Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, ITALY
A New Dawn for Italian Wine: Tignanello
Born in 1971 in the historic terroir of Chianti Classico, Tignanello defied convention and ushered in a new era for Italian winemaking. Nestled on hilly terrain between 350 and 400 meters above sea level, the vineyard's unique blend of Alberese and Galestro soils provided the foundation for this groundbreaking creation.
Tignanello was a bold experiment: the first Sangiovese aged in barriques. A pioneering blend of traditional Tuscan Sangiovese grapes and international Cabernets, and among the first red wines from the Chianti Classico area to be produced without white grapes. This audacious approach solidified Tignanello's status as a true pioneer in the world of wine.
The Tignanello vineyard, now covering 77 hectares, with 57 hectares currently in production, stands as a testament to the wine’s enduring legacy. By carefully selecting clones and propagating vines from the original 1960s plantings, Marchesi Antinori has preserved the unique character of this exceptional site. The vineyard features a balanced blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, distinguished by vines that produce smaller, sparse grape clusters. These characteristics allow the vineyard’s unique terroir to fully express itself.
This two-year long process which started at the end of the 80’s, has resulted in a vineyard which is totally (100%) dedicated to heritage clones from which Marchesi Antinori derives its Tignanello wine.
In the 1960s, the Italian wine landscape was undergoing a transformation. Marchese Piero Antinori, a visionary wine-producer, sought inspiration from the world's finest territories, particularly those of Bordeaux. Collaborating with renowned oenologists Émile Peynaud and Giacomo Tachis, he embarked on a quest to create a wine that could compete on the global stage. Tignanello was the result of this ambitious endeavor.
Renzo Cotarella, appointed Director of Production and Head of Oenology in 1993, oversaw a meticulous vineyard renewal process, based on a careful analysis of the hillside, identifying the differences and special characteristics of each individual vineyard parcel. This allowed for the selection of a series of biotypes that were planted with a density of 5,000 plants per hectare.
Tignanello's impact extends far beyond the Tuscan hills. It was one of the first wines to be dubbed a "Super Tuscan" by the American press in the mid-1980s, a term coined to describe wines from Tuscany that pushed the boundaries of traditional winemaking. Tignanello started this movement that had a significant impact on wine culture, today called the "Renaissance" of Italian wine, marking a turning point for the Chianti Classico area and for Sangiovese.
Today, Tenuta Tignanello encompasses 165 hectares. The wine is enjoyed in approximately 170 countries, with key markets including Italy, the United States, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Tignanello's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of its terroir while resonating with a global audience.
"Tignanello has a very special meaning for me and my family because it represents the beginning of the renaissance of Italian wine," says Piero Antinori. This sentiment encapsulates the profound impact Tignanello has had on the Italian wine industry and its enduring legacy as a symbol of innovation and excellence.
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