The Wine

The first vintage of Solaia was 1978 and is only made in exceptional years with passion, the utmost care and dedication to research together with the finest grapes from its namesake vineyard.

Climate

2022 in Chianti Classico experienced hot and dry climatic conditions up until midAugust, especially during the months of June and July when temperatures reached levels that were higher than seasonal averages for this area. Despite these climatic conditions, the vines were able to regulate their growth cycle ensuring normal and even budbreak and flowering and continued to show remarkable resilience during the hottest months: when the berries reached veraison, both vegetative development and overall yields were ideal. Mid-August brought rain showers and a drop in temperatures that encouraged optimal temperature swings between day and night and prompted an ideal ripening phase. Excellent weather during the autumn months guaranteed fruit of outstanding quality. The grape harvest took place on September 23rd for Cabernet Franc, continued on the 26th and 27th for Sangiovese and was completed on October 5th with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vineyards

The sunniest part of Tenuta Tignanello estate’s hillside is home to the Solaia vineyard. Approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) at an altitude between 350-400 meters above sea level, the vineyard faces south-west, on calcareous rocky soils rich in Alberese (rocky, clay and limestone) and Galestro (marl of limestone and sandstone).

Winemaking

The utmost care and attention were given both in the vineyards during harvesting operations and in the cellar. Grapes were destemmed, meticulously selected on sorting tables, delicately crushed then transferred by gravity flow into vats. It was imperative that only the finest berries reached the 60 Hl truncated cone shaped fermentation tanks. During fermentation and maceration on the skins, it was essential to maintain the right balance between fruity compounds and quality of the tannins to best express the softness, fragrance, identity, and character of Solaia. Immediately after racking, malolactic fermentation began in barriques, enhancing the complexity and pleasantness of the wine. Aging took place in new French oak barrels. The various lots were aged separately then blended and reintroduced into barrels to complete the aging process.

History

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. It extends over an area of 319 hectares (788 acres), of which 165 (408 acres) are dedicated to vines.

The current 16th century manor house was built on the foundations of an estate that dates back to 1346 when the property belonged to the Buondelmonti’s, a noble family that owned a great part of the land in Valle della Pesa. In the seventeenth century, a cadet branch of the Medici family took possession of the estate and named it Fonte dei Medici. In the mid 1800’s the Antinori family acquired the estate.

The “Carocci”, a historical-artistic guide of the town of San Casciano Val di Pesa, described the Tignanello farm and extensive vineyards in 1892 as one of the highest and more picturesque localities in the entire territory.

Tasting Notes

Solaia 2022 is an intense ruby red color with bright purple hues. On the nose, the bouquet opens with aromas of dark fruit: notes of black currants, blueberries, plums and figs unite with floral hints of sweet violets. Sweet impressions of powdered sugar and Gianduja follow over to spicy notes of white pepper, tobacco and quinine. Entry on the palate is creamy and rich sustained by extraordinary freshness and energy. Silky, mouth filling tannins create a refined and tight knit tannic texture that sustains the intense finish with exceptional depth.