Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"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 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.
Cont’Ugo 2022 is an intense ruby red color. The nose offers smooth notes of small ripe red fruit especially currants, raspberries and ripe cherries accompanied by light hints of Mediterranean scrub and forest floor. The palate delivers good structure, excellent persistence of flavors and a pleasant fruity finish."
Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
Appellation: Bolgheri DOC
Aging: 12 months in 2nd-use barriques
94 Points - Wine Spectator
"Distinctly fruity, this red features black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, cedar and oak spice aromas and flavors. A supple version, with terrific balance and a long aftertaste. Shows just enough grip to lend serious weight. Merlot. Drink now through 2032. 600 cases imported." -BS, 10/31/24
91 Points - Vinous
"The 2022 Cont'Ugo, 100% Merlot, offers terrific freshness, especially for the year. There's a bit of edginess in the tannin from the challenges of the growing season. Even so, what comes through most is the move toward greater vibrancy in the wines." -AG, Dec/2024
90 Points - Wine Advocate
"Made with 100% Merlot, the Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo reveals a soft and velvety texture with mature aromas of baked blackberry, rhubarb and even a hint of sweet strawberry. This was a very hot vintage, on par with 2017 or even warmer in places, and also characterized by reduced water reserves. These results are perhaps lower on the complexity scale and also quite up front, ripe and immediately generous. It reveals all its cards in one hand." -ML, 3/21/24
