SOLAIA 2019

Solaia 2019
Toscana IGT

“The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany’s leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella tells me that that a vintage like 2019 is proof that the final character of a wine comes from its surrounding territory, not from the blend. This is a generous and extremely expressive edition with lots of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The tannins are beautifully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love.”  – 97/100, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

VARIETIES: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc
REGION: Italy / Central Italy / Toscana
AGEING: Aging took place in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. The various lots were aged separately then blended and reintroduced into barrels to complete the aging process
GUARDING POTENTIAL: Enjoy now or will cellar well up to 25 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/98, WS/98, D/97, RP/97, WE/97

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Solaia 2019 | Vintage | Marchesi Antinori S.p.A

The Wine
The sunniest part of the Tignanello’s hillside is home to the Solaia vineyard. The very best grapes from the very best vineyard. All the rest is passion, the utmost care and research. These are the secrets of Solaia together with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes from its namesake vineyard.

Climate
The 2019 growing season in Chianti Classico was defined by normal climatic conditions. Winter was rather cold with limited rainfall and the first half of spring was cool and rainy especially during the months of April and May. Summer weather was hot, uninterrupted by major heat spikes, with slightly higher than average precipitation levels ensuring a normal growth cycle of both the vines and grape clusters. Ideal climatic conditions set in at the end of August and continued throughout September and October allowing the three grape varieties grown in the Solaia vineyard to reach perfect ripeness. Harvesting activities began at the end of September, starting with Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese and were completed on October 14th with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinification
The utmost care and attention were given both in the vineyards during harvesting operations and in the cellar. Grapes were destemmed, meticulously selected on sorting tables, delicately crushed then transferred by gravity flow into vats. It was imperative that only the finest berries reached the 60 Hl truncated cone shaped fermentation tanks. During fermentation and maceration on the skins, it was essential to maintain the right balance between fruity compounds and quality of the tannins to best express the sweetness, fragrance, identity, and character of Solaia. Immediately after racking, malolactic fermentation began in barriques, enhancing the complexity and pleasantness of the wine. Aging took place in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. The various lots were aged separately then blended and reintroduced into barrels to complete the aging process.

Tasting notes
Solaia 2019 is a deep ruby red color. Impressive on the nose for its aromatic complexity and finesse: notes of small red fruit, especially raspberries and mulberries, lead over to sweet sensations of ripe apricots and red oranges together with light floral hints of roses.  Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate and licorice are perfectly integrated and are accompanied by fresh impressions of mint and white pepper that give its generous bouquet a pleasant delicate spicy note. The palate is enveloping, harmonious with an excellent and well-balanced structure. Plush, vibrant tannins contribute to its dense, captivating palate. The finish is exceptionally long and pleasurable with a persistent aftertaste that echoes toasted, and spicy notes perceived on the nose.