Wines Unspecified Tenuta Tignanello - Solaia - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The 2020 Solaia from Tenuta Tignanello embodies the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking, standing as a benchmark among the iconic Super Tuscans. This deeply expressive red blend is typically crafted from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc, though the precise proportions may vary each vintage. The 2020 vintage is notable for its elegance and structure, benefitting from a climate marked by balanced temperatures and just enough rainfall to ensure optimal grape maturity. Vinification sees meticulous selection of the fruit, with each variety fermented separately before ageing, often in new French oak barrels for around 18 months, followed by a period in bottle prior to release. This process imparts a profound complexity, where rich layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum are interwoven with hints of tobacco, spice, graphite, and subtle floral notes.

Produced in the heart of Tuscany, the wine draws on the region's extraordinary history and terroir. The hills surrounding the Tenuta Tignanello estate are composed of galestro (friable marl), limestone, and clay soils, which encourage both aromatic depth and freshness. The area, situated between Florence and Siena, benefits from a Mediterranean climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, favouring slow, even ripening. This distinctive environment, coupled with the Antinori family’s visionary approach — blending local Sangiovese with international varietals — has pioneered a style that brings together Italian tradition and global finesse.

Solaia's power and refinement demand thoughtful food pairings. Its firm tannins and intense fruit concentration make it a superb match for rich, savoury dishes such as Tuscan-style bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or slow-braised beef. It also harmonises beautifully with aged Pecorino cheese, wild mushroom risotto, and roasted game. For a more adventurous pairing, try it alongside black truffle dishes which echo the wine’s earthy undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Solaia 2020 at least one to two hours before serving to let its aromatic breadth unfurl. Serve slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C, to enhance both its freshness and complexity. This is a wine that will continue to evolve gracefully in the cellar over the next decade or more.