Tignanello is a red wine from the producer Marchesi Antinori. Tignanello is a so-called cult wine, which helped kick off the concept of super Tuscan. The wine was introduced for the first time in 1971, when Antinori created a barrel-aged wine from the French grapes Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Chianti.
Normally, wines were only made from the Sangiovese grape with a little green grapes added. Although it caused quite a stir in the Italian wine region, it was not a revolutionary approach. Since 1920, producers had been experimenting with the French Bordeaux varieties, which could give the classic Sangiovese wines some extra depth and lagrin potential.
Tignanello was one of the first red wines from Antiori, and the wine resonated worldwide because such a great wine from Chianti was not necessarily made from the well-known Sangiovese grape.
Tenuta Tignanello
Back in 1385, Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of Florence's United Vintners (Arte Fiorentina), and since then the Antinori family has been involved in the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine. It has gradually become 27 generations in a row, with Marchese Piero Antinori now passing on the legacy to his daughter Albiera Antinori. Now it is up to Abiera to carry on the proud family heritage with her two sisters Alessia and Allegra.
It is a great legacy to carry on for the three sisters who have seen their father Piero Antinori change Chianti forever through a visionary combination of talent, stubbornness and curiosity. Despite the great growth that Piero created for the winery, the family empire has a strong belief that quality is the way forward.
The story of Tenuta Tignanello
The first stone was laid in 1961 through the fantastic collaboration with the prominent wine expert Giacomo Tachis. Piero Antinori himself describes this as a "revisionist" era in which new winemaking methods, technological possibilities and ways of maturing wines were investigated.
The wine Sassicaia, made from Bordeaux grapes planted by Mario Incisa della Rochetta in Bolgheri just after the Second World War, was the first breakthrough. Tignanello followed in 1971 when they threw out the green grapes and began maturing in small French barrels. In 1978, there was a small surplus of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at Tenuta Tignanello, resulting in the creation of the wine Solaia for the first time.
Tuscany
Tuscany is home to Italy's most famous wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Sangiovese is the pride of the region and thrives well in Tuscany. Sangiovese is by far the most widely grown grape variety in all of Italy, which means that the quality varies from mediocre to world class, just like in Tuscany.
Tuscany has seven DOCGs, of which Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino are the most famous wine regions in Italy. All seven DOCGs produce excellent wine, but several of the 29 DOCs also produce wine of reasonable quality. Since 1980, Tuscany's wine quality has improved significantly as a result of the 1970 rebellion, which has had a major impact on Italy as a wine-producing country.
Super Tuscans
Super Tuscans is a term used around the best wines from Tuscany that have obtained the IGT classification. These wines are considered cult wines, and as a result of this unique designation, the prices of the unique bottles have followed the increasing demand. The concept of Super Tuscans originated back in the 1970s, when wines that did not meet the local wine requirements in Tuscany were declassified.
These wines were made from different grape varieties than the local varieties, and in terms of style the wines were far from the traditional wines from Tuscany. It is primarily the Bordeaux grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that are used in these wines, either together with Sangiovese or without. Other international grape varieties can also be used.
Which grapes is Tignanello made from?
Tignanello is made from a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The exact ratio of the different grape varieties used in each vintage may vary, but Sangiovese is always the dominant grape in one.
Sangiovese
The Sangiovese grape is one of Italy's most cultivated blue grapes and the country's most widespread grape variety. Some of Italy's best wines are produced as a result of its extensive use, but most wines are average. The variety in itself is therefore not sufficient to ensure quality in itself; rather, the place and the producer must be taken into account, two factors that play a decisive role.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety that is used both as a blended grape and as a single wine. Cabernet Franc is native to the Bordeaux Region in France and is often used in blends with the other grape varieties from the area.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a popular red wine grape originally planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet Sauvignon The grape is now widespread all over the world and is used in many different wine styles. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is known for its deep, dark color and strong tannins.
Tignanello wine
The grapes for Tignanello are grown on the estate's vineyards in Gaiole in the Chianti municipality. The vines are planted on south-facing slopes at an altitude of 400-600 meters above sea level. The climate is characterized by hot summers and cool winters with significant rainfall
The soil is rich in clay and limestone, which contributes to the wine's structure and unique taste.
Tignanello is a wine that has aged 12 months in French casks and then another 12 months in bottle before the wine is released.
The color of the popular cult wine from the Florence area has an intense ruby red color. In the scent, you often find notes of red berries such as blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries combined with cedar wood. The taste of the wine is rich and inviting, where there is often a nice balance between the delicate tannins and the acid. There is a long and beautiful aftertaste, which contributes to a good intense sensation.
Reviews
Tignanello has had many of the world's most renowned wine writers award high points. Among the most notable are Robert Parker, who previously gave Tignanello 96 points for the 2017 vintage and 97 points for the 2016 vintage. James Suckling has also given great points to this fantastic bottle of wine. James Suckling's reviews are around 95 points depending on the vintage.
Robert Parker, James Suckling and other wine writers are quick to launch reviews against the big name wines that Tignanello can be said to have.
Tignanello and food
Tinganello is a wine type that can be enjoyed alone, but which also goes exceptionally well with food. We suggest serving a bottle of Tignanello with dark meat, spicy dishes or strong cheeses. Here, Marchesi Antinori's pride is really allowed to unfold its great depth.
Buy Tignanello
At Bottles with History we have a wide selection of unique wines, including Tignanello in mature vintages. It is a wine that is obvious as gifts when special occasions are to be celebrated. You can safely choose Tignanello for many occasions.
You can always buy a bottle of Tignanello on our webshop, where we offer fast delivery when ordering wines. If you have a query about a specific vintage, please feel free to send us an e-mail or give us a call.
In addition to Tignanello, we at Bottles with History can also offer another Super Tuscan, namely Sassicaia. If you are looking for other great red wines, we also have Barolo and Barbaresco in over 50 different vintages.
