Le Difese, first vintaged in 2002, is the latest arrival at Tenuta San Guido. Le Difese is a red wine full-bodied Bordeaux-style but with a Tuscan soul: a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, aged in barrique for 12 months. It is soft, round, elegant and velvety, enlivened by a balanced freshness and hints of cherries, chocolate, herbs and sweet spices. It is an extremely pleasant, smooth, and versatile wine that welcomes with grace, the selection of grapes while it exemplifies its qualities when paired with food.

Le Difese takes its name from the teeth of the wild boar, depicted in gold on the label.

Soil Type

The soils on which the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are planted have varied and composite morphological characteristics with a strong presence of limestone areas, rich in Alberese and Gabbro, as well as stones and stones, and are partially clayey. They are located at an altitude between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, with a West / South-West exposure.

Weather Trends

The 2022 season was warm, but Bolgheri, especially in the hills, experienced different conditions than the rest of Italy. Autumn brought heavy rains and above-normal temperatures, which dropped by late November, causing plant dormancy and pest elimination. Winter was rainy, and from late February, temperatures rose rapidly, creating humid conditions. March was mild with no rain, but from late April, temperatures soared above average, causing strong fruit selection and reducing production.

Despite a warm and dry summer, the area’s proximity to the sea, strong winds, and temperature shifts ensured high-quality grapes. By late August, temperatures dropped. Though the 2022 vintage was challenging with lower yields, hillside vineyards produced excellent grapes with balanced acidity and moderate alcohol. Le Difese 2022 reveals intense fruit, softness, and well-integrated tannins.

Harvest

The harvest, carried out by hand, began on September 4th for the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and from September 16th with the Sangiovese, until the end of the month. It was necessary to speed up the harvest to prevent the grapes, perfectly ripe and of good quality, from risking excessive progress in the technical maturation. We worked during the coolest hours of the day and at night (especially in the cellar) to keep the grapes at optimal temperatures during the processing. This has made it possible to achieve the correct qualitative objectives of the musts.

Vinification

Selection of the grapes in the cellar via a sorting table. Soft crushing-destemming of the grapes to avoid improper transfer of tannins. Primary fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature and maceration on the skins with frequent pumping over to oxygenate and lower the temperature of the musts. We have reduced the délestage operations to avoid excessive tannic transfer. Malolactic fermentation carried out in steel and, at the end of it, was fined in French oak barriques, previously used for Guidalberto. Subsequent conservation in steel vats at a controlled temperature to confer tartaric stability before bottling.

For more information on the Tenuta San Guido wines click here or visit their website here.