winemaker's notes:
85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Tignanello is made exclusively from the vineyard of the same name which is situated on limestone and tufaceous soil on the Tignanello estate covering 47 south-west-facing hectares at altitudes between 350 and 400 metres a.s.l.. This was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first modern red wine blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet, and on e of the first red wines in Chianti not to use white grapes. Tignanello, originally "Chianti Classico Riserva vigneto Tignanello" was first made from a single vineyard in the 1970 vintage, when it contained 20% Canaiolo and 5% Trebbiano and Malvasia and was aged in small oak barrels. With the 1971 vintage it became a Tuscan table wine and was named Tignanello. In 1975 the percentage of white grapes was definitively removed. Since 1982 the composition has remained the same. Tignanello is only made in the best vintage years, and therefore was not made in 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1984, 1992 and 2002.
Very intense ruby red colour. Nicely expressed varietal aromas with hints of black berry fruit. The palate is weighty, dense and vibrant with complex structure thanks to support of the acidity. Long and lingering with hints of chocolate, coffee and marmalade in the aftertaste. The beautifully handled tannin from the wine and wood blend making Tignanello a very complex, stylish and sophisticated wine.
