Sassicaia: The Super Tuscan Pioneer Turned Global Icon
From the hills of Bolgheri to the top of international auctions: discover why Sassicaia is one of the most collected Italian wines in the world.
Born as a challenge in the 1950s, Sassicaia revolutionized Italian winemaking. In a region known for white wines, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted cabernet sauvignon, inspired by the great Bordeaux. The result? A wine that defied all expectations, gave rise to the "Super Tuscan" movement, and put Bolgheri on the global fine wine map.
A Revolutionary Vision and a Family Legacy
The first commercial vintage of Sassicaia dates back to 1968, although experiments began in 1944. Initially produced for family use, it was aged in barrique in true French style. When finally released, it stunned critics with its elegance, structure, and aging potential. In 1994, Bolgheri was granted DOC status, with Sassicaia as the only recognized subzone—a unique case in Italy.
Today, Tenuta San Guido is a world-class estate with vineyards planted between 100 and 400 meters above sea level, producing around 180,000 bottles annually.
Rising Prices and Auction Records
Sassicaia is one of the few Italian wines regularly featured in top-tier auctions. According to Liv-Ex, it's the most traded Italian wine globally, with a +9% annual increase in value for its most coveted vintages. Magnum formats and historic vintages like 1985, 2006, and 2016 have surpassed €1,000 per bottle.
In 2020, a case of Sassicaia 1985 sold at Zachys for over $15,000. Sotheby's and Christie's have also increasingly highlighted Super Tuscans, reflecting their rising prominence in the secondary market.
Why Collect Sassicaia Today
Collecting Sassicaia means investing in Italian excellence that commands global respect. The wine is known for its exceptional aging capacity, gaining depth and complexity over the years. With consistent quality, a unique stylistic identity, and verified provenance, Sassicaia is a fixture in refined collections.
It is also a symbol of Bolgheri’s one-of-a-kind terroir: coastal breezes, Mediterranean scrubland, and gravel-rich soils combine to produce a signature profile. Every vintage tells a story of tradition, innovation, and visionary family stewardship.
Sassicaia is more than a wine—it is a landmark of Italian fine wine collecting. At Collecto, we curate only the finest vintages in optimal condition, offering fractional access to one of the world’s most revered labels. Because collecting is about recognizing the vision that reshapes history.
