Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello : Solaia 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Recommendations for the Solaia 2022 by Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello

Tasting

Color
The color reveals an intense ruby red hue, enhanced by brilliant purple highlights.

Nose
The nose reveals remarkable complexity with aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, plum, and fig, elevated by notes of candied violets, powdered sugar, and gianduja. Spicy nuances of white pepper, tobacco, and quinine complete this sophisticated aromatic palette.

Palate
On the palate, this wine captivates with a creamy, rich texture enlivened by vibrant freshness. Silky, enveloping tannins structure a refined and focused palate, leading to an intense and profound finish with remarkable persistence.

Serving and Aging

The Solaia 2022 can be enjoyed now but has excellent aging potential until around 2040. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 16–18°C.

The Texture and Liveliness of an Exceptional Tuscan Wine by Antinori

The Estate

Established in 1346 under the Buondelmonti domain, Tenuta Tignanello was acquired by the Antinori family around 1850. Located in the heart of Chianti Classico in Tuscany, between the Greve and Pesa valleys, the estate covers 319 hectares, of which 165 are vineyards. Owned by the Marchesi Antinori, it revolutionized Italian winemaking in the 1970s by creating innovative blends of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The emblematic Tignanello and Solaia cuvées marked the modern wine history of Tuscany.

The Vineyard

The Tenuta Tignanello estate covers 319 hectares, of which 130 are dedicated to the production of great Tuscan wines. The vines are planted on Pliocene marl soils rich in limestone and schist. The Mediterranean climate of the area is characterized by significant temperature swings between night and day during the grape ripening cycle. The location and terroir of the Tenuta Tignanello vineyard are particularly suited to the cultivation of Sangiovese. Other varieties present include Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The Wine

Fruit of a parcel selection, Solaia is sourced from a vineyard of approximately 20 hectares. Facing southwest, this terroir is located on the sunniest part of the Tignanello hill vineyard. It was in 1978 that the first vintage of Solaia came to life. Produced in IGT Toscana, this exceptional Tuscan cru is only produced in great vintages.

The Vintage

The 2022 season was marked by strong climatic contrasts. A hot and dry start to the season until mid-August, with particularly high temperatures in June and July, was followed by a cooler, moderately rainy period. This weather evolution allowed for ideal grape ripening. The harvest took place in excellent conditions: Cabernet Franc on September 23, Sangiovese on September 26–27, and Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are hand-harvested with rigorous selection. After destemming and sorting, the berries are gently crushed and then gravity-fed to 60-hectoliter tronconical vats. Fermentation and maceration prioritize the balance between fruit and tannins. After racking, malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels, followed by aging of approximately 15 months in new French oak barrels. The lots are aged separately and then blended before returning to barrels to finalize the aging.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Sangiovese (10%), and Cabernet Franc (10%)