Toscana IGT Tenuta Tignanello Solaia 2022 Marchesi Antinori

What kind of wine is it

Solaia 2022 from Marchesi Antinori is one of the most renowned Tuscan red wines, created from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. Produced at the prestigious Tenuta Tignanello in the heart of Chianti Classico, it represents one of the iconic labels of Italian winemaking and is made exclusively in exceptional vintages. This vintage perfectly expresses the cru’s style: depth, elegance, and aromatic complexity, combined with refined structure and remarkable ageing potential.

Where it comes from

The wine comes from the Solaia vineyard, a plot of about 20 hectares situated at an altitude of 350 to 400 meters at Tenuta Tignanello, facing southwest. The stony, limestone soils with alberese and galestro lend the wine structure, depth, and aromatic complexity. The 2022 vintage was characterized by an initially warm and dry climate, with high temperatures in June and July. Rainfall in mid-August and a subsequent drop in temperatures brought important day-night temperature variations, allowing for balanced ripening of the grapes and a high-quality harvest that began on September 23rd with Cabernet Franc and ended on October 5th with Cabernet Sauvignon.

How it’s made

The harvest was carried out with great care both in the vineyard and in the cellar. After picking, the bunches were destemmed and manually selected on the sorting table before crushing. The must was gravity-fed into 60 hl truncated conical vats, where alcoholic fermentation and maceration took place, carefully managed to preserve balance between fruit expression and tannin quality. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barriques. Ageing continued for about 15 months in new oak, initially with the various lots kept separate and subsequently blended for the final assemblage.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it shows an intense ruby red color with violet highlights. The bouquet is wide and complex, with aromas of dark fruit like blackcurrant, blueberry, plum, and figs, along with delicate floral notes of violet. Elegant hints of powdered sugar, gianduja, white pepper, tobacco, and cinchona also emerge. On the palate, the entry is rich, creamy, and vibrant, underpinned by great freshness and energy. The silky, enveloping tannic weave accompanies a deep, harmonious sip that culminates in a long, intense, and persistent finish.

Food pairings

Thanks to its elegant structure and aromatic complexity, it pairs perfectly with robust land cuisine. It is ideal with grilled red meats, roasts, and game dishes, while also beautifully accompanying braised meats and aged cheeses. In Tuscan tradition, it naturally pairs with Florentine steak or braised wild boar.

When to serve it

Solaia 2022 is a wine to choose for special occasions or dedicated tastings, when one wants to enjoy a bottle of great prestige. Served at around 16–18 °C in large glasses, it allows the bouquet to express all its complexity. The structure and balance of this vintage indicate a remarkable ageing potential, capable of developing further aromatic nuances over the years.