ANTINORI TIGNANELLO 2012

Antinori Tignanello 2012
Toscana IGT

“Here’s a structured red with lots of finesse. It opens with alluring aromas of fragrant blue flowers, red berries, baking spices and exotic herbs while the firm, vibrant palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, orange zest, licorice and a sprinkling of white pepper. It’s still young but well balanced, with tightly woven but polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2017–2024.”  – 95/100, #Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast

VARIETIES: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
REGION: Italy / Central Italy / Toscana
AGEING: Malolactic fermentation in small oak barrels. The aging takes place in French and Hungarian oak barrels and lasts for about 16 – 18 months
GUARDING POTENTIAL: Enjoy now or will cellar well up to 15 years ±
SERVE: Serve slightly chilled, at 16ºC – 18ºC
FITS TO: Pair well with Salsiccia e fagioli / Bistecca alla Fiorentina or regional cheeses such as Pecorino
CRITICS SCORES: JS/96, WE/95, RP/93, WS/91

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Tenuta Tignanello | Owned by | Marchesi Antinori S.p.A

The Wine
Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine blended with untraditional varieties (specifically Cabernet) and one of the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region that didn’t use white grapes. Tignanello is a milestone. It’s produced with a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The Design
The label was designed by Silvio Coppola in 1974 for the release of Tignanello 1971. The idea to commission this artist was discussed at an event at Castello della Sala in 1973. Silvio Coppola was an important Italian graphic and interior designer who was famous for his minimalist lighting fixtures and austere furniture but also for book cover designs for Italian publishing company Feltrinelli. Silvio Coppola was the perfect match for the job.

The Signature
Marchese Piero Antinori, the current Honorary President, decided to have his father, Niccolò Antinori, sign the label as a sign of recognition for his father’s confidence in him.

Te Duce Proficio
The historic family crest of the Antinori family

The Sun
Tignanello’s stylized “Sun” by Silvio Coppola

Tasting Notes
The 2012 Tignanello is an intense ruby red color with purple highlights. The wine is potent and complex on the nose with spicy notes which mingle with aromas of red fruit, like cherries and plums, smoke, balsamic sensations, licorice and rosemary. The flavors are mouth- filling and elegant with much volume and an excellent balance in the texture. The oak is perfectly fused in the spicy and fruity finish and aftertaste.