Bolgheri DOC Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo 2024 Marchesi Antinori

What kind of wine is it

Cont’Ugo from the Guado al Tasso estate, crafted by Antinori, is a still red wine made entirely from Merlot grapes in Tuscany, in the renowned Bolgheri area. It stands out for its full, well-structured profile, characterized by a broad and rounded expression that enhances ripe fruit accompanied by a measured spiciness. The production process involves precise temperature-controlled fermentation and meticulous aging in wood, resulting in a glass of remarkable definition and stylistic coherence.

Where it comes from

This structured red is born from the prized vineyards of the Guado al Tasso estate, located in the immediate vicinity of the medieval village of Bolgheri. This specific coastal Tuscan area, nestled in the heart of the Maremma, is renowned for a winemaking tradition deeply rooted in history and a strong territorial identity. The favorable geographical location creates a context known for wines of notable concentration and elegance, interpreted here with precision through a pure varietal expression.

How it is produced

The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand, then fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures for about twenty-five days. Afterwards, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation at an optimal temperature, a fundamental step that enhances the wine's overall richness and structure. The meticulous aging period continues for eight months in French oak barrels and a further four months in barrique, achieving perfect balance before bottling.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it displays a deep red color with a compact and intensely bright appearance. The bouquet opens with concentrated aromas of ripe red fruits, featuring clear and inviting notes of plum, cherry, and raspberry, delicately accompanied by spicy hints that provide aromatic precision. On the palate, the sip is broad, with a pleasant sensation of depth and a distinctly rounded texture, finishing with a coherent, clean, and persistent end.

Food pairing

This red pairs excellently with dishes that balance its structure and succulence, making it a wonderful accompaniment to rich mushroom risottos or traditional tagliatelle with wild boar. It's recommended to enhance main courses based on game meats, where the generous breadth of the sip elegantly supports the complex aromatic components of the meat. The pairing is also successful with inviting selections of aged cheeses, which fully bring out the wine's depth and measured spiciness.

When to serve it

This label is the ideal choice for occasions when you wish to bring to the table a wine of good breadth and structure, perfect for enriching lunches and dinners based on hearty first courses and meat main dishes. Its intrinsic organoleptic characteristics make it the wine of choice when the menu includes game or mushrooms, as it allows the inviting fruity profile to always emerge with understated balance. It can be enjoyed with pleasure from its current stage of consumption, especially when you're seeking a deep and enveloping sip without excess.