Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine blended with untraditional varieties (specifically Cabernet) and one of the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region that didn’t use white grapes. Tignanello is a milestone. It’s produced with a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Climate: The 2022 growing season in Chianti Classico saw lower-thanaverage levels of rainfall up until the month of August. Overall, spring and summer were hot while the months of June and July experienced temperatures that were higher than seasonal averages for the region. Despite these climatic conditions, the vines were able to regulate their growth cycle ensuring normal budbreak and flowering and continued to show remarkable resilience during the hottest months: when the berries reached veraison, both vegetative developmentand overallyields were ideal. Mid-August brought rain showers and lower temperatures that restored excellent temperature swings between dayand night, prompting an ideal ripening phase. Exceptionallyfavorable climatic conditions during fall ensured that harvested fruit was of outstanding quality. The grape harvest took place mid-September for Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc while Cabernet Sauvignon was picked the first week of October.  

Vinification: This growing season’s climate trends challenged us to be focused and diligent both in the vineyards during harvesting activities and when grapes were brought to the cellar where sorting operations and initial winemaking processes were essential to achieve optimal results. During fermentation in truncated conical tanks, each individual must was macerated on the skins giving particular emphasis to preserving aromas, extracting colour,and encouraging desirable tannins that were supple and elegant. Racking was performed after rigorous daily sampling and tasting. Once separated from the skins, the wine was transferred into small oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation to accentuate aromatic finesse and complexity. Aging took place in French oak barrels and a small percentage in Hungarian oak, predominantly new barrels, foratotal period of just over 13 months;afteran initial period of aging the lots separately, they were blended then completed barrel aging. Tignanello, crafted mainly with Sangiovese and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, underwent an additional 12-month period of aging in the bottle before being released.

Tasting Notes: Tignanello 2022 is intensely ruby red with purple hues. The wine opens impressively with aromas of cherries, ripe black cherries and pomegranate seeds with delicate notes of violets that lead to fresh balsamic hints. The bouquet is completed by elegant hints ofvanillaand cotton candy. Supple savoury tannins impart a dynamic impact on the palate, dense yet fresh. The wine closes with a lengthy finish that echoes aromas perceived on the nose.

Marchese di Antinori