Drink of the Day: Antinori Tignanello 2018

Drink of the Day: Antinori Tignanello 2018

The Antinori Tignanello 2018 is a deeply intense ruby red wine that stands as a milestone in the history of Italian viticulture. It offers a complex nose featuring notes of ripe red fruit, black cherries, and sour cherries, complemented by hints of vanilla, mint, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is rich and well-balanced, characterized by supple, velvety tannins and a persistent finish that reflects the unique terroir of its Tuscan origin.

Company History

The Marchesi Antinori company boasts a storied legacy that spans twenty-six generations, with roots tracing back to 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Winemakers Guild. Throughout its long history, the family has maintained direct management of the business, consistently balancing a deep respect for tradition with bold, innovative decision-making. Today, the company is recognized as one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the world, with a reputation for shaping the modern landscape of Italian wine production.

Product History

Tignanello was first produced in 1970 as a Chianti Classico Riserva, but it quickly evolved to challenge existing industry standards. It holds the distinction of being the first Sangiovese wine to be aged in small oak barrels, or barriques, and one of the first in the Chianti Classico region to exclude white grapes from its blend. By incorporating non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the wine broke from strict regulations of the time to become a pioneer of the modern Tuscan red table wine category. The 2018 vintage, crafted from grapes grown on limestone-rich soils at the Tignanello estate, underwent 14 to 16 months of aging in French and Hungarian oak followed by an additional year of bottle aging.

Review

The 2018 Tignanello has received widespread acclaim from professional critics for its purity, elegance, and structural balance. Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine 97 points, praising its breathtaking purity and silky texture. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also recognized the vintage with a score of 96 points, highlighting its exotic character and energetic tension. Additionally, Tastingbook reports a professional consensus score of 97 points, resulting in an overall average rating of 96.7 out of 100 across these independent sources.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Large Bordeaux-style glass | Serving temperature: 16 to 18 degrees Celsius | ABV: 14%

Serving Suggestions

• Decant the wine for at least one hour before serving to allow the complex aromas to fully develop.
• Pair this wine with hearty dishes such as roasted red meats, game, or aged cheeses to complement its robust tannic structure.
• Serve at a cool room temperature to ensure the delicate notes of spice and fruit remain prominent.