Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello : Solaia 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Solaia 2023 by Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello

Tasting Notes

Appearance
An intense ruby red colour, adorned with deep violet hues.

Nose
The bouquet proves expressive and complex, revealing aromas of ripe wild berries, blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant. This fruity ensemble intertwines harmoniously with notes of plum and fig, lifted by hints of pepper and liquorice.

Palate
Rich and vibrant, the palate is supported by silky tannins and a particularly refined structure. The finish lingers long and intense, leaving delicious impressions of bitter cocoa and coffee.

Serving and Cellaring

Endowed with exceptional ageing potential, Solaia 2023 is a wine built for long cellaring, best enjoyed from 2028 through to around 2050.

The Elegance of a Great Tuscan Wine by Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello

The Estate

The history of the Marchesi Antinori brand began in 1385 in Tuscany. Today, the Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello estate is led by sisters Albiera, Alessia and Allegra Antinori, representing the twenty-sixth generation. Located at the heart of Chianti Classico, this historic estate spans 319 hectares, of which 165 are under vine. A true laboratory of excellence, it combines centuries-old tradition with technical innovation, notably through its low environmental impact winery. The estate's worldwide renown rests on its iconic cuvées, including Solaia, created in 1978, which perfectly embodies the identity and values of this illustrious family.

The Vineyard

The vineyard dedicated to this exceptional cuvée in IGT Toscana covers an area of approximately 20 hectares. The vines thrive at an altitude of between 350 and 400 metres above sea level, benefiting from a favourable south-west exposure. The terroir stands out for its rocky, limestone-rich soils, particularly abundant in alberese and galestro, offering ideal conditions for root development and water regulation.

The Vintage

The growing cycle of 2023 began with a moderately cold and dry winter. Spring was cool and rainy, allowing excellent water reserves to build up in the soil. The summer season was hot and dry, but spared the vines from excessive heat spikes. In August, moderate rainfall accompanied steady weather conditions in September and October, favouring optimal ripening of the berries. Harvesting was thus able to begin in early October and concluded on 13 October.

Winemaking and Ageing

To craft Solaia 2023, the grape bunches are hand-picked during harvest and then carefully sorted upon arrival at the winery. After destemming, the berries are gently crushed and transferred by gravity into 60-hectolitre conical vats for fermentation. Maceration is managed with great precision to preserve the fruity character and refine the tannins. The wine is then transferred into French oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. Ageing continues for approximately 15 months in these same barrels. The different lots first age separately before being blended, then returned to barrels to complete their maturation.

Grape Varieties

This wine is crafted from a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc.