COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2017
GRAPE
Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Sangiovese 30%
PRODUCER
Tenuta San Guido
REGION
Toscana
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Le Difese, meaning 'The Tusks,' is an introductory wine from the esteemed Tenuta San Guido, the creators of Sassicaia. Named after the wild boar tusks found in the Tuscan hills and depicted on its label, this wine was first produced in 2002. It uniquely blends the indigenous Sangiovese grape with Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a distinctive connection between Tuscan tradition and the estate's Bordeaux-inspired legacy. Located in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Tenuta San Guido is renowned for its pioneering spirit, established by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who revolutionized Italian wine by planting Bordeaux varietals. The estate's philosophy centers on elegance, freshness, and drinkability. The 2017 vintage, shaped by a warm and dry season, yielded a wine with notable fruit radiance and a supple texture.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Le Difese means 'The Tusks', named after the wild boar found in the Tuscan hills.
Fact 02
The wild boar tusks are depicted in gold on the wine's label.
Fact 03
This wine was first produced in 2002.
Fact 04
It's the only Tenuta San Guido wine to include Sangiovese.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for Le Difese begins with a meticulous hand-harvest and selection of grapes. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, utilizing indigenous yeasts. Maceration on the skins lasts between 13-18 days, employing pump-overs and délestage for optimal extraction. Malolactic fermentation is completed in steel by late November. The wine then undergoes approximately 8 months of aging in oak barriques before bottling. This approach balances traditional Tuscan elements with the estate's signature style.
