Tignanello 2005 Toscana IGT - Antinori

Tignanello 2005 – Antinori

Tignanello is the wine with which Piero Antinori, from the 1970 vintage onwards, reshaped Tuscan red: the first Sangiovese aged in barriques, and among the first to pair Sangiovese with non-traditional varieties such as Cabernet and to drop white grapes. It is the true founder of the Super Tuscans, and is made only in vintages judged worthy of it.

It comes from the vineyard of the same name on the estate between the Greve and Pesa valleys, on south-west-facing limestone soils of marine origin. Sangiovese is joined by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc; the wine matures for about a year in barriques, then rests in bottle before release.

2005 was a tricky vintage in Tuscany, with late-season rain that called for careful grape selection. The result is a fresher, leaner Tignanello which, at twenty years old, has reached full maturity: dried cherry, plum, tobacco, leather, earth and spice, with tannins now polished. A good opportunity to taste an evolved Tignanello. With roasts, game or aged cheeses.

At a glance: Sangiovese 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Cabernet Franc 5% · 13.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Antinori, Tuscany