Tenuta Tignanello 'Solaia' 

The elegance and structure of an emblematic Tuscan wine;

With a first vintage produced in 1978, Solaia has become an emblematic wine of the legendary Maison Marchesi Antinori.

This great red wine is produced in the IGT Toscana appellation on the Tenuta Tignanello estate, beautifully located between Florence and Siena, in the heart of Tuscany in Italy. Solaia was born from a 20 hectare vineyard enjoying a superb southwest exposure located between 350 and 400 meters above sea level.

The Antinori family has been producing wine since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined “Arte Fiorentina”, the corporation of wine producers in the city of Florence. Throughout this period, which spans twenty-six generations, the family has always directed the work directly; it has taken courageous and sometimes innovative decisions, but always with the greatest respect for tradition and its terroir.

Today, it is the Marquis Piero Antinori who manages the company with the support of his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra and Alessia, directly involved in the work of the house. Tradition, passion and intuition are the three principles that have made the company of the Marquis Antinori one of the great names in Italian wine.

The sunniest part of the Tignanello's hillside is home to the Solaia vineyard. The very best grapes from the very best vineyard. All the rest is passion, the utmost care and research. These are the secrets of Solaia together with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes from its namesake vineyard.

Tignanello and Solaia each have their own exclusive vinification and aging cellars. This approach enhances the unique qualities of each wine by allowing them to refine and perfect each and every detail. The vinification cellar was completely renovated between 2008 and 2009.

The Tignanello Cellar

Gentle arches form the vaulted ceilings in Tignanello's aging cellar, specifically designed for optimum aging in barriques. The wines, divided by varietal, are aged in French and Hungarian oak barrels that are either of first or second passage, before being blended to produce Tignanello.

The Solaia Cellar

A traditional cross-vaulted stone ceiling towers over Solaia's ancient cellar. The Villa's original edifice and the historical cellars date back to the sixteenth century and protect new French oak barriques that will eventually be used for aging Solaia.

The Tuscan Antinori family has been making wine for more than six ages. They are one of the largest wine companies in Italy and their innovations played a major role in the “Super-Tuscan” revolution of the 1970s. Solaia is a 20 hectare vineyard with a southwestern exposure located at an altitude between 350-400 meters above sea level and with a stony soil of hard limestone and flaky calcareous clay rock. The vineyard is located at the Tignanello estate.

Grape varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc, Gambero Rosso 3 Glasses, Robert Parker 97+ Points, James Suckling 97 Points, Falstaff 97 Points. 

My tasting notes

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. Flavors of ripe dark fruit, balsamic, cedar, chocolate and vanilla. Excellent persistent finish. Top!