“Solaia” Toscana IGT 2022

Marchesi Antinori | Tenuta Tignanello | Tuscany
Marchesi Antinori S.p.A. | Piazza Antinori 3 | IT 50123 Firenze

09182822 · 0,75 l · 518,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

There are wines that make history. Solaia is one of them. When the Antinori family bottled this wine for the first time in 1978 – a pure Cabernet cuvée made from 80 per cent Sauvignon and 20 per cent Franc – nobody could have guessed that one of the most influential chapters in Italian wine history was about to begin. The name itself says it all: Solaia is derived from "sole", the sun, as this vineyard on the Tenuta Tignanello enjoys the sunniest south-west exposure on the entire estate. Twenty hectares between 350 and 400 metres above sea level, where the vines drive their roots deep into Alberese and Galestro – the hard limestone and schistose claystone that date back to the Pliocene and are rich in marine fossils. Solaia is only produced in exceptional years; there was no bottling in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1992. This consistency, this relentlessness in the pursuit of perfection, makes Solaia what it is: not just a wine, but an icon.

The 2022 vintage was characterised by strong climatic contrasts. A hot, dry start to the season until mid-August, with particularly high temperatures in June and July, was followed by a cooler, moderately rainy phase. This change in weather allowed the grapes to ripen ideally under excellent conditions. The grapes were harvest with the utmost precision: Cabernet Franc on 23 September, Sangiovese on 26 and 27 September and Cabernet Sauvignon on 5 October. After meticulously selective hand-picking and destemming, the grapes are carefully crushed and filled by gravity into 60-hectolitre tanks – this is done in a truncated cone shape so that the fruit flavours and tannin quality remain in perfect balance. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new French barriques, where the wine then matures for around 16 months. The individual batches are matured separately, then blended and returned to the barrels to finish.

In the glass, the Solaia 2022 presents itself in an intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. The nose is remarkably complex: concentrated aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries and plums meet subtle cassis, roasted notes, herbal spice and a refreshing balsamic note. On the palate, the wine is firmer than usual, with a full body, velvety texture and moderate acidity, without compromising the great balance. The final is polished and polished, with flavours of sweet tobacco, dark chocolate and spices – a wine that emphasises elegance rather than power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerfully bright and dense ruby colour, light violet hue. Opens with intense notes of cedar wood and graphite, then lots of crunchy fruit of cassis and blackberry, with some smoke in the background. Shows lush fruit on the palate, lots of blueberry and cassis, opens with almost perfectly integrated tannins, fine melting, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"A deep well of blackberry, plum and blueberry flavours characterise this dense, structured red wine. Although muscular, it offers refined tannins and is overall polished and harmonious. Cedar, iron, minerals and sweet spices emerge, while the aftertaste is long-lasting." Wine Spectator

"The Solaia 2022 is dark, multi-layered and exceptionally beautiful. Like the Tignanello, it has gained depth and complexity, especially in the mid-palate. Black cherry, plum, graphite, mocha, lavender and dried herbs take shape in the glass. Wonderful spicy overtones build on the deep, resonant finish." Vinous

"It opens with cool aromas of damp earth, wild berries, red fruit coulis and a hint of balsamic herbs. In the mouth, it is immediately very fleshy, almost voluptuous, but retains its shape. Balsamic-tinged black cherry and dark berry flavours are deepened by chocolaty wood, while juicy acidity accentuates the top end, leading to a long, bright, energetic and fresh finish that shows promise for the future." Decanter

"More elegant than powerful and more accessible than usual, with amazing concentration and complexity. Aromas of subtle cassis, toast, herbs and a refreshing balsamic note. Firm on the palate, with full body, velvety texture and moderate acidity, but not at the expense of its great balance. Lean, polished aftertaste with sweet tobacco flavours." James Suckling