A deep ruby red in color, the wine was also endowed with expressive varietal aromas and sweet notes of red berry fruit and spices. The long, cool growing season was perceptible in the full ripeness of flavor, the ample and supple structure, and the elegance and admirable balance. The sustained finish and aftertaste echoed the fragrance first felt on the nose.
Ample rainfall, cold temperatures, and periodic snowfall characterized the winter of 2010 in Chianti Classico and led to a sustained period of repose in the vineyard and a delayed bud break. Regular rainfall continued during the spring as well and, along with lower than average temperatures, continued to delay vine growth and development. True summer weather only began in July, and the high temperatures and a completely dry climate assisted in recovering the ripening time previously lost. Cooler weather in late July and August, then once again slowed ripening and color change in the grapes and made it necessary to limit production per vine and assure that grape bunches be healthy possible.
Awards: Wine Advocate 97/100 USA
James Suckling 98/100 USA
Guida Bibenda 2014 5 Grappoli Italy Guida Oro
I Vini di Veronelli 2014 Super Tre Stelle Italy
Wine Spectator 93/100 USA
Wine Enthusiast 97/100 USA
The sunniest part of the Tignanello's hillside is home to the Solaia vineyard. The very best grapes from the very best vineyard. All the rest is passion, the utmost care and research. These are the secrets of Solaia together with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes from its namesake vineyard.
The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. It extends over an area of 319 hectares (788 acres), of which 130 (321 acres) are dedicated to vines. Two of the estate’s prized vineyards are on the same hillside, Tignanello and Solaia, on soils that originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist. The vines enjoy hot temperatures during the day and cooler evenings throughout the growing season. The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”. According to Marchesi Antinori, Solaia and Tignanello are an ongoing challenge and a never-ending passion. The Tignanello estate has vineyards of indigenous Sangiovese grapes as well as some other untraditional varieties such as Cabernet Franc.
