Sassicaia is an Italian word that translates to “place with a lot of rocks” in English. The term is derived from the Italian word “sasso,” which means rock or stone. The name Sassicaia was chosen to reflect the unique characteristics of the vineyard site where the wine is produced, which is known for its gravel banks.
The story behind the name Sassicaia is quite interesting. It all started in the 1940s when Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, a member of an aristocratic Italian family, acquired a property in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. At that time, the area was not well-known for winemaking and was primarily focused on traditional agricultural practices.
Mario Incisa had a vision of creating a Bordeaux-style wine in Tuscany, inspired by the wines from the famous French region. He believed that the microclimate and terroir of his vineyard were well-suited for growing Bordeaux grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
The vineyard site had a unique soil composition, with significant deposits of gravel and rocks. These rocky banks or “sassi” were the defining feature of the property and played a crucial role in the name selection for the wine.
Sassicaia was initially produced for personal consumption and shared among family and close friends. However, its exceptional quality soon captured the attention of wine enthusiasts and critics alike. In the 1970s, Sassicaia gained international recognition and became one of the first Super Tuscan wines, a term used to describe high-quality Italian wines that did not adhere to traditional regional wine laws.
Today, Sassicaia is considered one of Italy’s most prestigious and sought-after wines. It has achieved numerous accolades and consistently receives high ratings from wine critics. The wine is produced primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, often blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. The gravelly soil of the vineyard contributes to the wine’s unique character, lending structure, minerality, and complexity to the final product.
The name Sassicaia reflects the rocky nature of the vineyard site where the wine is produced. It is a testament to the vision and determination of Mario Incisa to create a Bordeaux-style wine in Tuscany, which has resulted in the production of a world-class wine that has garnered widespread acclaim.