The Antinori family has been involved in the production of wine since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the “Arte Fiorentina”, the Winemakers’ Guild of the city of Florence. During this entire long period, through twenty six generations, the family has always directly managed this work with courageous and, at times, innovative decisions. But always while maintaining a fundamental respect for tradition and for the territory in which they have operated.

Estates currently under the Marchesi Antinori wine empire include Tignanello, Badia a Passignano, Guado Al Tasso, Castello della Sala, Pian Delle Vigne, Peppoli, and Montenisa. While the core of the family's properties and production are focused in Tuscany, additional properties have expanded their regional diversity to include Orvieto Classico and Franciacorta.

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is located between the Greve and Pesa river valleys in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. In these 127 hectares (320 acres) of vineyards, the Antinori family, more than anywhere else, has expressed its principles and working philosophy: reconcile tradition and modernity with wines which are strictly and authentically tied to their territories of origin. Solaia and Tignanello, the two iconic wines of the estate, have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the viticultural history of Italy” and are a constant symbol for the Antinori family of a continuous challenge, one driven by pure passion.

The Guado al Tasso estate is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southwest of the city of Florence, near the medieval hamlet of Bolgheri in the Upper Maremma. Once part of a fiefdom of some 4,048 hectares (over 10,000 acres), today the 1000 hectare/2500 acre property extends from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the inland hills, where the vineyards are cultivated on rocky and slightly calcareous soils. Of these, 300 are under vines which are planted to Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot along with small quantities of other grape varieties. In the 1930’s this property was inherited by Carlotta Della Gherardesca who married into the Antinori family.

Today the firm is run by Marquis Piero Antinori with the support of his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia. Tradition, passion, and intuition have been the three driving principles which have led the Marquis Antinori firm to become a leader in Italian wine.

The Guado al Tasso estate takes its name from timid badgers (“tasso” in Italian), inhabitants of the region which are sometimes spotted crossing fords (“guado” in Italian) in the streams. The flagship wine of the estate is a Bordeaux blend, typically 50-60% Cabernet, expressing both the strength and suppleness of this corner of the upper Maremma. This release has contributed to the elevation of the Bolgheri region to become one of the most important areas of European viticulture, expressing the decisively Mediterranean characteristics of power, elegance, and balance.

The 2013 Antinori Guado al Tasso Bolgheri is a true testament to the exquisite beauty and complexity of Italian wines. This proprietary blend, brought to life in the picturesque landscape of Tuscany, boasts an impressive character that is both rooted in tradition and teeming with a vibrant modern edge.

Upon uncorking, you are immediately greeted with an alluring bouquet of black cherry and black currant, generously laced with herbaceous undertones. This initial reticence gives way to an exhilarating journey of discovery as the wine unfolds on the palate, revealing a supple texture and finely grained tannins that promise a bright future.

A closer inspection reveals a tantalizing dance of stone, white pepper, and fresh rosemary, culminating in a crescendo of dried ripe fruits including currants and blueberries. Dark chocolate notes add a touch of indulgence, resulting in a wine that is both a mouthful and a tour de force. Its agility and power, combined with a linear and long finish, speaks to an unmatched precision that is arguably the best ever from Guado al Tasso.

The 2013 Antinori Guado al Tasso Bolgheri is not just a wine, but a portrait of its Tuscan home. It is a proud representation of the Mediterranean shrub that grows wild and free in this untouched part of Italy. With an alcohol content of 14.5% and a production run of 140,000 bottles, this red blend is not just a delight for the senses, but also a testament to Antinori's winemaking pedigree.

This is an excellent wine that is vibrant, elegantly structured, and brimming with the flavors of black currant, chopped herb, clove, and licorice. Its fine-grained tannins and outstanding potential make it not just a wine, but a tangible expression of the Tuscan soul.