Viniou Reviews
The Tignanello 2016 from the esteemed Antinori estate is a Tuscan red of exceptional pedigree, representing one of Italy’s iconic ‘Super Tuscan’ blends. Composed primarily of Sangiovese, with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this cuvée marries the best of local tradition with international flair. The 2016 vintage is renowned for its balance and structure, thanks to an ideal growing season that provided both ample warmth and beneficial rainfall. Vinification is meticulous: after destemming and gentle pressing, fermentation occurs in conical tanks with careful pump-overs to enhance extraction, followed by ageing in French and Hungarian oak barrels, resulting in a wine that is both refined and complex.
Tuscany, the land from which Tignanello hails, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, tempered by cooling breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea and significant day-night temperature shifts that allow for slow grape maturation and excellent aromatic development. The region’s soils, rich in calcareous marl with layers of alberese and galestro, give the wines a distinctive mineral backbone and finesse. Antinori’s Santa Cristina estate, where Tignanello is produced, lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, a place steeped in winemaking history dating back to the Etruscans and Romans, and now celebrated worldwide for its modern approach and superlative wines.
This Tignanello will shine alongside classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak) or wild boar ragù. It also pairs beautifully with richly sauced game, hearty mushroom risottos, or aged pecorino cheese, allowing its structure and aromatic complexity to complement bold, earthy flavours. For a more international approach, consider roasted lamb or duck breast with a berry jus.
To fully appreciate this wine’s depth and elegance, serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. If possible, decant for at least an hour before serving to allow the bouquet of dark cherry, plum, violet, tobacco and sweet spice to fully emerge. The 2016 Tignanello is already drinking beautifully, with the ability to evolve further over the next decade.
