Today, Julien tastes and reviews a wine legend, the first “Super Tuscan” wines made by legendary producer Marchesi Antinori in the heart of Italy.
00:00 – Tignanello Super Tuscan Legend Intro
01:40 – Need-to-Know about Tignanello
03:48 – Rating Tignanello & Tasting Notes
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Tignanello is more than just a bottle of red; it’s the wine that essentially broke the rules of Italian winemaking to save it. Produced by the Antinori family at their estate in the heart of Chianti Classico, it is the original “Super Tuscan.”
1. Key Facts
The Rule-Breaker: In the 1970s, Italian law required Chianti to include white grapes and forbade “international” varieties like Cabernet. Piero Antinori ignored these rules to prioritize quality, meaning Tignanello had to be legally classified as a humble “Table Wine” (Vino da Tavola) despite being world-class.
The Blend: Since 1982, the blend has stabilized at approximately 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Firsts: It was the first Sangiovese-based wine to be aged in small French oak barrels (barriques) and the first modern red in the region to exclude white grapes entirely.
The Vineyard: It is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, a 57-hectare (140-acre) plot sitting at an altitude of 350–400 meters. The soil is rich in limestone and galestro (a flaky, slaty clay), which gives the wine its signature minerality.
2. What It Tastes Like
Tignanello is famous for its “velvety” texture and a balance between the vibrant acidity of Sangiovese and the structure of Cabernet.
Aroma: Expect an intense and complex bouquet. You’ll find ripe red fruits (cherries, plums, and raspberries) layered with savory notes like licorice, tobacco, and balsamic herbs.
Palate: It is full-bodied and elegant. The tannins are typically described as “supple” or “silky”—they provide structure without being harsh.
Finish: It has a long, lingering finish often characterized by hints of bitter chocolate, roasted coffee, and spice.
6 Comments
I think Tig is one of the best wines! American wines are garbage
I am keeping my 2021 Tignanello’s until after 2030.
In the Netherlands I payed €160, which is about $200 these days. It surprises me that the wine is less expensive in the US.
Just picked up another pioneering Super Tuscan in Grattamacco (also 2021 vintage). How do they compare?
I drank a bottle of 2020 Tignanello and I really enjoyed it. The wine was very balanced and while you were drinking it you did not feel like you would want to add or decrease some flavour element of the wine. The wine also kept evolving over time in the glass so I’d say the wine is worth the money.
Great video (as always) thank you Julien !
Two questions if I may please ;
1. Drinking a 2021 Tignanello now – to decant or not ?
2. buy now and keep for how long to achieve the best results ?
I had the 2021 and I found the wine to be well balanced but soft, very feminine.. but not full body