ANTINORI SOLAIA IGT
TUSCANY, ITALY 2021
Why Buy: This 100-point masterpiece, crafted from a single exceptional parcel within Antinori’s famed Tignanello vineyard (and, as always, made only in exceptional years, as 2021 indisputably was in Chianti Classico) is that rare confluence of pedigree, terroir, and perfect growing conditions that collectors dream of — from a family that began making wine when another Italian master, Leonardo da Vinci, was just beginning his apprenticeship in Verrocchio's workshop. This is your chance to secure a superlative vintage of one of the most collectible wines in the world.
What They're Saying: An "impeccably balanced" wine, Vinous wrote, in its 100-point commendation, showcasing more "finesse ... than opulence," with "dark plum, mocha, licorice, chocolate, spice, lavender, and menthol build[ing] effortlessly in the glass."
Our Tasting Notes: A Super Tuscan of weight and generosity, yet remarkably fresh and balanced. Complex, woven aromatics unfold gracefully, complemented by delicately soft tannins and a long, deeply pleasurable finish. It's a wine that, like Antonioni's “L’Avventura” — to speak of another Italian masterpiece — challenges conventional expectations while rewarding patient contemplation.
The Specs: Solaia is a harmonious blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Sangiovese lending character and structure, and a touch of Cabernet Franc for added dimensionality. The grapes are fermented and macerated in truncated cone-shaped tanks, a process that perfectly balances tannins and fruit compounds. After racking, malolactic fermentation occurs in barriques, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. This meticulous process results in a wine of exceptional depth and complexity.
The Story: The Antinori family's winemaking history predates Columbus's voyage to the Americas by over a century. Their winemaking journey began in 1385 in southwest Florence, long before Bolgheri became synonymous with viticultural excellence, and has continued on through 26 generations, making it the 10th oldest family-owned company in the world. To taste Antinori's wines is to savor over 600 years of history, yet, at the same time, their approach is far from antiquated. Since acquiring the estate in 1990, Marchesi Antinori has masterfully balanced tradition with innovation. Their philosophy echoes the Renaissance spirit of their Florentine roots – honoring the past while boldly shaping the future. Solaia, born from a single sun-soaked ("sole" in Italian) parcel within the renowned Tignanello vineyard, epitomizes this balance. It's produced only in exceptional years, making each vintage a testament to both nature's bounty and human expertise. The estate's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of production. From meticulous vineyard management to state-of-the-art winemaking techniques, Antinori leaves nothing to chance. Yet above and beyond the science it has quite clearly mastered, there’s a “certain something” that all of its wines communicate: a sense of place, of history, of artistry that can only come from centuries of intimate knowledge of the land.
What to Pair It With: Roasted chicken, goose, and duck; rich and hearty braises; nearly any meat from the grill; charcuterie boards. The wine's complexity and character enables it to complement a wide range of flavors and textures.
Fun Fact: The name "Solaia" means "the sunny one" in Italian, aptly describing its vineyard of origin. This 20-hectare southwest-facing vineyard sits at 350-400 meters above sea level, on a rocky limestone soil with layers of alberese and galestro rock. This unique terroir contributes significantly to the wine's distinctive character and complexity.
Our Guarantee: This is simply not to be missed, folks — a knock-out Super Tuscan from a legend in the business, and guaranteed to bring you many hours of deep and abiding pleasure. And remember, we always buy and ship directly from the estate, to ensure that your wine arrives with pristine provenance. But act now; our allocation is not large.
*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 AZ, KS, MI, NM, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 11th, 2024.
