Antinori Tignanello 2021

Tignanello 2021: an Italian masterpiece by Antinori from Tuscany

Marchese Antinori Tignanello 2021 receives high ratings from wine critics.

• 98/100 Robert Parker
• 96/100 James Suckling
• 98/100 Vinous

Tignanello, an icon in the world of red wines, represents the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. Hailing from the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy, Tignanello is no ordinary wine; it is an experience, a journey through the rich history of winemaking with a modern twist. The 2021 vintage is the 50th edition of this wine. It is a wine that will continue to develop in the bottle in the years to come.

This Super Tuscan red wine is produced by Antinori, a centuries-old winery with a deep dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Tignanello is famous for its use of the indigenous Tuscan grape varieties Sangiovese combined with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from France. This creates a beautiful symphony of aromas and flavors.

Tasting note Tignanello 2021

Upon pouring, the deep ruby ​​red color of Tignanello immediately stands out, a harbinger of the complexity that unfolds with every sip. The bouquet is an elegant blend of ripe red fruit, spices, and a hint of vanilla, offering a foretaste of the layered taste experience that follows. The aroma possesses exceptional aromatic complexity: notes of ripe red fruit—cherries, strawberries, and blackberries—in particular are accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, blossom, and roses.

The bouquet is complemented by notes of roasted coffee and cocoa powder. The lively entry gives way to a caressing, layered mouthfeel. The wine finishes with spicy notes of pepper and liquorice that blend with pleasant sensations of aromatic herbs for a fresh, long finish.

Why is Tignanello such a special wine?

What makes Tignanello truly unique is the “Super Tuscan” approach to winemaking, where traditional grape varieties are combined with international varieties. The result is a wine that offers both depth and refinement, with soft tannins and an impressively long finish.

This wine is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also an investment in craftsmanship and heritage. Over the years, Tignanello has received countless awards and symbolizes the continuous evolution of Italian viticulture.

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for a special bottle for a special occasion, Tignanello is a choice that impresses and creates memories. Explore the depth of Italian winemaking with every delectable drop of Tignanello. A masterpiece in a bottle, ready to be discovered.

Antinori

Piero Antinori found on his estate Tenuta Tignanello, in the heart of Chianti Classico, the ideal terroir for Tuscan Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux. He created a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged it in small oak barriques. Entirely against the rules of the DOCG Chianti Classico, but he did produce a magnificent wine with it: Tignanello. Consequently, this wine holds a “regular” IGT appellation.

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hills between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers. It extends over an area of ​​319 hectares (788 acres), of which approximately 130 (321 acres) are dedicated to vines. Two of the estate’s prized vineyards, Tignanello and Solaia, lie on the same hill, on soils derived from Pliocene marine marlstone, rich in limestone and slate. The vines enjoy warm temperatures during the day and cooler evenings during the growing season. The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and are described by the international press as “one of the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”.

Robert Parker about Tignanello 2021 (98)

First made in 1971, this legendary Italian wine now celebrates its 50th birthday. Happy Birthday, Tignanello! The Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello (made with 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc) pulls on all the heartstrings. To be released in May, the wine shows a quintessentially pretty taste profile with tart fruit flavors, redcurrant, tea leaf, heritage rose, crushed white pepper, licorice, nutmeg, clove and chopped mint. It opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance with time, becoming downright voluptuous and heady a short while later. The through line, however, remains the bright freshness and minerality of Sangiovese. Compared to the 2018 vintage (which I also loved), this vintage has more overall fruit weight and volume.

James Suckling about Tignanello 2021 (96)

The currants and spices are very pretty, with some hazelnut undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Very structured for a Tignanello, with medium chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Very polished and curated with a deft winemaking hand coming through. Needs three or four years to soften, but it’s all there.

Vinous about Tignanello 2021 (98)

#8 in Vinous Top 100 Wines of 2024

The 2021 Tignanello is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel and then just after bottling. Silky and polished, with exceptional finesse, the 2021 has all the pedigree to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine more broadly. Bright dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco all soar out of the gals, framed by a discreet touch of French oak that adds raciness. In some vintages, the elements are discernible. In 2021, it is the total harmony of the wine that makes the strongest and deepest impression. The 2021 spent 17 months in wood, three months in neutral oak during the malolactic fermentation and then 14 months (50% new) for the rest of its aging. Superb.