Tignanello
Tignanello is an iconic Italian wine produced by the Antinori family, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious wine-producing dynasties. Here is detailed information about this renowned wine:
History
- Tignanello was first crafted in 1971 by Marchese Piero Antinori, revolutionizing the Italian winemaking industry by blending traditional grape varieties in non-traditional ways.
- The wine was initially a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and some white grapes, but it evolved over time to include Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, significantly altering the profile of Chianti wines.
- In 1975, the blend changed to exclude white grapes, marking the first "Super Tuscan" wine, which was not recognized under the DOCG classification due to its non-traditional composition.
Production
- The vineyards for Tignanello are situated in the Chianti Classico region, specifically in the Tuscany area of Italy.
- The wine is made from a blend that typically includes around 80-90% Sangiovese, with the remainder being Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
- The grapes are harvested by hand, and the wine undergoes a meticulous vinification process including fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels for about 12-14 months.
Characteristics
- Tignanello is known for its deep ruby color, complex bouquet, and flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, spice, and tobacco.
- The wine has a notable structure with well-integrated tannins, offering both elegance and power, making it suitable for aging.
- It is celebrated for its ability to evolve and improve with bottle age, often reaching its peak after several years of maturation.
Recognition and Influence
- Tignanello is often credited with pioneering the Super Tuscan movement, challenging traditional winemaking norms and elevating Italian wines to compete globally.
- The wine has received numerous accolades and high scores from international wine critics, becoming a benchmark for quality in Italian viticulture.
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