Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese 2017 Toscana IGT
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Vintage 2017
ABV 13.5%
Discover the elegance of Le Difese 2017, a refined Italian red wine crafted on the legendary estate that produces Sassicaia. This vintage is a balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, offering an approachable introduction to Super Tuscan wines.
Vineyard & Terroir
Grown on limestone-rich soils with marl, pebbles, and clay, the vineyards are set on rolling Tuscan hills between 100–300 meters above sea level, with ideal south/southwest-facing slopes that enhance grape ripening and aromatic intensity.
Vintage Conditions – 2017 Weather Overview
The 2017 vintage in Tuscany was warm and dry, but a welcome cool spell in August balanced grape ripening perfectly. These temperature swings developed rich fruit flavours and vibrant acidity, ideal for structured ageing.
Harvest & Winemaking
Grapes were hand-harvested in early September, with meticulous sorting. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at 27–28°C, followed by maceration on the skins for up to 18 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in steel tanks before ageing.
Oak Ageing Process
The wine aged for 6–8 months in French oak barriques previously used for Sassicaia and Guidalberto, imparting subtle spice and softness. Final stabilization occurred in steel tanks before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Le Difese 2017 offers bright red cherry, damson plum, herbal fennel, and hints of bonfire smoke. Its youthful tannins and fresh acidity create a vibrant, food-friendly red wine.
Discover Tenuta San Guido – Legendary Super Tuscan Wines from Bolgheri, Tuscany
Tenuta San Guido is an iconic Italian wine estate located in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC region of Tuscany. Best known for producing Sassicaia, one of the original and most celebrated Super Tuscan wines, this historic estate has set the global benchmark for Bordeaux-style red wines from Italy.
Founded by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Tenuta San Guido introduced Sassicaia in 1948, originally made from Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings and crafted exclusively for private family consumption. In 1968, Sassicaia made its commercial debut, quickly gaining international acclaim. It later became the first and only wine in Italy to be awarded its own appellation: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC.
Order Sassicaia, Guidalberto & Le Difese Online
• Sassicaia – A bold, elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged to perfection. Vintage after vintage, Sassicaia continues to earn top rankings from critics worldwide.
• Guidalberto – Introduced in 2000, Guidalberto is a refined Super Tuscan featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, crafted for earlier drinking while maintaining complexity and structure.
• Le Difese – A more approachable expression from Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, offering balance, freshness, and value.
Tenuta San Guido cultivates 75 hectares of vines across Bolgheri, with meticulous care given to every detail from vineyard to bottle. Annual production is limited, making these wines highly sought after among collectors and wine lovers.
Whether you are a connoisseur or exploring fine Italian wines for the first time, our curated selection of Super Tuscan red wines from Tenuta San Guido delivers excellence in every glass.
