2016 Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato Bolgheri

The estate covers an area of 320 hectares (790 acres) planted with vines, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the "Bolgheri Amphitheatre" due to its particular shape. The vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino. 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 2016 vintage was characterized by a mild winter with infrequent but abundant rainfall which assisted in creating important reserves of ground water in the soil. The beginning of the growing season arrived a bit earlier than usual and then continued in a regular fashion, accompanied by a sunny spring with temperatures and rainfall which fully respected normal seasonal averages. Summer was, on the whole, warm and without particular temperature peaks. The ripening of the grapes took place in weather marked by generally warm and sunny days, followed by cool nights which favored the development of aromatic substances and a proper rapport between sugars and acidity. Picking took place between late August and late September.

Once in the cellar, the selected grapes were gently destemmed and softly pressed. The fermentation and the period of skin contact with the must took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and lasted for a period of 10-15 days at temperatures which ranged from 82° to 86° Fahrenheit (28-30° centigrade). The malolactic fermentation took place partly in oak barrels and partly in stainless steel tanks and terminated in both cases by the end of the year. At this point the Cabernet Sauvignon was blended together with the Merlot and Syrah and the wine went back into the small oak barrels, where it remained for an additional seven months before being bottled. The 2016 Il Bruciato was given four months of bottle aging before commercial release.

The 2016 Il Bruciato offers an intense ruby red color. On the nose, the aromas of ripe red berry fruit, sweet spices, and a light and fresh minty note are the most prominent sensations. The palate is well structured, persistent, and very pleasurable in its fruity finish and aftertaste.