes balanced with deeper flavours of blackberry and plum. This vintage showcases finely chiselled fruit, elegantly accented by hints of light spice, cola, and earthy undertones. With a heightened intensity and a strong sense of place, Guidalberto remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Tenuta San Guido.
On the palate, Guidalberto reveals a harmonious blend of plum, blackcurrant, and fresh herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it boasts firm yet silky tannins and a long, refined finish. Its sweet, enveloping nature makes it an ideal pairing with rich dishes like meat sauce pasta and roasted meats.
Novel Recommendations:
For pairing Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto with dishes from NOVÉL's menu:
Cacio e Pepe: The creamy, peppery richness of this pasta dish pairs beautifully with the wine’s intense red fruit flavours, balancing the spice and enhancing the texture.
Lamb Rack: The tender depth of the lamb mirrors the wine’s full body and silky tannins, creating a harmonious match with its bold blackberry and plum notes.
Ribeye Steak: The rich marbling of the ribeye meets its partner in Guidalberto’s earthy, spicy oak finish, elevating the smokiness of the steak.
Mushroom Risotto: The earthy, umami tones of the mushrooms blend seamlessly with the wine’s complexity, highlighting both the subtle sweetness of the Merlot and the structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Veg Sandwich: The creamy mozzarella and smoky eggplant create a textural balance that plays off the wine’s supple tannins and concentrated berry flavours.
Chocolate Mousse: The rich, bittersweet flavours of dark chocolate complement the wine’s deep blackberry and plum notes, while its silky tannins balance the mousse’s creamy texture, creating a satisfying finish to your meal.
Pairing Guidalberto
A Bordeaux Style with Tuscan Flair
Guidalberto is often compared to its sibling, Sassicaia, but it presents a different facet of the Tenuta San Guido estate. It’s crafted with a youthful style that emphasises fragrance and sweetness, characteristics of the Merlot grape. The wine’s complexity and structure suggest great potential for ageing and refinement, making it a worthy addition to any wine lover’s collection.
Guidalberto pays homage to Guidalberto della Gherardesca, a pioneering ancestor of the Incisa della Rocchetta family. His legacy includes the creation of the Viale dei Cipressi, the iconic avenue of cypress trees that still stands today. This historical connection infuses the wine with a sense of heritage and tradition.
As you explore our wine list at Novél & The Bar, we invite you to have a glass of the elegant Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto. This remarkable wine offers a taste of Tuscany’s storied winemaking tradition and is a testament to the artistry of Tenuta San Guido.
Raise a glass to extraordinary stories and discover new favourites with each sip!