Solaia - Toscana IGT 2022
Solaia, Tuscany at its best
Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. It extends over an area of 319 hectares (788 acres), of which 127 (313 acres) are dedicated to vines.
The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”. According to Marchesi Antinori, Solaia and Tignanello are an ongoing challenge and a never-ending passion.
The Solaia vineyard extends over an area of approximately 20 hectares (49 acres) at an altitude between 350 and 400 meters above sea level (1148-1312 feet), facing south-west, on calcareous rocky soils. The Antinori family produced this wine for the first time with the 1978 vintage. Solaia is only made in exceptional vintages and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1992.
The 2022 Vintage
2022 in Chianti Classico experienced hot and dry climatic conditions up until mid-August, especially during the months of June and July when temperatures reached levels that were higher than seasonal averages for this area. Despite these climatic conditions, the vines were able to regulate their growth cycle ensuring normal and even budbreak and flowering and continued to show remarkable resilience during the hottest months: when the berries reached veraison, both vegetative development and overall yields were ideal.
Mid-August brought rain showers and a drop in temperatures that encouraged optimal temperature swings between day and night and prompted an ideal ripening phase. Excellent weather during the autumn months guaranteed fruit of outstanding quality.
Tasting notes:
Solaia 2022 is an intense ruby red color with bright purple hues. On the nose, the bouquet opens with aromas of dark fruit: notes of black currants, blueberries, plums and figs unite with floral hints of sweet violets. Sweet impressions of powdered sugar and Gianduja follow over to spicy notes of white pepper, tobacco and quinine. Entry on the palate is creamy and rich sustained by extraordinary freshness and energy. Silky, mouth filling tannins create a refined and tight knit tannic texture that sustains the intense finish with exceptional depth.