READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Tenuta San Guido: Three cuvées and grape selections
This producer is based in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, making Sassicaia. In addition to the Cabernet-based Sassicaia, they also produce Guidalberto and Le Difese.
Introduce three labels by their use of grape varieties, and clearly explain the first release year of Sassicaia.
Questions for this course
Are all the reds from San Guido made with the same grape composition as Sassicaia?
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Italy / Tuscany / Bolgheri
Also known as / Alternative names: Tenuta San Guido / Tenuta San Guido
Update date: 2026-09-24
The two Cabernets
The official description of Sassicaia lists Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grown in several of the estate’s plots. If you distinguish producer name, wine name, and grape varieties, it becomes easier to compare to the other two wines.
Merlot and Sangiovese
Guidalberto is explained as a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Le Difese is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet. More than just comparing the three by price, you can compare them as brands choosing different base grapes.
First harvest and release
The first vintage of Sassicaia sold was 1968, which reached the market in 1971. When writing wine histories, distinguish between the vintage on the label and the release year, as this explains apparent discrepancies between years.
What to align and what to compare.
Sassicaia
- Conditions to standardize
- Tenuta San Guido
- Conditions for comparison.
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc
- Additional points to confirm
- Two grape varieties among the ingredients.
Two others
- Conditions to standardize
- Tenuta San Guido
- Conditions for comparison.
- Also includes Merlot/Sangiovese blends
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not determine relationships based solely on price
First release
- Conditions to standardize
- Tenuta San Guido
- Conditions for comparison.
- The 1968 vintage released in 1971
- Additional points to confirm
- Vintage year and release year are different
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Tenuta San Guido data interpretation: Three cuvées and choice of grape varieties
Compare the stated conditions in the documentation. Numbers specifying vintages should be treated as information for that specific year.
This summarizes materials published by producers, regional groups, and importers. Each source includes the publisher and the date the material was checked.
| Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|
| Sassicaia | Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc | Two grape varieties among the ingredients. |
| Two others | Also includes Merlot/Sangiovese blends | Do not determine relationships based solely on price |
| First release | The 1968 vintage released in 1971 | Vintage year and release year are different |
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The two Cabernets in Sassicaia?
Distinguish from varieties used in other labels.
What grape varieties appear in Le Difese?
Another option for blending grape varieties in Tuscany.
What is the connection between 1968 and 1971?
The official information states the 1968 vintage was released in 1971. 1968 is the harvest year of the first wine sold, and 1971 is its market release. There is no contradiction. Include the type of year (harvest or release) when noting dates, considering time needed for vinification and maturation before release.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Please explain differences in raw materials and winemaking by reading the table and sources.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sassicaia | Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc | Two grape varieties among the ingredients. | |
| Two others | Also includes Merlot/Sangiovese blends | Do not determine relationships based solely on price | |
| First release | The 1968 vintage released in 1971 | Vintage year and release year are different |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Introduce three labels by their use of grape varieties, and clearly explain the first release year of Sassicaia.
Check after writing
- Did you specify the label, vintage, and scope of materials to be compared?
- Did you distinguish and explain the three items in the table?
- Did you separate verified facts from points to check further with additional references or tasting?
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