Il Bruciato Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Doc Rosso

Il Bruciato was born in 2002, in one of the most difficult vintages of Tenuta Guado al Tasso, to tell and make known the unique Bolgheri terroir in a modern style. The carefully selected Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes come from vineyards located on soils with a wide geological variability capable of expressing great complexity.

Climate

The 2020 vintage began with a mild winter and sporadic rainfall. The sudden return of cold in March, marked by a frost at the end of the month, did not cause significant damage except in some younger Cabernet Franc vineyards which, as usual, have an earlier bud break. From mid-April the temperatures increased and spring continued regularly favoring good flowering and fruit set, which took place between the end of May and the beginning of June. The summer was basically hot and dry, but without heat peaks. September was characterized by above average temperatures until the last week of the month, a period after which there was a generally cool and rainy climate that lasted until October. The harvest began on 3 September with the Merlot and ended with the Cabernet Sauvignon on 2 October. The other varieties, part of the blend, were harvested between mid and late September.

Vinification

Upon arrival in the cellar, the selected grapes were de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation and maceration took place in thermo-conditioned stainless steel tanks for a period of about 10-15 days at a temperature of 28-30 ° C. Part of the Merlot and Syrah musts were kept at lower fermentation temperatures to better preserve the varietal aromas. The malolactic fermentation took place partly in barrique and partly in stainless steel tanks, and was completed by the end of the year for all varieties. Subsequently, the Cabernet Sauvignon was combined with Merlot, Syrah, and small quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot: the wine thus obtained met the barrique again, where it rested before allowing itself to be bottled.

Historical data

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the small and prestigious DOC of Bolgheri, on the coast of the Upper Maremma, about a hundred kilometers southwest of Florence. This appellation has a relatively short history (it was born in 1994) but boasts an international reputation as a new point of reference in the world wine scene. Tenuta Guado al Tasso covers an area of ​​1,000 hectares – about 320 planted with vineyards, the rest cultivated with wheat, sunflowers and olive trees – in a splendid plain surrounded by hills known as the “Bolgheri amphitheater” for its particular shape. The Guado al Tasso vineyards are mainly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino grapes, the latter cultivated with both white and black grapes. They enjoy a mild climate due to the nearby presence of the sea: the constant breezes mitigate the summer heat and the harshness of winter, clean the sky and keep the insolation index high. Il Bruciato was born in 2002, in one of the most difficult vintages of Tenuta Guado al Tasso, to tell and make known the unique Bolgheri terroir in a modern style. The blend used initially was that of Guado al Tasso and then changed the varietal composition over the years and had a dedicated range of vineyards. Il Bruciato was not produced in 2003.

Tasting Notes

Il Bruciato 2020 has the usual intense ruby ​​red color. The nose is intense and attractive, with hints of black currant, blackberry, light vanilla and sweet spices. Excellent harmony on the palate, where the fruity aftertaste predominates and gives the wine a pleasant drinkability and persistence