Antinori - Toscana IGT 'Tignanello' 2003

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys.  It extends over an area of 319 hectares (788 acres), of which about 165 (407 acres) are dedicated to vines.  Two of the estate’s prized vineyards are on the same hillside, Tignanello and Solaia, on soils that originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist.  The vines enjoy hot temperatures during the day and cooler evenings throughout the growing season.  The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”. According to Marchesi Antinori, Solaia and Tignanello are an ongoing challenge and a never-ending passion.  The Tignanello estate has vineyards of indigenous Sangiovese grapes as well as some other untraditional varieties such as Cabernet Franc.

Once separated from the skins, the wine was transferred into small oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation to accentuate aromatic finesse and complexity. Aging took place in French oak barrels and a small percentage in Hungarian oak, predominantly new barrels, for a total period of approximately 15 months: after an initial period of aging the lots separately, they were blended then completed barrel aging. Tignanello, crafted mainly with Sangiovese and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, underwent an additional 12-month period of aging in the bottle before being released.

“Antinori’s 2003 Tignanello (85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) is a terrific effort. Typical Sangiovese notes of red cherries, tobacco and underbrush dominate the flavor profile of this intensely flavored Tignanello that manages to be ripe and open, while retaining notable balance and freshness, although the tannins dry out a bit on the back end. This is a delicious Tignanello to enjoy now and over the next decade. The high altitude of the vineyards was clearly an asset in 2003.” - 92 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Subtle and complex aromas of licorice, dried flowers and currant follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a tar and berry aftertaste.” - 91 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Antinori

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Vintage: 2003

Size: 750ml