Marchesi Antinori - Solaia 2017
In the heart of Chianti Classico, Solaia is born on the Tenuta Tignanello, the historic estate of the Antinori family located between the Greve and Pesa valleys. The Solaia vineyard covers about twenty hectares facing southwest, between 350 and 400 meters altitude, on stony soils rich in alberese and galestro. This limestone matrix promotes drainage and contributes to the tension that naturally structures the wine. Created in 1978, the cuvée was progressively built around Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc, combining Bordeaux depth and Tuscan identity. The 2017 vintage experienced a particularly hot and dry vegetative cycle, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C between May and August. September rains nevertheless allowed rebalancing of maturation before harvests conducted from September 20 to October 6. This sunny year thus gives birth to a rich and concentrated Solaia, whose depth remains supported by a beautiful energy.
Solaia 2017 blends 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 8% Cabernet Franc. After destemming, the grapes are sorted on sorting tables then gently crushed before a gravity transfer into 60-hectoliter conical vats. Fermentations and macerations are conducted with particular attention to the balance between fruit richness and tannin quality, a crucial challenge in such a hot vintage. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in small oak containers to refine the texture. Aging continues for about eighteen months in new French oak barrels. The different lots remain separate at first before being blended and then continuing their maturation together in wood. The 2017 thus possesses a generous and enveloping matter, but sufficiently structured to evolve for a long time in the bottle.
The color shows a deep and dense ruby, still marked by a beautiful intensity. The bouquet opens on ripe blackberry and blackcurrant, then gradually gains nuances of fresh mint, myrtle, and spices. Touches of white pepper, cinnamon, and cocoa extend this expression and bring complexity to the fruit's richness. The palate is ample and enveloping, with velvety but still vibrant tannins that give length to the whole. The sunny character of the vintage appears in the generosity of the fruit, while Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc help maintain freshness and relief. The finish is long, spicy, and slightly balsamic, with a return to cocoa and toasted nuances. Solaia 2017 will accompany a beef filet with porcini mushrooms, a roasted rack of lamb, pigeon, game birds, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 8% Cabernet Franc
