Antinori Solaia 2022

Solaia is the flagship Bordeaux-style red from Marchesi Antinori, made within the Tignanello estate in the heart of Chianti Classico and released under IGP Toscana. The 2022 blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc, farmed under respectful agriculture. The Solaia vineyard sits on a south-west-facing slope of stony, limestone-rich galestro and alberese soils, which drain well and stress the vines into small, concentrated berries, while the Tuscan hills give warm days and cool nights that hold acidity and aromatic freshness. The Cabernet brings cassis and structure, the Sangiovese acidity and a savoury cherry lift, and the Cabernet Franc a leafy, spiced edge. Eighteen months in French oak frame the fruit with fine spice and rounded tannin through slow oxygen exchange across the barrel. The wine is deep ruby, with a nose of dark cherry, blackcurrant and plum over tobacco, cocoa and cedar. The palate is full and firmly structured, with concentrated dark fruit, pepper and an earthy, savoury finish carried by fine, ripe tannin. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meats.