Antinori Tignanello 2021

TOP 100 WINE OF THE YEAR 2024 WINE # 2 WINE SPECTATOR REPORTS : 'The 2021 vintage marks the 50th anniversary of this iconic Super Tuscan, the brainchild of Piero Antinori with the help of the late Giacomo Tachis and Bordeaux enologist Émile Peynaud. A game changer for Tuscany and Italy, Tignanello remains one of Italy’s greatest reds, revealing added finesse and purity from this superb harvest. Antinori CEO and head winemaker Renzo Cotarella considers 2021 his best vintage in a storied career. He and the Antinori team continue to refine the oak treatment, and earlier blending of the grape varieties used (Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) has improved both the precision and expression of the Tignanello vineyard.'

Tignanello is made exclusively from the vineyard of the same name which is situated on limestone and tufaceous soil on the Tignanello estate. Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barrique, the first modern red wine blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet, and one of the first red wines in Chianti not to use white grapes. Tignanello, originally "Chianti Classico Riserva vigneto Tignanello" was first made from a single vineyard in the 1970 vintage, when it contained 20% Canaiolo and 5% Trebbiano and Malvasia and was aged in small oak barrels. With the 1971 vintage it became a Tuscan table wine and was named Tignanello. In 1975 the percentage of white grapes was definitively removed. Tignanello is only made in the most worthy vintages. 

Since 1982 the composition has remained the same with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Look for a very intense ruby red in color with purple highlights, the wine is suavely convincing in its aromas and harmonious in its expression of the characteristics of Chianti Classico as a zone. The nose is redolent of licorice, violets, and cherries under spirits together with notes of vanilla, chocolate, and sweet toasty oak, all of excellent intensity and sweet elegance. Fresh and savory flavors on the persistent finish and aftertaste add length and a convincing finesse.

Tignanello 2021 is ruby red with intense purple hues. The nose is complex: notes of ripe plums, blackberries and candied orange peels lead to pleasant hints of dark chocolate, caramel, and licorice. Sweet hints of tobacco complete the impressive bouquet. The palate is rich, sophisticated, intense and is defined by supple vibrant tannins followed by a long persistent finish.