TENUTA GUADO AL TASSO 'Cont'Ugo' by Antinori - Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany (100% Merlot) 2021 Bottle

Description

Cont’Ugo is a distinguished wine produced exclusively from Merlot, offering a modern interpretation of the Bolgheri territory. The vineyards are situated at altitudes of 45 to 60 metres above sea level, on clay-loam soils of alluvial origin. This unique landscape imparts deep complexity while preserving the fragrant freshness characteristic of Merlot berries. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a meticulous vinification process, including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel to enhance their aromatic profile. Aged for 12 months in barriques, one-third of which are new, the 2019 vintage showcases intense ruby red colour with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, sweet spices, and earthy notes. Scoring 93 points from James Suckling, Cont’Ugo is celebrated for its remarkable harmony and depth.

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Cont’Ugo is produced entirely with Merlot as a new interpretation of the Bolgheri territory. The vineyards grow at an altitude that varies between 45 and 60 meters (147/196 feet) above sea level on clay-loam soils that are of alluvial origin that give the wine deep complex notes while preserving the fragrance and freshness typical of Merlot berries.

Vinification
After the grapes were hand harvested and carefully selected on sorting tables, the berries were transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel vats where alcoholic fermentation and maceration on the skins took place over a period of about 20 days. Fermentation temperatures were managed based on the ripeness of the grapes: lower temperatures were applied to preserve and enhance aromatic freshness while higher temperatures, up to 30 °C (86 °F), to boost extraction of phenolic compounds and enhance structure. The different batches were divided according to their individual characteristics and then transferred into barriques, one third of which were new. Malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. The finest batches were blended and transferred back into barriques for a further 12-month period of aging, then bottled. Cont’Ugo was left to age in the bottle for an additional 3 months before being released for sale.

Historical Data
The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small, but prestigious, Bolgheri appellation on the coast Tuscany’s Upper Maremma, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) to the southwest of the city of Florence. This appellation has a relatively short history (it was created in 1994) but can boast a worldwide fame as a reference point wine on the international scene. The estates covers an area of about 320 hectares (790 acres) planted to vines, in a splendid plain surrounded by hills known as “the Bolgheri amphitheater” for its particular geographical conformation. The Guado al Tasso vineyards consist principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Vermentino grapes; this last cultivated with both with white and red varieties. They enjoy a mild climate due to the nearby presence of the Mediterranean Sea, constant breezes mitigate summer heat, and the rigors of winter clear the sky and maintain a high degree of solar light and radiation.
Cont’Ugo is produced exclusively from Merlot grapes in order to interpret the territory of Bolgheri from a new perspective. The vineyards, situated at an altitude between 150 and 200 feet (45-60 meters) above sea level on clayey-loam soils prevalently of alluvial origin, gave Cont’Ugo great depth and complexity while conserving the fragrance and richness of fruit which are typical of Merlot.

Tasting Notes
Cont’Ugo 2019 in an intense ruby red color. On the nose, it offers intense notes of small ripe red fruit accompanied by sweet spices and light hints of peaty and earthy aromas. On the palate, tannins are exceptional, with good tension and excellent persistence. This vintage produced a wine with outstanding harmony that is extremely pleasing to drink.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 Points
31 Aug, 2023 – Ripe plums and blackberries with sweet spices, violets and chocolate on the nose. Full and structured with refined tannins. Compact and broad-shouldered, ripe, but with tension and energy. Impressive depth and concentration. Long. 100% merlot. Drink or hold.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 89 points
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2023 - 2028
Made with Merlot, or one of the more challenged grapes during this moment of climate change, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo starts off in stainless steel for fermentation on skins (at lower temperatures). Batches are sent to barrique for secondary fermentation, and a final blend is created from various parts before going into second-year barrique. It is a lot to take in, with ripe fruit, bramble, cooked cherry, big intensity and alcohol (at 14.5%), chalky tannins and some lingering dryness. This vintage is rather monotone. A total of 145,000 bottles were made.

Following the headline acquisition of Napa's Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in June 2023, Marchesi Antinori also set out to create its own importing arm to the Unites States market called Vinattieri 1385.
Published: Feb 15, 2024