Solaia Toscana IGT 2018 – Antinori Tenuta Tignanello

Solaia is a red wine produced with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes, all taken from its namesake vineyard and aged for at least 18 months before release. It was awarded DOCG status in 1994 and has won many awards since then. Perhaps the most historic producer in all of Italy, the Antinori family has made wine in the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany for nearly 700 years. Solaia is the family’s “Super-Tuscan” offering, with the 2018 vintage comprised of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 7% Cabernet Franc. The fruits hails from the sunniest and most exposed part of the legendary hillside of Tignanello, tucked in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. In spite of this, the 2018 vintage is exceptionally silky and decidedly elegant * showcasing an approachability not often found in such young expressions of this wine.

The Antinori family of Florence, one of the world's oldest and most distinguished wine producers, has lived in Tuscany since the 14th century and celebrated its 635th anniversary as wine makers in 2020. The current company president, Marchese Piero Antinori, believes in the tradition that the primary role of wine is to accompany food and enhance the dining experience. In Florence, the Antinori family has led a "Renaissance" in Italian wine making by combining long traditions, a love of authenticity and a dynamic innovative spirit. From the sunniest part of the Tignanello hill comes the Solaia Toscana IGT. Solaia, along with Tignanello, have been defined as "the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture." According to Marchesi Antinori, Solaia is an ongoing challenge and a never ending passion.

Gambero Rosso 3 Glasses 

Robert Parker 97+ Points 

James Suckling 97 Points

Falstaff 97 Points

Natalie's Score 98/100

From Antinori, Solaia 2018 is an elegant, rich and a beautifully crafted and balanced 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 7% Cabernet Franc red wine blend with rich cassis, dark cherry, ripe raspberry, lavender, mint, mocha and flinty flavours opulent with a long finish. A good cellaring candidate with a lot of promise. Drink or hold.

Food pairings: rib eye roast, filet mignon, rack of lamb.

Wine pairings

Aged Cheese

Antipasto Toscano

Boiled meat

Game dishes

Grilled and fried meat

Meat

Meditation wine

Sausage specialties

Examples of great pairings

Grilled Steak

Roast Beef

Rack of Lamb

Lamb Shank

Osso Bucco

Sharp Cheddar

My tasting notes

Solaia 2018 showcases an intense ruby red color. In the glass an intense dark ruby red color. On the medium+ nose delicate aromas of ripe dark cherries, plums and coffee with hints of tobacco, chocolate and mint. On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium+ acidity and medium ripe tannins. Very balanced, complex with nice freshness. freshness. Flavours of ripe dark fruit, balsamic, cedar, chocolate and vanilla. Excellent persistent finish. Top! The 2018 is dense and beautifully layered, yet retains the mid-weight structure of this super elegant vintage.