Toscana IGT Tenuta Tignanello Solaia 2017 Marchesi Antinori

Solaia takes its name from the vineyard of the same name, a plot of land of about 20 hectares facing south-west, on a rocky and calcareous soil: the first blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, which was then replicated in 1979. In the following vintages a 20% Sangiovese was introduced and some changes were made in the balance between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, up to the present blend.

Solaia is produced only in exceptional vintages and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1992. 2017 will be remembered as an extraordinary vintage, characterized by early budding thanks to a mild winter and spring, with some lowering of sudden temperature in April which caused a slight reduction in the number of bottles produced. From May to the end of August, on the other hand, the climate was hot and particularly dry, so much so that the rainfall in September was welcomed with great relief, as they helped to rebalance the vineyard stressed by the summer drought. The peaks of heat that were recorded in the months of July and August could suggest similarities with the 2003 vintage from which it differs for the summers of 2017 in which the nights were very cool and contributed to bringing well mature and endowed with great balance and elegance.

A careful selection of the grapes in the cellar has allowed us to obtain a wine of the highest level. After separating the skins and the wine, the fermentation takes place in the traditional way followed by the malolactic fermentation which, in barrique, enhances the complexity and elegance of the wine, which ages in new French oak barrels for 18 months.

Solaia 2017 is a masterpiece that satisfies all five senses: intense ruby red color, opens to the deep and rich nose, with a unique aromatic profile; notes of ripe fruit, blackberry and blueberry are combined with balsamic hints of mint and aromatic herbs. It wraps the sip in a rich, penetrating, vibrant way, with soft and elegant tannins: the finish is long and persistent, with a notable aging potential. It is the ideal wine to drink in meditation.