Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC 2018
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Italy / Tuscany
Sassicaia means "the place of many stones" and refers to the region's gravely soil. All the vineyards are located in different altitudes and exposures, which benefit from extensive sun and maritime breezes. The soils are entirely located in the territorial delimitation of the D.O.C. Sassicaia. They have different and composite morphological characteristics, characterized by a strong presence of calcareous areas rich in galestro, as well as pebbles and stones (“Sassicaia” in local dialect means “soil with many stones”) and also partially clay. The vineyards are located at an altitude between 328 and 1312 feet above sea level, facing West/South-West.
Harvest Note
The 2018 vintage was a classic year for Sassicaia. Autumn and early winter were characterized by temperatures above seasonal norm with sporadic rains, sometimes alluvial. This lasted until February, with greater intensity of rain and some snow at the highest altitudes. The situation was radically changed by "Burian", a wind from Siberia that in the last week of February, caused temperatures to drop well below zero, accompanied by snowfalls, even in Bolgheri. This had not occurred for years, with day and night temperatures that, for over a week, remained between 28 and 41 °F. From an agronomic point of view, this was positive in eliminating the parasites from the vine. It also helped feeding the water reserves.
Tasting Note
The wine's careful balance is achieved thanks to the nuanced character of the fruit, the present acidity, the well-managed structure, and the contained alcohol. The palate is lifted and bright, the finish is polished and long, and the wine skips over any heaviness on the mid-palate. The bouquet is especially intriguing with a very lively plummy fruit element that is enhanced by baker's chocolate, pepper spice, iron ore, caramel, and pie crust. There is also a green character that adds positively to the bouquet with aniseed, tea leaf, soya, menthol rub and black olive. The fruit maturity is spot-on with no elements that feel over or under-ripe.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
PH: 3.46
ACIDITY: 5.85 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: The wine was placed in French oak barrels, (for almost two third new wood and the rest, first and second passage) where it spent a period of aging of 24 months.
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.20 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- So successful it was granted its own appellation Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994
- A dense, complex wine of legendary longevity
- The first Super Tuscan, debuted in 1968
The overwhelming success of Sassicaia, and now the introduction of two new wines, traces back to the ambition of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta to plant Bordeaux varieties in Tuscany in the 1940s.
About the Grape
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc usually shows tart red cherry and wild currant aromas and flavors with an herbal, spicy character. In the Loire, esp. Chinon and Saumur-Champigny, this grape shows firm minerality.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
