"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 2019 has a deep ruby red colour, on the nose is rich and multilayered, with intriguing aromas of Mediterranean herbs, sweet spices and liqueur cherries. Velvety tannins on the palate are well sustained by a bright acidity. Excellent length."
In the 1930s the Tenuta Belvedere estate (later renamed Guado al Tasso) was inherited by Carlotta della Gherardesca Antinori, the mother of Piero Antinori. It is located in the world-famous Bolgheri area (home of many 'Supertuscans') where 300 hectares of vineyards are cultivated, mainly with French red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot). After the collaboration with Sassicaia ended in 1989, Piero Antinori released the first vintage of Guado al Tasso in 1990: it is now the flagship wine of the estate and one of the most sought after in the area.
Cont’Ugo is the newest wine from the estate (first vintage: 2011), a pure Merlot of power and complexity, coming from a strict selection of the 40ha of Merlot planted at Guado al Tasso
The 2019 growing season went through a period of relatively cold temperatures in April and May, followed by hot dry weather up until July. Initial vine growth was delayed but caught up to a normal pace by summer. A sudden rise in temperatures resulted in lighter, loosely packed clusters, especially notable in the late ripening varieties where fruit set wasn’t yet fully completed. The months of August and September brought stable sunny weather that allowed grapes to progress to full ripeness in optimal conditions, achieving exceptionally high quality of each grape variety. Harvesting began on 16th September with Merlot, slightly later than usual, continued with Cabernet Franc at the end of September, and was completed on 5th October with the last vineyard block of Cabernet Sauvignon.
