Spirit of the Day: Antinori Tignanello 2018

Spirit of the Day: Antinori Tignanello 2018

Antinori Tignanello 2018 is a prestigious red wine produced by the Marchesi Antinori family in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy. This iconic wine is celebrated for its role in modernizing Italian viticulture and remains a benchmark for quality and innovation in the region.

Producer History

The Antinori family has been involved in the production of wine for over 26 generations, with a history that spans centuries. Their ancestral home and headquarters, Palazzo Antinori, remains a central hub for their operations in Florence. The family gained control of the Tignanello estate in the late 1960s, a property that was historically connected to the Medici family through marriage. Today, the estate is led by Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia Antinori, marking the first era of the company under female leadership.

Product History

Tignanello was first produced in 1970 as a Chianti Classico Riserva, but it quickly evolved into a revolutionary project that challenged traditional winemaking rules. It was the first Sangiovese wine to be aged in small oak barriques and one of the first in the region to exclude white grapes from the blend. By 1971, it was reclassified as a Tuscan red table wine, and by 1975, the use of white grapes was entirely eliminated. The 2018 vintage is crafted from a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, aged for approximately 16 months in a combination of new and used Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging.

Taste Profile

Appearance: The wine displays a deeply intense ruby red color.

Aroma/Nose: The nose is remarkably complex, featuring notes of ripe red fruit, black cherries, and sour cherries, layered with hints of vanilla, mint, white pepper, and myrtle.

Palate: The palate is rich and well-balanced, characterized by supple, velvety tannins and a fresh acidity that provides elegance and persistence.

Finish: The finish is long and savory, delivering distinct sensations of blood orange, cocoa, and roasted hazelnuts.

Overall Character: Tignanello 2018 is a sophisticated and refined wine that balances power with finesse, showcasing the unique limestone-rich terroir of the Tignanello vineyard.

Review

The 2018 Tignanello has received widespread critical acclaim, with an average score of 97 points based on reviews from Wine Advocate (98), Vinous (97), and Wine Spectator (96).

Serving Guide

Glassware: Large Bordeaux-style glass | Serving temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius | ABV: 14.5%

Serving Suggestions

• Decant for at least four hours before serving to allow the complex aromas to fully develop.
• Serve at room temperature to ensure the velvety tannins and fruit profile are properly expressed.

Food Pairings

• Roasted red meats, such as lamb or beef, which complement the wine's structured tannins and savory finish.
• Game dishes like wild boar or venison, as the wine's spice and dark fruit notes stand up well to intense flavors.
• Aged hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Toscano, which provide a salty contrast to the wine's balsamic and fruit-forward profile.