Frequently Asked Questions
Marchesi Antinori Solaia Super Tuscan IGT is a legendary red wine that epitomizes the artistry of Italian winemaking. Crafted from a meticulous blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc, this iconic wine hails from the sun-kissed slopes of the Tignanello estate in Tuscany. The 2020 vintage impresses with its deep garnet hue and a symphony of aromas, including vibrant currants, black cherries, violets, and spice, with subtle hints of cedar and licorice. Aged 18 months in French oak, the wine offers a full-bodied palate with velvety tannins, remarkable depth, and a long, flavorful finish. Its bold character, layered complexity, and harmonious balance make it a benchmark of the Super Tuscan style, celebrated for its exceptional aging potential and refined elegance.
Process & Profile
Crafted by the renowned Antinori family, the Solaia is a flagship Super Tuscan wine that epitomizes excellence and innovation in Italian winemaking. It originates from the sunlit 50-acre Solaia vineyard on the Tignanello estate in Tuscany, situated at an altitude of 350-400 meters. The unique terroir, featuring “albarese” (hard limestone) and “galestro” (calcareous clay), provides the ideal conditions for cultivating a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Franc. This meticulous blend undergoes fermentation in conical wood vats and 18 months of aging in French oak barriques to achieve unparalleled balance and complexity.Tasting Notes
The Solaia Super Tuscan unveils a deep garnet color that hints at its intensity. The bouquet is a symphony of black cherry, cassis, violets, sage, and cedar, accompanied by whispers of espresso and licorice. On the palate, it delivers bold blackberry and plum flavors layered with savory herbs, graphite, and a touch of spice. Its refined tannins and vibrant acidity create a structured yet approachable wine with a velvety mouthfeel and an enduring, elegant finish.What Makes It Special
The Solaia stands out for its harmony of tradition and innovation. It was one of the pioneers of the Super Tuscan movement, breaking the mold by incorporating non-indigenous varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc into a classic Italian framework. Only produced in exceptional vintages, it represents the pinnacle of Tuscan viticulture, celebrated for its aging potential, precision craftsmanship, and ability to rival Bordeaux's greatest wines.How to Enjoy
Solaia is best savored in its prime, often after a few years of cellaring. Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) to allow its complex aromas to fully develop. Pair it with hearty dishes such as grilled steak, game meats, or aged cheeses to complement its robust flavors. This wine is also an exceptional addition to celebratory moments or as a collector's gem, promising decades of refinement and enjoyment.A Cellaring Classic
Antinori's Solaia is more than a wine; it's a masterpiece in the world of fine drinking. Indulge in its luxurious profile today or store it for a journey that will unfold over time.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Antinori Solaia wine, and why is it famous?
Antinori Solaia is an iconic Super Tuscan wine from Tuscany, Italy. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc, known for its richness, elegance, and complexity. The wine is produced only in exceptional vintages and is made from select grapes grown on the sunniest slopes of the Tignanello estate, making it one of the most prestigious wines in Italian viticulture.
What does Super Tuscan mean?
The term "Super Tuscan" refers to high-quality red wines from Tuscany that broke traditional winemaking rules. These wines often use non-indigenous grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, blended innovatively to create a modern, bold, and luxurious profile outside the traditional DOC or DOCG classifications. Solaia is considered a gold standard of this style.
What are the tasting notes of Antinori Solaia?
Solaia is renowned for its deep ruby red color and complex aromas. Tasting notes include black currants, dark cherries, blackberries, violets, and hints of spices like cocoa, licorice, and white pepper. The wine boasts silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, harmonious finish with notes of dark chocolate and toasted spices.
What is the composition of the blend in Antinori Solaia?
The wine is typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. While the proportions can vary slightly, Cabernet Sauvignon generally dominates the blend, giving it structure and bold flavors, complemented by the balance and vibrancy of the Sangiovese and the aromatic finesse of Cabernet Franc.
How should I pair Solaia with food?
Solaia pairs beautifully with rich red meat dishes such as braised beef, lamb, or aged steak. It also complements hearty pasta, risotto with truffles, and strong, hard cheeses. The wine's structure and tannins are enhanced by dishes with bold flavors.
How should I store and serve Antinori Solaia?
Store Solaia in a cool, dark place at a consistent temperature (around 55°F or 13°C) with moderate humidity. Serve the wine at a temperature of around 60–65°F (15–18°C). Decanting for at least 1–2 hours before serving is highly recommended to allow the wine to fully open up and reveal its complexity.
How long can I age Antinori Solaia?
Solaia is built for aging and can develop beautifully in the bottle for decades. With proper cellaring, it can reach its peak after 10–20 years, offering deeper integration of flavors and a softer, more rounded profile over time.
What makes the vineyard and terroir of Solaia special?
The Solaia vineyard is located on a 50-acre site with a southwest-facing slope at an altitude of 350–400 meters above sea level. Its stony soil, rich with limestone and clay, ensures excellent drainage and unique minerality. The location enjoys optimal sunlight exposure and temperature variations, contributing to the wine's intensity, balance, and aging potential.
What is the alcohol content of Solaia?
Solaia typically has an alcohol content of 14.5%, adding to its bold and full-bodied character.
When is the best time to drink the 2020 vintage?
The 2020 vintage of Antinori Solaia is expected to show its full potential after 2028. While it can be enjoyed earlier, aging it further allows the flavors to mature and the tannins to soften, resulting in a more elegant and harmonious wine.
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