Tignanello 2021

…the 2021 has all the pedigree to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine more broadly – Antonio Galloni

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is located between the Greve and Pesa river valleys in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. Solaia and Tignanello, the iconic wines of the estate, have been defined by the international press as among the most influential wines in the viticultural history of Italy. In these vineyards, the Antinori family, more than anywhere else, has expressed its principles and working philosophy: to reconcile tradition and modernity with wines which are strictly and authentically tied to their territories of origin.

Tignanello's Story

The first Sangiovese wine to be aged in small oak barrels, the first modern red wine to use such non-traditional varieties as Cabernet in the blend, and among the first red wines from the Chianti Classico area to be produced without white grapes. The wine, originally called "Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Tignanello" (a Chianti Classico Riserva from the Tignanello vineyard), was produced for the first time from a single vineyard parcel in 1970, when the blend contained 20% of Canaiolo and 5% of Trebbiano and Malvasia, both white grapes, and the wine aged in small oak barrels. In 1971 it became a Tuscan red table wine rather than a Chianti Classico, and was called Tignanello. In the 1975 vintage the percentage of white grapes was definitively eliminated from the blend. Ever since 1982, the blend has been the one currently used. Tignanello is bottled only in favorable vintages, and was not produced in 1972, 1973,1974, 1976, 1984, 1992, and 2002.

Vineyard & Winemaking

The vines spreads across 321 acres and are planted on soils that originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist. They enjoy hot temperatures during the day and cooler evenings throughout the growing season.

Fermented in conical wood vats to help achieve a gentle extraction of sweet rather than green tannins while allowing extended skin contact for greater complexity. Aging took place in French and Hungarian oak barrels, partly new and partly second passage, for a total of 15 months: after an initial period of aging the lots separately, they were blended then completed barrel aging. Tignanello, made primarily with Sangiovese and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, underwent an additional 12-month period of aging in the bottle before being released.

2021 - The Growing Season

2021 started with a mild and wet winter followed by an early bud break in March. The gradual rise in temperatures and normal rainfall allowed the shoots to develop evenly before flowering in superb conditions throughout the Spring. Despite the hot summer with no rain, the previous rainfalls in winter and spring ensured the vines could access water reserves. The season ended with the ideal harvest conditions. As a result, 2021 is rated as very good (94–97-point range by Vinous compared to 94 the previous year).

Tignanello 2021's Scores

Secure your allocation now.

The 2021 Tignanello is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel and then just after bottling. Silky and polished, with exceptional finesse, the 2021 has all the pedigree to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine more broadly. Bright dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco all soar out of the glass, framed by a discreet touch of French oak that adds raciness. In some vintages, the elements are discernible. In 2021, it is the total harmony of the wine that makes the strongest and deepest impression. The 2021 spent 17 months in wood, three months in neutral oak during the malolactic fermentation and then 14 months (50% new) for the rest of its aging. Superb. - 98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Is Tignanello 2021 a good investment?

2024 is a fantastic year for Italian wine lovers with top vintages being released. 2021 was an excellent vintage in Tuscany despite the hot weather. The wines have great concentration of fruits and are very well balanced with a beautiful freshness. Top performers includes Sassicaia achieving the perfect 100 points and Ornellaia with a double 99 points. Tignanello is definitely looking as a fantastic investment.

Tignanello's Key Factors For Investors:

• Stable Tuscan Market (Bordeaux and Champagne have been struggling since last year).
• Iconic Super-Tuscan which has remained reasonably priced compared to other collectable wines.
• Awarded 98 points from Antonio Galloni, making it his joint highest scored vintage.
• Released to the market below the equally high-scoring 2015 and 2016.
• 2013, 2015 and 2016 saw over 90% increase over the last 5 years.

We think Tignanello 2021 will be a great investment. We have added a useful pricing analyses from Liv-ex here. Please contact us via info@petershamcellar.com if you would like more onformation.