Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso 'Il Bruciato' Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

2024 Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato Bolgheri is a polished expression of the coastal character of Bolgheri, bringing Cabernet Sauvignon together with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Produced at the Antinori family's Guado al Tasso estate, Il Bruciato was introduced with the challenging 2002 vintage as a modern interpretation of the estate's distinctive terroir. The 2024 vintage combines ripe fruit and supple texture with the freshness and definition that marked the growing season.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Marco Ferrarese
• Grape Varieties: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot
• Soil: Alluvial soils ranging from sandy clay to silty clay, with areas containing fine gravel known locally as scheletro or agglomerato bolgherese
• Harvest: Merlot harvested August 27 to September 7, followed by Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon; harvest completed at the end of September
• Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel for approximately 15 to 20 days at 28 to 30°C; portions of Merlot and Syrah fermented at slightly lower temperatures to preserve varietal aromas
• Malolactic Fermentation: Partly in barriques and partly in stainless steel
• Maturation: At least 6 months in barriques following blending
• Filtration: Yes
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Total Acidity: 5.61 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 1.22 g/L
• Total Extract: 30.38 g/L
• pH: 3.41
• Sulfites: 79 mg/L
• Closure: Natural Cork

Sensory Description:

Intense ruby red in color, the 2024 Il Bruciato opens with raspberry and cherry, followed by vanilla, tobacco, and a subtle confectionary sweetness. The palate is enveloping and balanced, with juicy fruit framed by refreshing acidity and well-integrated tannins. Blackcurrant and plum add depth alongside savory herbal and gently toasted notes, while the finish remains persistent, fresh and fruit-driven. The vintage combines concentration with a notably poised, approachable structure.

Awards & Accolades:

• James Suckling: 93 Points
• Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points
• Wine Spectator: 91 Points
• Jeb Dunnuck: 91 Points
• Vinous: 91 Points
• Wine Advocate: 90 Points

Winemaker's Background:

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is part of Marchesi Antinori, a family whose involvement in wine dates to 1385 and now spans 26 generations. The estate occupies approximately 1,000 hectares, including around 320 hectares of vineyards, within the natural formation known as the Bolgheri Amphitheatre. Its alluvial soils range from sandy clay to silty clay with pockets of fine gravel, while proximity to the sea brings persistent breezes that moderate summer heat and winter temperatures. Il Bruciato debuted in 2002, one of the estate's most difficult vintages, and developed into a dedicated expression drawn from vineyard parcels selected specifically for the wine. Its name, meaning “burned,” recalls a wooded area of the estate destroyed by fire in the early 20th century. Today, Guado al Tasso is owned by the Antinori family, with Marco Ferrarese overseeing the estate's winemaking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 18 to 20°C. Its combination of dark and red fruit, fresh acidity, savory spice, and structured but integrated tannins makes it a natural partner for grilled or roasted beef and lamb, game birds, mild game dishes, rich pasta preparations, casseroles, and medium-aged cheeses. It also has enough freshness to accompany tomato-based pasta and substantial pizzas while retaining balance at the table.