Tignanello 2017
IGT Toscana, Antinori, 750 ml
Description
Citing Robert Parker The Wine Advocate "...The Marchesi Antinori 2017 Tignanello (made with Sangiovese and smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) is a dark, exuberant and inviting wine. I tasted my sample after a double decanting and was pleased by the profound nature of the wine and the immediate openness of the aromas. There is a symphony of dark fruit with black cherry, plum, spice and sweet tobacco. I am particularly attracted by a distant hint of medicinal or menthol herb that I also discovered in other wines with fruit from the Tignanello estate in 2017. There's a drying mineral note of crushed chalk as well. The heat and dryness of the vintage has added to the aromatic intensity of the wine (yields were reduced by a third), but the mouthfeel is carefully crafted to maintain its softness and smoothness. Fruit comes from a 57-hectare section of the Tenuta Tignanello from a vineyard that is located 390 meters above sea level with Alberese limestone rock and soils of marine origin. The wine is fermented in conical oak tanks and is aged up to 16 months in a combination of mostly French and some Hungarian oak, both new and neutral. Some 300,000 bottles were released in April 2020 after one year of bottle age..."
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Attributes
| Grape variety: | Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc |
| Producer: | Marchesi Antinori |
| Origin: | Italy / Toscana |
| Other vintages: | 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2016 |
| Ripening potential: | 4 to 20 years |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Wild specialities, Bistecca fiorentina, T-Bone steak, Beef Stroganoff, Brasato di manzo al Barolo, Roast saddle of venison |
| Volume: | 14.0 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Cabernet Franc
Forefather of the Bordeaux varieties
The Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest varieties of Bordelais and a parent of three other red grapes in the Bordeaux assortment: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère. It is distinguished by its complex, flavourful bouquet of raspberry, graphite, violet, liquorice and white pepper. In addition, it presents round, crisp tannins which turn out less strongly than those of Cabernet Sauvignon. While the Cabernet Franc always appears as part of a blend in Bordeaux, it is pressed alone on the Loire. The most renowned appellations are Chinon and Bourgueil. Incidentally, the Cabernet originates not in Bordeaux but in the Spanish Basque Country. Cabernet owes its name to the Latin “carbon”, meaning black.
Sangiovese
Epitome of Tuscany
Sangiovese is Italy’s most important red grape variety and one of the most defining of the Italian wine landscape. Its origins likely date back to Etruscan times. For centuries, Sangiovese has been rooted in Tuscany, where it shapes renowned wine regions such as the Chianti area around Siena and Florence – forming the basis of world-famous wines. Today, the variety is widespread far beyond Tuscany across many regions of central and southern Italy, including Romagna, Umbria and Le Marche, and appears under different names and expressions depending on its origin, such as Brunello, Prugnolo Gentile or Morellino.The grape shows remarkable adaptability while being highly sensitive to site and climate. Even small differences in soil, altitude or microclimate, as well as berry and clonal variations, result in distinctly different wine styles. Aromatically, it is dominated by juicy cherries, red berries and plums, complemented by violets, herbs and subtle spice, often developing earthy notes with age. It is also characterised by vibrant acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins, giving the wines structure, freshness and excellent ageing potential.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The backbone of Bordeaux
The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the Bordeaux its backbone, yielding deep violet wines with powerful tannins and endless ripening potential. It is the top dog in Médoc, and is placed in all five premier crus of Bordelais. When young, it often appears strict and unapproachable, but with advancing years, its tannins round off. It is wonderfully velvety, and yet always maintains its freshness. Typical flavours include cassis, graphite and cedar. Wherever Cabernet Sauvignon is found, Merlot is not far away. It complements the robust structure of Cabernet with softness, fruit and richness. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most-exported vine in the world. It delivers persuasive qualities in Italy as an ingredient of the Super Tuscan, or as the flagship variety from California. There, it is lovingly titled “Cab Sauv”. Meat fans should be aware that it fantastically accompanies a grilled entrecôte. The family tree of Cabernet Sauvignon is surprising: its parents are Cabernet Franc and the white Sauvignon blanc.
Italy
Italy – Where wine is a way of life
The Italian wine regions are extremely diverse, and this is made clear in their wines. Established varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon can be found on just 15 percent of the total vine growing area. The remaining 85 percent is reserved for autochthonous, indigenous varieties. More than 2,000 different grape varieties are grown under diverse conditions and pressed with various techniques into wines that reach the top tier of the international wine market.
