Il Bruciato (2023)

About this wine

Il Bruciato 2023 opens on the nose with ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum, accompanied by sweet spice and subtle balsamic and menthol hints. On the palate it is full bodied yet refined, showing fleshy fruit, balanced acidity, and well integrated, supple tannins that give the wine structure and a persistent finish. The wine is made at Tenuta Guado al Tasso in Bolgheri from a mix of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Vinification includes temperature controlled fermentation and maceration, with part of the Merlot and Syrah fermented at lower temperatures to preserve aromatic lift. Aging takes place for several months in French barriques followed by time in bottle before release, which adds gentle spice and a soft oak underpinning to the fruit. The result is a polished, approachable Bolgheri red that expresses the coastal Maremma terroir, with freshness from maritime breezes and a core of concentrated red fruit.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon at Guado al Tasso brings Bordeaux heritage and classic structure, it is planted across the estate and contributes backbone and longevity to Il Bruciato, often fermented and matured alongside Merlot before spending time in barrique. Merlot provides softer tannins and early ripening fruit characters, part of the estate selection and in some vintages fermented at slightly lower temperatures to preserve aromatics for this blend. Syrah was adopted in Bolgheri for its spice and color intensity, a smaller but important component here with some batches kept cooler during fermentation to retain varietal aromas. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot appear in small percentages to add floral and peppery lift and color depth, coming from the same alluvial Bolgheri soils with variable stone content and the moderating influence of coastal breezes typical of Guado al Tasso vineyards.

Quick facts

• 🔥 The name Il Bruciato recalls a historic fire that once burned part of the estate and local stories link it to a popular protest against noble land rules
• 📅 Il Bruciato was first made in 2002, a famously difficult vintage for Guado al Tasso, and the wine began as a way to showcase the estate terroir
• 🍇 The 2023 bottling is a Bordeaux style blend with all five classic red varieties present, so each grape adds a distinct layer of flavor
• 🌍 Antinori selects specific vineyard plots each year for Il Bruciato, making it a consistent expression of Bolgheri while still changing subtly by vintage
• 🛢️ Il Bruciato spends a relatively short ageing period, about eight months in barriques and stainless steel, which keeps it fruit forward and approachable young

Palate profile

Producer

Tenuta Guado al Tasso, located in the Bolgheri DOC region of Tuscany, Italy, has a rich history dating back to the late 1600s when the noble Della Gherardesca family began practicing viticulture on their land. In the 1930s, the estate was inherited by Carlotta Della Gherardesca Antinori, mother of Piero Antinori, marking the beginning of the Antinori family's significant influence in the area. The estate spans approximately 320 hectares of vineyards set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the "Bolgheri Amphitheatre" due to its particular shape. The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes that mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure. The estate's name, "Guado al Tasso," translates to "Badger's Ford," inspired by the badgers that are sometimes seen crossing the streams on the property.