Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello : Solaia 2020

The elegance and aromatic expression of a great Tuscan wine

The estate

An emblematic reference among the great wines of Tuscany, in Italy and around the world, the Tenuta Tignanello of the Antinori family is located in the historic heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Set within an enchanting landscape, the estate lies amid the hills between the Greve and Pesa rivers. Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello is renowned worldwide for its two iconic wines: Tignanello and Solaia. Both are considered among the most influential wines in the history of Italian winemaking.

The vineyard

The Tenuta Tignanello estate spans 319 hectares, 130 of which are dedicated to producing great Tuscan wines. The vines are planted on marl soils dating back to the Pliocene, rich in limestone and schist. The Mediterranean climate of the area is marked by significant temperature swings between day and night during the vines' ripening cycle. The location and terroir of the Tenuta Tignanello vineyard are particularly well suited to growing the Sangiovese grape. Other varieties are also present, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The wine

The result of a meticulous plot selection, Solaia comes from a vineyard of about 20 hectares. Facing southwest, this terroir is located on the sunniest part of the Tignanello hillside vineyard. The first vintage of Solaia was released in 1978. Produced under the IGT Toscana designation, this exceptional Tuscan wine is only made in outstanding vintages.

The vintage

A mild, dry winter, except during the month of March, encouraged early bud break. This was followed by a cool, wet spring, then a warm summer without heatwaves, punctuated by rainy spells that ensured optimal vegetative development. Rainfall recorded in September helped refine ripeness levels ahead of a harvest that stretched from late September to October 10th.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes were destemmed and then carefully sorted on sorting tables before undergoing gentle crushing and gravity transfer into vats. During fermentation and skin maceration, the goal was to achieve the perfect balance between fruit and tannin quality in order to highlight the smoothness, aromas, identity, and character of Solaia. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels to develop the wine's complexity and smoothness. Solaia 2020 is aged separately, lot by lot, in new French oak barrels for about 18 months before the final blend.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (70%)
Sangiovese (15%)
Cabernet Franc (15%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for Solaia 2020 by Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello

Tasting

An ideal expression of Tuscany's great terroirs, this 2020 vintage captivates with its complexity and enveloping structure. With its aromatic depth, richness, and elegance, this Italian wine boasts exceptional aging potential.