Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello : Solaia 2016

The elegance and structure of an exceptional Super Tuscan wine

The estate

An iconic reference point for fine Tuscan wines, in Italy and around the world, the Antinori family's Tenuta Tignanello is located in the historic heart of the Chianti Classico area. Surrounded by an enchanting landscape, the estate is located in the heart of the hills between the Greve and Pesa rivers. Tenuta Tignanello is internationally renowned for its two iconic wines: Tignanello and Solaia. These two wines are considered to be among the most influential Tuscan wines in the history of Italian viticulture.

The vineyard

The Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello estate spreads over 319 hectares, 130 of which are dedicated to wine production. The vines are planted on marl soils, dating back to the Pliocene era, rich in limestone and schist. The area’s Mediterranean climate is marked by significant temperature variations between night and day during the growth cycle of the vines. The Tenuta Tignanello vineyard’s location and terroir are ideal for the cultivation of the Sangiovese grape. Other varieties are also present such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The wine

Solaia is made from the sunniest part of the vineyard on the hillside of Tignanello. The 20-hectare vineyard is situated at an altitude of 400 metres. The first vintage of Solaia was produced in 1978. Produced in IGT Toscana, this exceptional Tuscan wine is only produced during fine winemaking years.

The vintage

The mild, rainy autumn and winter preceded a mild spring, which favoured an early budburst. The rainfall in May and the first two weeks of June, which had no effect on the vineyard, was offset by a hot summer and led to the optimal development of the grapes.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes were destemmed and then rigorously sorted on sorting tables before being delicately crushed and transferred by gravity into conical vats. During fermentation and skin maceration, finding the perfect balance between freshness and aromatic brilliance is a priority. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in small barrels in order to develop the complexity and smoothness of the wine. An initial 10-month ageing period is carried out in a plot-by-plot manner. Then the juices are blended and aged for several months before bottling.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (73%)

Sangiovese (20%)

Cabernet Franc (7%)

Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello’s Solaia 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Intense ruby red colour.

Nose

The nose combines intense fragrances of ripe black fruit (blackberry, blueberry) with balsamic notes (aromatic herbs, mint). When aerated, subtle notes of cocoa, spiced sugar, spices and white pepper emerge, providing a fresh and complex expression.

Palate

Racy and enfolding, the palate is seduced by this wine’s fine and silky tannins, its elegance and its intense fruity expression. The finish has a beautiful length.