Antinori's Tignanello: A Tuscan Wine Pioneer

A Brief History

Tignanello is a groundbreaking red wine produced by the renowned Antinori family in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. It has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the 1970s when Marchese Piero Antinori made the bold decision to age Sangiovese in French barriques. This was an unconventional practice at the time, as Sangiovese was traditionally aged in large oak barrels. By breaking with tradition, Antinori created a wine that was more complex, structured, and age-worthy than anything that had come before it.

Unique Characteristics

Tignanello is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The wine is aged for 12-18 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. This aging process imparts a rich, complex flavor profile characterized by notes of ripe fruit, spice, and leather. Tignanello is a full-bodied, structured wine with a long, elegant finish.

Awards and Recognition

Tignanello has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. It has been rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, and James Suckling. In 2015, Tignanello was ranked as one of the top 100 wines in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine.