Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello : Solaia 2015

A refined, sun-drenched and generous 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 cold and relatively dry winter gave way to a spring that started off rather wet in March-April but was then dry in May and June. The mild and regular temperatures favoured an even development of the vineyard as well as an optimal flowering phase. July was marked by alternating hot days and cool nights. August was particularly hot and was punctuated by a few rainy spells which boosted the ripening process. The grapes harvested were healthy and showcased a high quality.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes were destemmed and then rigorously sorted on sorting tables before being delicately crushed and transferred using a gravity-flow method 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. The wine is aged for a total of 18 months, with an initial ageing period carried out in a plot-by-plot manner before blending, followed by a few months of ageing before bottling.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (73%)

Sangiovese (20%)

Cabernet Franc (7%)

Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello’s Solaia 2015: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful ruby red with subtle purple hues.

Nose

Complex and expressive, the nose blends fragrances of plum jam and black fruit (blackberries, blackcurrants) with notes of chocolate and liquorice. When aerated, delicious minty notes appear, providing a great freshness.

Palate

Harmonious, this wine seduces the palate with its structure, its balance, its suppleness and its elegant tannins. The finish is very long.