Tignanello 2020

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.

Climate

Mild and dry winter weather marked the beginning of the 2020 growing season in Chianti Classico, onlyat the end of March did the area experience a brief cold spell. These climatic conditions prompted early bud break. Spring broughtaverage rainfalland rather cool temperatures while the following summer months were hot, uninterrupted by extreme heat eventsand favored with brief periods of rain showers that provided grape clusters with perfect conditions for optimal growth and ripening. The month of September, when harvesting operations got underway, was defined byscattered light precipitation, especiallyat the end of the month, that allowed the fruit to complete phenolic maturity. The harvest window wasan intense three weeks, from September 20th up until October 9th, picking began with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc and was completed with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting Notes

Intenselyrubyred in color, Tignanello 2020 has exceptionalaromatic complexity: notes of ripe red fruit especially cherries, strawberriesand blackberriesare accompanied by delicate floral hints ofviolets, mallow blossomsand roses. Its bouquet is completed by notes of roasted coffee and cocoa powder. The vibrant entry gives wayto a caressing layered mouthfeel. The wine closes with spicy notes of pepperand licorice that merge with pleasant sensations ofaromatic herbs forafresh, lengthyfinish.

James Suckling 97 Points.

“Violets and lavender with dark fruit and hints of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannin structure that gives this finesse and beauty. It’s very long and goes on for minutes. Precision. 68% sangiovese with the rest in cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Drinkable but better in three or four years.”

Vinous 96 Points.

“The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha develop later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimensions. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can’t wait to revisit the 2020 with age. “We are gradually increasing the Cabernet Franc in Tignanello to balance the greater richness that today’s warmer seasons are giving to our Sangioveses,” Antinori CEO Renzo Cotarella told me.