1 BOTTLE X 75cl

SOLAIA

Tuscany IGT classification

Grapes

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Franc

Climate

2020 in Chianti Classico began with a mild and dry winter and, only in the final part of March, was it characterized by a short cold period; these climatic conditions favored an earlier budding of the vine.

The moderately rainy and rather cool spring preceded a hot summer, free of thermal excesses, and characterized by some rainfall events which allowed the bunches to grow optimally. The month of September, during which the harvesting operations began, was characterized especially in its final part by light rains which favored the gradual completion of maturation.

The grapes were harvested starting from the end of September, starting with the Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, until the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest was completed on October 10th. Total annual rainfall: 875 mm Average temperature 1 April - 10 October: 19.7 °C Rainfall 1 April - 10 October: 433.4 mm

Vinification and refinement
Attention was high, both in the vineyard during the harvest and in the cellar, where the grapes were destemmed and the berries, before being delicately pressed, carefully selected at the sorting table to then be transferred by gravity into the tanks.

In fact, it is essential that only the perfect grapes reach the 60 hl truncated cone winemaking tanks.

During fermentation and maceration, maximum attention was paid to maintaining the correct balance between the fruit and the quality of the tannin in order to give the wine sweetness and fragrance as well as identity and character.

Immediately after racking, malolactic fermentation began which, in barrique, enhanced the complexity and pleasantness of the wine.

The aging process took place in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. After an initial period of refinement in separate batches, these were assembled to complete the evolution in wood.

Notes from the winemaker

“An ideal season, without excesses, which gave us balanced grapes, well ripe and capable of representing the Solaia terroir.

A wine of great character, enveloping and complex, rich and elegant, with great aging potential but at the same time of immediate readiness and gustatory expression.”

Historical data

Solaia is a vineyard of approximately 20 hectares facing south-west between 350 and 400 meters above sea level. on a rocky limestone soil with alberese rock and marl, located at Tenuta Tignanello.

The Antinori family produced this wine for the first time with the 1978 vintage; the initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, which was repeated in 1979. In subsequent vintages, 20% Sangiovese was introduced and some corrections were made in the ratio between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, until arrive at the current composition. Solaia is only produced in exceptional years and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983,1984 and 1992.

Alcohol content 14.5% Vol.

Tasting notes

Solaia 2020 has a ruby red color.

On the nose it is striking for its intensity and complexity: notes of berries in particular blueberry, raspberry and currant alternate with sweet hints of plum, black cherry and fresh sensations of mint, myrtle, liquorice and floral nuances of lavender; the rich bouquet is completed by sweet and well-integrated notes of cocoa powder and dried fruit alternating with spicy hints of cloves and pleasant sensations of pink pepper.

On the palate the entry is rich and enveloping, and then relaxes in a refined way, with silky tannins that support a long and persistent finish.

In the aftertaste, the minty, licorice and chocolate notes return, perceived on the nose.