An iconic Tuscan red where Sangiovese elegance meets the depth and structure of Cabernet. Marchesi Antinori Tignanello 2018...
An iconic Tuscan red where Sangiovese elegance meets the depth and structure of Cabernet.
Marchesi Antinori Tignanello 2018 is produced from the estate’s historic Tignanello vineyard in the heart of Chianti Classico, combining 80% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Tignanello occupies an important place in modern Italian winemaking as one of the earliest wines from the region to combine Sangiovese with non-traditional Cabernet varieties and mature the wine in small oak barrels. The 2018 vintage delivered ripe fruit with excellent phenolic maturity after a growing season that moved from a cool, rainy spring into a warm, dry summer and favourable conditions at harvest. Deep ruby in colour, the wine combines ripe red and black cherry fruit with floral, herbal and gently spicy complexity. Its balance of concentration, freshness and silky tannin gives the vintage both immediate polish and significant ageing potential.
Each variety was fermented separately with careful skin maceration before the wines underwent malolactic fermentation in small oak barrels. Tignanello was then matured for approximately 14 to 16 months in French and Hungarian oak, using a combination of new and second-fill barrels, before the final blend was assembled. An additional twelve months of bottle ageing preceded release, allowing its fruit, oak and tannin structure to become more integrated. The palate is rich yet poised, with vivid freshness supporting ripe cherry fruit, vanilla, mint and subtle white-pepper character. Fine, velvety tannins extend through a persistent finish and reinforce the elegant, polished style of the 2018 vintage.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Complex, ripe and aromatic
Ripe red fruit, black cherry and sour cherry mingle with vanilla, mint, white pepper and delicate myrtle notes.
PALATE
– Rich, balanced and silky
Layered cherry fruit and subtle spice are carried by exceptional freshness and supple, velvety tannins.
FINISH
– Long, elegant and persistent
Fresh red fruit, fine tannins and gentle savoury spice linger with clarity and polished structure.
Reviews & Accolades
“This wine brought to mind precise imagery of tailcoats, striped dress pants, wingtip collar shirts and other gentlemen's fashion choices from the Roaring Twenties. Sporting a retro but classic personality, the Marchesi Antinori 2018 Tignanello is quite the dapper and jovial wine that hits the market just as much of the world is emerging from a dark chapter of lockdowns and coronavirus curfews. I love the optimism that springs bright with such clarity and detail from within this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2016 vintage was a benchmark for sure, but I prefer the 2018, thanks to that tinge of nostalgia or emotion that is so deftly rendered in this cool, long growing season.” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 98 Points
“Fragrant and incredibly refined, this classy red exhibits enticing scents including ripe berry, fine tobacco blend, camphor and dark spice. Smooth and enveloping, the delicious palate boasts a winning combination of creaminess and vibrancy, delivering juicy black cherry, red cherry, licorice and dried mint framed in polished, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it well-balanced.” — Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, 97 Points
“The 2018 Tignanello is every bit as impressive as it was when I last tasted it earlier in the year. Blood orange, spice, black cherry and mocha lend an alluring exotic character to a Tignanello that sizzles with tension and energy. Silky, creamy contours play off classically mid-weight structure. Beguiling and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2018 is a total knock-out.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 97 Points
“This is so aromatic with flowers, such as cherry blossoms and roses, together with currants and blackberries. A medium-bodied Tignanello with very fine tannins and depth. Racy and very, very long finish. Pure and refined. Lots of blue fruit. Tight at the end, but showing a sophisticated and reserved style. Very refined. Drinkable now, but will age nicely.” — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 96 Points
Finer Details:
Brand - Marchesi Antinori
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Red Blend
Grape Blend / Cépage - 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Country - Italy
Region - Tuscany
Appellation - Toscana IGT
Vintage - 2018
ABV - 14.5%
Size - 750ml
