Wines Tuscany Tignanello - Marquesi Antinori - 2020

Tignanello 2020 from the revered house of Marchesi Antinori is one of Tuscany's iconic Super Tuscan wines, a trailblazer that helped redefine Italian fine wine. This red blend, classified under the Toscana IGT, is primarily composed of Sangiovese, harmoniously complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, with warm days and cool nights, granting the wine both concentration and elegance. The careful vinification process involves fermentation in conical tanks, followed by ageing in French and Hungarian oak barriques, lending subtle spice and complexity. In the glass, Tignanello 2020 displays a deep ruby hue with aromas of ripe black cherries, plum, cassis, and violet, nuanced by notes of tobacco, leather, and balsamic herbs. Velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity assure structure and longevity.

Tuscany, in central Italy, offers a patchwork of rolling hills and varied soils ranging from limestone and marl to clay. The region’s Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, cooling breezes, and marked diurnal temperature shifts, fosters optimal ripening while preserving freshness in the grapes. Viticulture here dates back to Etruscan times, but Tignanello, first produced in the 1970s, revolutionised traditional winemaking by introducing international varieties and ageing in small barrels, thereby establishing the Super Tuscan movement.

For food pairings, Tignanello excels alongside robust cuisine. Classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina (chargrilled T-bone steak), wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with porcini mushrooms will highlight its depth and earthy complexity. Its elegance and structure also marry superbly with aged pecorino cheese, lamb with rosemary, or rich risottos with truffle.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Tignanello 2020 for at least an hour to allow its bouquet to unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to fully appreciate its layered aromas and structural finesse. This wine offers immediate pleasure, but will benefit from cellaring, revealing further nuance and harmony with time.