Le Difese is the entry-level wine of Tenuta San Guido, the Bolgheri estate that produces Sassicaia, and it represents the most accessible introduction to the Incisa della Rocchetta family’s winemaking philosophy for collectors who seek the estate’s character without the commanding investment that Sassicaia requires. The wine is produced as a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate’s own vineyards in Bolgheri, combined with Sangiovese sourced from partner growers in Chianti Rufina, and aged for eight months in used barriques. The proportion of varieties shifts somewhat vintage to vintage, with the 2021 seeing an increase in the Sangiovese component to 55% of the blend, a deliberate decision by the estate to emphasise the wine’s local Tuscan character and improve its approachability in youth.

The 2021 vintage in Bolgheri and across Tuscany was characterised by outstanding quality: a long, warm growing season with excellent conditions at harvest produced wines of exceptional purity, concentration and balance. Le Difese in 2021 reflects this vintage quality, with the estate’s winemaking team describing it as one of the finest releases of the wine in recent memory. The 55% Sangiovese component provides aromatic freshness, red fruit vivacity and a structural suppleness that makes the wine more immediately appealing than the more Cabernet-dominant iterations of recent years, while the 45% Bolgheri-grown Cabernet Sauvignon contributes the depth and dimension that connect Le Difese to the estate’s flagship wine.

Le Difese occupies an important and expanding market position as the most accessible wine from one of Italy’s most celebrated estates: a wine that allows collectors, restaurants and enthusiasts who cannot access Sassicaia to experience the Tenuta San Guido approach to winemaking at a price that encourages regular consumption rather than careful preservation. The quality of the 2021 vintage elevates this well beyond a routine value release and into the category of genuinely impressive, collectible Tuscan red wine from a first-class source.

Bright ruby with an expressive and vibrant nose of red cherry, violet, blackcurrant, cedar and Mediterranean herbs, with the Sangiovese component providing an attractive freshness and floral lift. Medium-bodied with supple, velvety tannins, lively acidity and a clean, fruit-driven finish of real pleasure and accessibility. Excellent from release through 2030.

Le Difese in 2021 sports a majority of Sangiovese – 55% – in a break from the traditional 70/30 split in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon. Third-generation at Tenuta San Guido, Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, explained that this decision was made to enhance the wine's 'local Tuscan' character, and to improve its drinkability early on as 'a first step into the Tenuta San Guido world.' While the Cabernet is grown on the estate, the Sangiovese is sourced, as always, from long–term partners based in Chianti Rufina. Bright, incredibly vibrant red, black and blue fruits introduce subtle, finely grained tannins with notes of wood and chocolate. It's at once juicy, tangy and crunchy, with good ripeness and great acidity. Matured for eight months in used barriques. - Decanter