Tignanello

An iconic estate, producing Sangiovese based wines blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. A leading ‘supertuscan’. Lying in the heart of Chianti on 319 hectares of land, the estate has two prized vineyards; Tignanello and Solaia. The soils of these vineyards orginate from marine marlstone, rich in limestone and schist. The vineyards are instantly recognisable with the white stones reflecting the sunshine back onto the vines.

Chianti

ITALY

Expression of Marchesi Antinori philosophy

The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”.

Throughout the 1970’s, Tenuta Tignanello was a sort of laboratory for Marchesi Antinori, a center for new viticultural research and development as they introduced new winemaking techniques and new varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Innovations concerning vine density or pruning techniques and the selection of the Sangiovese grape were always intended to obtain grapes with concentrated fruit and soft tannins.

In this unique terroir, Sangiovese and Cabernet are able to fully express their own distinctive personalities and reflect the territory’s signature characteristics.

Viticulture

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. It extends over an area of 319 hectares (788 acres), of which about 130 (321 acres) are dedicated to vines. Two of the estate’s prized vineyards are on the same hillside, Tignanello and Solaia, on soils that originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist. The vines enjoy hot temperatures during the day and cooler evenings throughout the growing season. Within the boundaries of Tenuta Tignanello’s about 130 hectares (321 acres) of vineyards, divided into smaller individual parcels, are two of the finest pearls: the Tignanello vineyard and the Solaia vineyard. The soils, originating in the Pliocene period, are rich in calcareous rock and marl and sit at an altitude of 350-400 meters above sea level (1148-1312 feet) with considerable temperature fluctuation between day and night; all of these factors combined give the grapes their unique characteristics. Grape varieties grown include the indigenous Sangiovese and untraditional varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that are able to fully express the territory’s distinctive characteristics. There are also small parcels of Malvasia and Trebbiano for Vinsanto production and 37 hectares (91 acres) of olive groves.

Winemaking

Tignanello and Solaia each have their own exclusive vinification and aging cellars. This approach enhances the unique qualities of each wine by allowing us to refine and perfect each and every detail. The vinification cellar was completely rennovated between 2008 and 2009. Wines produced on the estate reflect expressly different aspects of one unique terroir, Tignanello. The territory’s exceptional characteristics are captured in the wine’s decisive, unmistakable and elegant personality.