Wine Advisor
Antinori, Tignanello Toscana IGT 1990
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Description
Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine blended with untraditional varieties (specifically Cabernet) and one of the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region that didn’t use white grapes. Tignanello is a milestone. It’s produced with a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. 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 about 130 (321 acres) are dedicated to vines. Two of the estate’s prized vineyards are on the same hillside, Tignanello and Solaia, on soils that originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist. The vines enjoy hot temperatures during the day and cooler evenings throughout the growing season. The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”. According to Marchesi Antinori, Solaia and Tignanello are an ongoing challenge and a never-ending passion. The Tignanello estate has vineyards of indigenous Sangiovese grapes as well as some other untraditional varieties such as Cabernet Franc.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Pale garnet-brick. Intense gamey / savoury aromas with an undercurrent of dark cherry jam, fresh cracked black pepper and a pleasant hint of mushroom. The palate reveals lots of life left in this wine giving a crisp backbone of acid and a medium+ level of finely grained tannins. Good concentration of dried fruit flavours, a pleasant savoury meatiness and some spice. Very long finish. Drink now – 2012+. Tasted November 2008.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Antinori's 1990 Tignanello (a blend of primarily Sangiovese with some Cabernet Sauvignon) is the best example I have tasted of this wine since the marvelously opulent, rich 1985. Rich yet supple and expansive enough to be consumed with great pleasure, it offers a dark ruby/purple color, and a big, smoky, earthy nose of nearly over-ripe cherry and currant-like fruit. Full-bodied, with exceptional concentration and purity, this distinctive, spicy wine should drink well for 10-15 years. Importer: Remy Amerique, Inc., New York, NY.
About the Producer
A story passed down through 26 generations The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member, of the “Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri”, the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. All throughout its history, twenty-six generations long, the Antinori family has managed the business directly making innovative and sometimes bold decisions while upholding the utmost respect for traditions and the environment. Today, Albiera Antinori is the president of Marchesi Antinori with the continuous close support of her two sisters, Allegra and Alessia, all actively involved in first person in the business. Their father, Marchese Piero Antinori, is the current Honorary President of the company. Tradition, passion, and intuition are the three driving forces that led Marchesi Antinori to establish itself as one of the most important winemakers of elite Italian wine.
