Tignanello Tenuta 2021

Tignanello Tenuta 2021: A Tuscan Icon Redefining Tradition

Discover the legendary Tignanello Tenuta 2021, an iconic Super Tuscan that continues to shape the landscape of Italian winemaking, available at The General Wine. This groundbreaking wine, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, represents a milestone in viticulture, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for quality and innovation in the Chianti Classico region.

Antinori: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Tignanello is the flagship wine of Marchesi Antinori, one of the oldest and most esteemed wine families in the world, with a winemaking history stretching back over 26 generations to 1385. This unparalleled lineage is matched by a continuous spirit of innovation and a deep respect for their Tuscan heritage. The Antinori family has consistently been at the forefront of Italian winemaking, leading the charge in introducing new techniques and grape varieties while always honouring the unique character of their land.

Tignanello itself is a prime example of Antinori's pioneering spirit. It was the first Sangiovese to be aged in small oak barriques, a significant departure from traditional large Slavonian oak casks, which allowed for a more subtle oak integration and structured ageing. Furthermore, it was one of the first contemporary red wines to blend Sangiovese with so-called "untraditional" varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold move that revolutionised Italian winemaking. Notably, Tignanello was also among the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region to eschew white grapes in its blend, a practice previously common but which Antinori recognised as detracting from the red wine's purity and depth. These pioneering steps collectively define Tignanello as a true milestone in Italian wine history.

The iconic label, designed by the celebrated Italian graphic and interior designer Silvio Coppola in 1974 for the 1971 vintage, reflects the wine's modern and minimalist ethos. Coppola, known for his austere furniture and minimalist lighting, was the perfect choice to capture the forward-thinking nature of Tignanello. Adding a personal touch, Marchese Piero Antinori, the current Honorary President, decided to have his father, Niccolò Antinori, sign the label. This signature serves as a heartfelt acknowledgement of his father's unwavering confidence in his vision and the groundbreaking path he embarked upon.

Tenuta Tignanello: The Heart of Chianti Classico

The grapes for Tignanello are exclusively sourced from the historic Tenuta Tignanello estate, nestled in the very heart of Chianti Classico. This magnificent estate spans 319 hectares (788 acres) across the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. Approximately 165 hectares (407 acres) are dedicated to vineyards, showcasing the family's extensive commitment to viticulture.

Within this esteemed estate lie two of its most prized vineyards, Tignanello and Solaia, situated on the same hillside. The unique soils here originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period, resulting in a composition rich in limestone and schist, alongside calcareous rocky soils with alberese (marl limestone). This distinctive soil profile contributes significantly to the wines' structure, minerality, and longevity. The vines also benefit from an ideal microclimate, enjoying hot temperatures during the day that ensure optimal ripeness, balanced by cooler evenings throughout the growing season, which helps to preserve acidity and aromatic complexity. It is from these exceptional vineyards that the estate's two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are born – wines that the international press has rightly defined as "among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture." For Marchesi Antinori, cultivating Solaia and Tignanello remains an "ongoing challenge and a never-ending passion," driving their pursuit of excellence. The estate also cultivates indigenous Sangiovese grapes alongside "untraditional" varieties like Cabernet Franc, forming the backbone of this iconic blend.

Tasting Notes: A Masterpiece of Tuscan Blending

Tignanello Tenuta 2021 presents an intense ruby red colour in the glass, often with garnet reflections, promising depth and concentration.

The nose is complex and evolving, offering a compelling array of aromas. Initial impressions of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherry, blackcurrant, and plum, are prominent. These primary fruit notes are beautifully interwoven with elegant secondary aromas derived from its careful maturation. Hints of cedar, tobacco leaf, and subtle spice, possibly from the French oak barriques, emerge, alongside delicate floral nuances and a touch of earthiness that speaks of the Tuscan terroir. The overall aromatic profile is sophisticated and inviting, developing gracefully with time in the glass.

On the palate, Tignanello Tenuta 2021 delivers a wine of remarkable balance and structure. The fruit flavours are vibrant and concentrated, echoing the dark and red berry notes perceived on the nose. The texture is velvety, supported by firm yet refined tannins that are seamlessly integrated, providing excellent grip and a long, elegant backbone. The wine exhibits a refreshing acidity that keeps the palate fresh and lively, ensuring exceptional drinkability and ageing potential. The finish is extended and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of rich fruit, subtle spice, and a touch of savoury complexity. Tignanello is a wine of power, finesse, and superb harmony.

Serving Suggestions and Food Matches

To fully appreciate the magnificent character of Tignanello Tenuta 2021, serve it at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. It is highly recommended to decant this wine for at least one to two hours before serving to allow its complex aromas and flavours to fully open up and express their full potential.

Tignanello is an exceptional food wine, capable of elevating a wide array of fine dining experiences. Its structure and complexity make it an ideal partner for rich, savoury dishes.

• Roasted and Grilled Meats: It is a classic pairing for roasted or grilled red meats, such as a perfectly cooked Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), slow-roasted lamb shoulder with herbs, or pan-seared duck breast.
• Game: The wine's intensity also makes it an excellent match for game dishes, including venison loin, wild boar ragu, or pheasant.
• Rich Pasta Dishes: Consider pairing it with substantial pasta dishes featuring rich meat sauces, such as a traditional Tuscan ragu or pappardelle with wild boar.
• Hard Cheeses: Tignanello complements aged, hard cheeses wonderfully. Its structure and fruit intensity stand up to the richness of these cheeses. For a superb cheese pairing, consider an aged Parmigiano Reggiano or a mature Pecorino Toscano. The salty, nutty, and slightly sharp characteristics of these cheeses will provide a delightful contrast and complement the wine's rich fruit, complex savoury notes, and firm tannins, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.

Tignanello Tenuta 2021 is not just a wine; it is a piece of Italian winemaking history, embodying innovation, tradition, and uncompromising quality. Experience this icon for yourself at The General Wine.