Tenuta Tignanello by Antinori

The Rich Legacy of the Antinori Family

Tenuta Tignanello is situated in the picturesque Chianti Classico region, surrounded by the serene hills of the Greve and Pesa river valleys, just 30 km from Florence. Spanning 319 hectares, with 130 hectares dedicated to vineyards, this estate is home to the renowned Tignanello and Solaia vineyards, where Marchesi Antinori crafts its exceptional wines. The estate features a Renaissance villa built on the foundations of a property dating back to 1346 and has been in the Antinori family since 1850. Piero Antinori, the 26th generation of his family, has played a pivotal role in shaping this prestigious winery.

Innovative Winemaking Techniques

In the 1970s, the Antinori family began experimenting with various grape varieties, using Tenuta Tignanello as a hub for viticultural research. They introduced non-native grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, along with modern winemaking methods such as barrique aging and stainless steel fermentation. Their efforts culminated in the release of Tignanello in 1971 and Solaia in 1978, both of which have gained international acclaim. Notably, in 1997, Wine Spectator named Solaia the world’s number one wine, marking a historic achievement for Italian wines.

Unique Terroir and Vineyard Practices

The vineyards at Tenuta Tignanello are characterized by Pliocene soils rich in Galestro and Alberese, local terms for limestone and slate. Located at an altitude of 350 to 400 meters, the vineyards benefit from significant temperature variations between day and night, ideal for the maturation of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Additionally, the estate includes small parcels of Malvasia and Trebbiano for Vinsanto production, along with 37 hectares of olive groves, showcasing the diverse agricultural heritage of the region.