Sangiovese,Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

75cl * 14.0% ABV * Tuscany, Italy

Iconic for being the first Sangiovese to be aged in small oak barrels and the first modern red to include non-traditional varieties (e.g. Cabernet) in the blend, this certainly earnsTignanello its reputation as the greatest high quality estate wine made in scale.

Originally called “Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Tignanello” (a Chianti Classico Riserva from the Tignanello vineyard), this was produced for the first time from a single vineyard parcel in 1970. In 1971 it became a Tuscan red table wine rather than a Chianti Classico, and was called Tignanello. Only bottled in the best vintages, ever since 1982 the blend has been the one currently used. The 2020 vintage is around 80% Sangiovese with about 10% Cabernet Sauvignon to 5% Cabernet Franc. Antinori have said that they are “gradually increasing the Cabernet Franc in Tignanello to balance the greater richness that today’s warmer seasons are giving to our Sangioveses.”

Drinking window: 2026 – 2041+

Winemaker’s tasting note “Intensely ruby red in colour, Tignanello 2020 has exceptional aromatic complexity: notes of ripe red fruit especially cherries, strawberries and blackberries are accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, mallow blossom sand roses. Its bouquet is completed by notes of roasted coffee and cocoa powder. The vibrant entry gives way to a caressing layered mouthfeel. The wine closes with spicy notes of pepper and liquorice that merge with pleasant sensations of aromatic herbs for a fresh, lengthy finish.”

“Violets and lavender with dark fruit and hints of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with a fine tannin structure that gives this finesse and beauty. Its very long and goes on for minutes. Precision. 68% sangiovese with the rest in cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Drinkable but better in three or four years.” 97/100 points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (August 2023)

“From 2000 this blend of about 80% Sangiovese with the Cabernets could technically qualify as a Chianti Classico, but Antinori choose to continue to sell it as IGT Toscana. Lifted nose but still quite a dense, sweet palate with some refreshment on the finish. Drink 2025 – 2038.” 17/20 points, Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (July 2023)

“The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha later. Time in the glass brings out a striking dimension. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can’t wait to revisit the 2020 with age. “We are gradually increasing the Cabernet Franc in Tignanello to balance the greater richness that today’s warmer seasons are giving to our Sangioveses,” Antinori CEO Renzo Cotarella told me. Drink 2028 – 2045.” 96/100 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (August 2023)