Wines Unspecified Antinori - Tignanello - 2018

Viniou Reviews

The 2018 Tignanello by Antinori is a distinguished Tuscan red wine and an emblematic “Super Tuscan” cuvée. This world-renowned blend typically marries Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, producing a wine of impeccable balance and depth. The 2018 vintage benefitted from a cool spring with moderate rainfall, followed by a warm, dry summer that allowed for slow, even grape maturation and a harvest marked by freshness and aromatic intensity. Vinification is modern yet respectful of tradition. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, followed by ageing in French and Hungarian oak barriques, which imparts subtle hints of spice and rounds the wine’s supple tannins.

Tignanello hails from the sun-drenched hills between the Greve and Pesa rivers in central Tuscany, a region with an illustrious winemaking heritage stretching back centuries. The area’s unique combination of galestro and alberese soils—rich in limestone and shale—imparts a remarkable minerality and finesse to the wines. Tuscany’s warm, temperate climate, defined by sunny days and cool nights, enhances the ripening of both native and international grape varieties and is a key reason for the region’s global eminence in producing complex, age-worthy reds. The Antinori family itself has been at the forefront of Italian winemaking since the 14th century, embodying a perfect synergy between tradition and innovation.

For pairing, Tignanello’s structured profile and rich tannins make it an exceptional companion to red meats, especially rare beef or lamb, and game such as venison. It also elevates Tuscan classics like wild boar ragù pappardelle, grilled bistecca alla fiorentina, or aged pecorino drizzled with truffle honey. Mushroom risottos and earthy lentil dishes will also harmonise beautifully, reflecting the rustic heart of Tuscany.

Serve this wine at 16-18°C after allowing it to breathe or decanting it for at least an hour. This will allow the wine’s bouquet—marked by dark cherry, blackcurrant, leather, and subtle tobacco—to express itself fully, and the finish to reveal its elegant, persistent structure. Tignanello 2018 is ready to enjoy, yet will reward careful cellaring for a decade or more.