ANTINORI TIGNANELLO

TUSCANY, ITALY 2021

 

 

Why Buy: This is one for the books, folks — the 98-point 50th anniversary bottling of Tignanello, the legendarily revolutionary flagship expression from the 600-year-old Antinori estate, crafted by the 26th generation of this winemaking dynasty. That high score came from both The Wine Advocate and Vinous, with Antinori's general manager going so far as to tell The WA’s Monica Larner that "2021 is the best vintage he has ever overseen. Ever.” Collectors, take note: this is an absolute must-have, and we’re proud to be able to bring it to you in three different formats.

What They're Saying: “Opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance with time,” Larner wrote, in her 98-point paean, noting that it becomes “downright voluptuous and heady a short while later. The through line, however, remains the bright freshness and minerality of Sangiovese." Antonio Galloni of Vinous also awarded 98 points, praising its "silky and polished" character "with exceptional finesse," declaring it has "all the pedigree to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine more broadly. ... Superb."

Our Tasting Notes: Its balance impressed us; its complexity seduced us. It unfolds with layers of ripe cherry, blood orange, and exotic spices — all of this underpinned by a core of vibrant acidity that speaks to its Sangiovese heart. The Cabernet components add depth and structure, resulting in a wine of remarkable poise and longevity. The finish is seemingly endless, with fine-grained tannins and a mineral streak that augurs, we think, many decades of evolution in the cellar.

The Bottlings: The 2021 Tignanello is a blend, primarily, of Sangiovese, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for rounding and dimensionality. The wine undergoes a meticulous aging process, spending 17 months in wood. This includes three months in neutral oak during malolactic fermentation, followed by 14 months in barrels, 50% of which are new. Vinous has noted that recent vintages have seen a gentler approach to winemaking, with more refined use of oak and an increase in Cabernet Franc, and we would second that; if anything, this elegant, complex wine has become even more so.

The Story: To taste Antinori's Super Tuscans is to savor more than 600 years of history, the character and terroir of land that has stood the test of time … and then some. The Antinori family, now in its 26th generation of winemaking, is the 10th oldest family-owned company in the world. Their winemaking legacy at the estate in southwest Florence dates back to 1385, long before Bolgheri became synonymous with fine Italian wine. Tignanello's story, however, begins in 1971 when a 28-year-old Piero Antinori took the helm of the family business. His vision to "rewrite all the rules for vino Italiano" culminated in the creation of Tignanello, a wine that, as Larner puts it, "ushered Italy into the world of modern winemaking. It was nothing short of revolutionary.” The Tenuta Tignanello estate, nestled in the heart of Chianti Classico, spans 300 acres, including the prized hillside sites of Tignanello and Solaia. Tignanello broke new ground as the first Sangiovese aged in barrique and among the first to blend with non-indigenous varieties. This bold approach, declassifying wines and ignoring traditional norms, laid the foundation for the Super Tuscan movement. Today, under the stewardship of Piero's daughters, Antinori continues to balance respect for tradition with innovative winemaking. The 2021 Tignanello is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing the family's ability to craft wines that are both timeless and thoroughly modern.

Fun Fact: Antinori’s Solaia was the first Italian wine to be named the No. 1 Wine in the World by Wine Spectator, and Piero Antinori was the first Italian to be selected Decanter’s "Man of the Year."

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can be confident that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!

 

 
 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NM, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024.