Toscana IGT Tenuta Tignanello Solaia 2021 Marchesi Antinori

2021 Vintage

The 2021 vintage in Chianti Classico was marked by a long and patient season, capable of delivering power and elegance. The winter, not too cold and rich in rains up to March, favored an early budding, which was later slowed by the cool and dry climate of April. May and June were regular, with well-distributed rains guaranteeing excellent flowering and fruit setting. The summer, generally hot and dry, saw some rains in August that allowed the vines to face the maturation at their best. September and October, sunny and breezy, with cool nights, favored a slow and complete maturation. The harvest, slightly postponed, took place from the last days of September until October 21.

The Vineyard and Grape Blend

Solaia is born from a vineyard of about 20 hectares located at the Tignanello Estate, at an altitude between 350 and 400 meters above sea level, facing southwest. The soils are rocky and calcareous, with the presence of marl and galestro, capable of infusing great personality and aromatic richness. Born in 1978 with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Solaia saw the introduction of Sangiovese from 1982 and a progressive refinement of the proportion between the grape varieties, reaching the current balance. It is produced exclusively in vintages considered exceptional.

Vinification and Aging

The harvest was conducted manually with extreme care, followed by a meticulous selection of grapes on the sorting table. After destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes were transferred by gravity into 60 hl truncated cone-shaped tanks, where the alcoholic fermentation took place with great attention to the balance between fruit and tannin. The malolactic fermentation in new French oak barriques enhanced complexity and elegance, while the aging, lasting about 16 months, occurred in separate barrels before the final blending.

Tasting Notes

Solaia 2021 presents an intense ruby red color with violet reflections. On the nose, it stands out for its richness and aromatic complexity: blackcurrant, blackberry, and purple plum intertwine with fresh notes of mint and myrtle, with spicy nuances of white pepper. Sweet aromas of powdered sugar, cocoa, and licorice emerge next. The sip is vibrant, rich, and enveloping, supported by silky tannins and a perfectly balanced structure. The finish is long and persistent, with elegant hints of dark chocolate and a significant potential for evolution.

It is the ideal wine for grand occasions and can be enjoyed as a meditation wine.