Sassicaia is the first Super Tuscan wine and one of the most coveted red wines globally. Meet the wine, the legend.
Sassicaia is one of the most sought-after red wines in the world. Wine lovers and collectors alike love the Italian winery and its luscious wines. However, not everyone knows Sassicaia has huge historical significance — it’s an iconic wine for a reason, and not only its decadent bouquet.
Here’s all you need to know about the Sassicaia winery and other Super Tuscan wines inspired by it. Sassicaia is more than a beverage; it’s history, tradition, innovation and defiance. Yes, this is one rebellious wine, and here’s why.
What is a Super Tuscan Wine?
Italy and Tuscany in particular has vinous traditions going back thousands of years. People have grown grapes in the Mediterranean region since forever. It’s easy to see why they don’t like changing the way they do things. Super Tuscan wines changed all that. They’re the result of an authentic wine revolution that aimed to do things differently, to do things better.
It all started with marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. He sacrilegiously planted French Cabernet Sauvignon at his Tuscan estate in 1944 — Sassicaia was born. It didn’t take long for the world to see the Italian wine made with French grapes and techniques was on another level, and other winemakers followed suit.
Of course, since these modern-cut wines didn’t comply with the traditional wine laws in Tuscany, they had to be labelled as “table wine.” The wine was so good that it made the Italian government change its labelling laws; they even awarded Sassicaia its own appellation!
The Wine
Sassicaia is a Bordeaux-style wine, and it’s made in the now-famous Tenuta San Guido. The wine is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Cabernet Franc, and it ages for two years in French oak barrels.
The gem from the Sassicaia winery offers beautiful fruit reminiscent of bright red fruits with hints of tobacco leaves, cedar, black pepper, freshly turned soil and baking spices. The palate is rich and chewy, with persistent but round tannins and a tight acidic backbone. Sassicaia is lengthy as well, and it evolves for hours in the wine glass.
How to Pair Super Tuscans with Food?
Not all Super Tuscan wines are the same, but they share similarities — they’re big, refined and age-worthy. Super Tuscan wines are best suited for memorable occasions; they’re not only on the expensive side, but they’re also complex and sophisticated.
Having said that, Super Tuscans, such as Sassicaia, are best enjoyed with a Tuscan Bistecca Fiorentina, Wagyu ribeyes, duck confit and semi-hard cheese — bold flavours to match a bold wine.
Since Sassicaia can age, evolved vintages will shine with more delicate but decadent dishes like truffled or porcini pasta. If you haven’t tried the authentic treasure coming out of the Sassicaia winery, you’re in for a treat!
