Frequently Asked Questions
Crafted by the legendary Antinori family, Antinori Tignanello is a pioneering Super Tuscan red wine that redefined Italian winemaking. This bold and elegant blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc offers a captivating ruby red hue paired with complex aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and delicate hints of tobacco and vanilla. Aged in oak barrels, this wine boasts velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, and a harmonious balance, creating a long, memorable finish. A true icon in the Chianti Classico region, Tignanello pairs beautifully with rich dishes like roasted meats or aged cheeses, making it a timeless choice for wine enthusiasts seeking excellence in every sip.
Process & Profile
Tignanello is meticulously crafted from a single vineyard, the Tenuta di Tignanello, nestled in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region. The vineyard spans 190 acres (77 hectares) of limestone-rich soils at an altitude of 350-400 meters, ensuring ideal conditions for its signature grape varieties: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The production process combines traditional and modern techniques. After precise berry selection, fermentation occurs in small oak barrels, emphasizing aroma preservation, color extraction, and tannin refinement. The wine is aged for 14-16 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, with new and second-passage barrels enhancing complexity. Finally, the blend undergoes an additional 12 months of bottle aging for perfect balance and refinement.Tasting Notes
Tignanello boasts an intense ruby-red color and an aromatic bouquet of red fruits, cherries, and strawberries, complemented by subtle balsamic notes, violets, and hints of vanilla. On the palate, its vibrant flavors of ripe berries, cocoa, licorice, and roasted coffee meet refined tannins, creating a silky, layered mouthfeel. The wine finishes with a lengthy, fresh persistence and understated spiciness that evolves beautifully over time.What Makes It Special
Tignanello represents a milestone in Italian viticulture. It was the first red wine in the Chianti Classico region to eliminate white grapes and incorporate non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aged in barriques, it redefined the boundaries of Tuscan winemaking, setting the stage for Super Tuscans. With its perfect marriage of innovation and heritage, Tignanello stands as an enduring benchmark for quality and elegance.How to Enjoy
This wine's structure and complexity make it ideal for aging, with certain vintages drinking beautifully for decades. For young bottles, decanting enhances its vibrant flavors and softens tannins. Best paired with hearty dishes like roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, or aged cheeses, Tignanello also shines as a standalone indulgence. Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) for an optimal tasting experience.A Timeless Icon of Italian Winemaking
From its groundbreaking origins to its luxurious profile, Antinori Tignanello is more than a wine—it's a testament to Tuscan craftsmanship. Whether savored now or cellared for years, its bold character promises an extraordinary journey for any wine enthusiast.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Antinori Tignanello?
Antinori Tignanello is a renowned Super Tuscan red wine produced by the historic Antinori family in Tuscany, Italy. It is primarily made from Sangiovese grapes blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, setting it apart from traditional Chianti wines. Known for its rich complexity, Tignanello offers flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts and collectors.
What makes Tignanello unique?
Tignanello was the first Sangiovese-based wine aged in small oak barrels and blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This pioneering approach in the 1970s introduced a modern style of winemaking in Tuscany, creating what's now known as Super Tuscan wines. Its combination of innovation and quality makes Tignanello an iconic wine of global acclaim.
What is the blend composition of Tignanello?
The blend typically consists of 79–80% Sangiovese, 13–15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5–8% Cabernet Franc, depending on the vintage. This precise balance contributes to its vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and complex flavor profile.
Where is Tignanello produced?
Tignanello is exclusively produced in the Tenuta Tignanello estate, located in Tuscany's Chianti Classico region between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. The vineyard's limestone-rich soil and southwest-facing slopes create ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes.
What are the tasting notes of Tignanello?
Tignanello offers aromas of cherry, strawberry, tobacco, and spice, often complemented by hints of vanilla and toasty oak. Its medium to full body has elegant tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, flavorful finish. Each vintage has subtle variations; for example, the 2021 vintage features notes of graphite and orange-tinged finishes.
How long can Tignanello be aged?
Tignanello is structured for long-term aging. While it can be enjoyed young after a few hours of decanting, it develops greater depth and complexity over time. Most vintages are optimal for drinking 5–20 years after release, with some lasting up to 40 years.
What food pairs best with Tignanello?
Tignanello pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled beef, pasta with rich meat sauces, and aged cheeses. It also complements game dishes and spicy cheeses, making it versatile for various culinary experiences.
What is the history behind Tignanello?
First produced in 1970, Tignanello was created by Piero Antinori and winemaker Giacomo Tachis. It broke with traditional Chianti rules by blending Sangiovese with Cabernet varieties and aging in barriques. Since then, it has been a trailblazer in Italian winemaking and remains one of the most celebrated wines globally.
How much Tignanello is produced annually?
Antinori produces approximately 300,000 bottles of Tignanello each year. Its limited production and high acclaim contribute to its desirability and collectibility.
Is Tignanello a DOC or IGT wine?
Tignanello is classified as an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) wine. It does not conform to the traditional DOC or DOCG regulations due to its innovative blend and aging methods, but it is highly regarded as a benchmark for quality in Italian winemaking.
What temperature should Tignanello be served at?
For optimal tasting, Tignanello should be served at 18–20°C (64–68°F). It is recommended to decant the wine for 1–2 hours before serving to allow it to breathe and fully express its flavors.
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