The Origin of the Super Tuscan, Sassicaia and Tenuta San Guido with Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta

Recently, I had the extraordinary privilege of sitting down for an afternoon with Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta of Tenuta San Guido — the legendary Tuscan estate responsible for one of the most iconic wines in the world: Sassicaia.

As someone who has spent more than 25 years in the wine industry, I’ve been fortunate to taste remarkable wines and meet inspiring producers from every corner of the globe. Yet there are certain names that carry a special kind of reverence. Sassicaia is one of them. As an avid and fortunate collector of Sassicaia, this opportunity held an especially personal significance for me.

For wine lovers, Sassicaia is more than a bottle. It is a benchmark. A pioneer. A wine that changed the course of Italian winemaking forever.

Founded in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, Tenuta San Guido is the birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement. In the 1940s, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet Sauvignon in a place where nobody believed it belonged. What followed was a revolution that challenged tradition and forever elevated Italy's place on the world wine stage.

Today, the estate remains family-owned and family-led, with a relentless commitment to quality, stewardship, and authenticity.

That commitment was evident in every word Priscilla shared.

What struck me most throughout our time together was her humility. Here is a woman representing one of the most celebrated wine estates on the planet, yet she spoke with warmth, generosity, and genuine passion for the land her family has nurtured for generations.

During our conversation, we explored the history of the estate and discussed three exceptional wines from the portfolio:

Le Difese 2024, Toscana IGTAn approachable and vibrant introduction to the Tenuta San Guido portfolio. Fresh red fruit, silky tannins, and remarkable drinkability make this a wine that overdelivers at every level.

Guidalberto 2024, Toscana IGTElegant, polished, and expressive. Guidalberto perfectly bridges the gap between accessibility and prestige, showcasing the estate's unmistakable style while standing confidently on its own.

Sassicaia 2023, Bolgheri Sassicaia DOCThe icon. The legend. The wine that needs little introduction. Tasting Sassicaia alongside Priscilla herself was a reminder of why this wine continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Powerful yet refined, structured yet graceful, it is a masterclass in balance and longevity.

Each wine told a story.

Not simply of vintage conditions or winemaking techniques, but of a family's enduring vision and a place that continues to inspire generations of wine lovers.

As our interview unfolded, conversations moved from vineyard practices and sustainability to the future of fine wine and the importance of preserving heritage while embracing innovation. It was the kind of discussion that reminds me why I fell in love with wine in the first place.

Wine has an incredible ability to bring people together.

It creates connections across cultures, generations, and experiences. During our time together in Toronto, we were transported to the rolling hills of Tuscany through stories, insights, and a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and the people behind every bottle.

For me personally, spending time with Priscilla at the University Club of Toronto was a true honour and one of the highlights of my year.

Moments like these remind us that great wine is never just about scores, labels, or prestige. It's about people. It's about passion. And it's about the lasting memories created through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.

To Priscilla and the entire Tenuta San Guido family, thank you for an unforgettable afternoon.

And to my fellow wine lovers: if you ever have the opportunity to experience a wine from Tenuta San Guido, take it.

Some wines are meant to be tasted. Sassicaia is meant to be remembered.