Having returned from Tuscany, it is such a pleasure to write about one of the great wines of the world, the Antinori ‘Tignanello’ Red Wine. A wine with a marvelous history, the Antinori family remarkably dates back to over six centuries ago, back in 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the "Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri," the Florentine Winemaker’s Guild. Remarkably since then the Antinori family has managed the business making a range of innovative developments. Albiera Antinori serves as president of Marchesi Antinori with the continuous close support of her two sisters, Allegra and Alessia. Marchese Piero Antinori, is the current Honorary President of the company.
The Antinori ‘Tignanello’ was first produced in 1971 and released commercially in 1974. The wine's initial blend, a departure from traditional Chianti Classico standards, included Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, making it one of the first to utilize these varietals and barrel-aging techniques.
I loved the last two releases of this wine. They are different animals, the ’21 ‘Tignanello’ (OB, 98) being much more evolved right now. The ’22 ‘Tignanello’ (OB, 99) flirts with perfection and is very hedonistic, dense and delicious wine. It is easily going to age for twenty years to come. Learn more about this storied wine and house at https://www.antinori.it/en/vino/tignanello-en/ and here are my reviews of the 2021 and 2022 ‘Tignanello’ wines.
2021 Antinori ‘Tignanello’ Red Wine- A totally mesmerizing warm vintage wine, the 2021 ‘Tignanello’ is comprised of mainly Sangiovese (79%) with the remainder 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc. The nose is gorgeous with plush dark fruits that parade with bay leaf and cardamom alongside shades of tar and damp earth. Smooth and polished during the drinking experience, it is mesmerizing how well this is drinking in its heady youth. Beautifully-textured and rich with a voluptuous mouthfeel, enjoy this stunning 2021 wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 98
2022 Antinori ‘Tignanello’ Red Wine- A slightly different breed than the ’21, the 2022 Antinori ‘Tignanello’ Red Wine really needs about an hour in the decanter to get going. I enjoyed this wine on five occasions while staying in Firenze and each time I noticed how the wine began to slowly evolve after an hour. It is even more heady and intense than the ’21, with a seamless texture and polished tannins that frame a gorgeous core of creme de violette, cassis, loamy soils and suggestions of sweet pipe tobacco on the palate. A total head-turning bottling, make sure to give this a lot of air if enjoying in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2046- 99