A few weeks ago, I finally got my hands on a bottle of Tignanello 2018 from Marchesi Antinori. Though some may see it as slightly unattainable – fair enough, it comes with an average price point of $170 per bottle – but it’s a wine considered to be amongst the top 1% in the world for a reason.

Why?

The Antinori family has a deep history in winemaking. For over six centuries, they have made innovative and bold decisions that keep the prestige of their longstanding tradition and respect the environment from which they produce their wines. From when their founder, Giovanni di Piero Antinori, became a member of the Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri (The Florentine Winemaker’s Guild) until now – each idea that has been cultivated is a chance for a new beginning. Though the family has ancient roots, there is no holding back their innovative thinking.

Tignanello 2018 – Is it worth the attention?

Calculated, elegant and exacted, with no exaggeration, excesses or loose ends. That’s how I would describe the 2018 vintage of Antinori Tignanello.

It’s bold yet refined nature is one that brings excitement to the palette, with aromatics of stunning floral blossoms, deep fruit notes and a subtle sophistication that will leave every one of your senses tingling. An elegant wine for any occasion, it’s well worth the splurge. I like to say that I’ve never tried a Sangiovese wine that I didn’t like – but this one is different. It is beyond impeccable.

It’s the type of wine that transports you to another time – or perhaps makes you feel like someone else altogether.

Personally, I like to tie my favourite wines to moments in literature or to my favourite films – especially film noir. One moment that comes to mind in particular, is the dazzling decade that was the roaring twenties. Clearly, I did not have a firsthand experience, but through films and written word I can see with my mind’s eye the tailcoats, Oxford shoes, wingtip collar shirts and sequined dresses paired with a T-Bar strap tapping away through the night. Glimmering crystal glasses filled to the brim and intoxicating music – a moment like a memory that you could lose yourself in. Kind of like how, in my opinion, this wine feels to drink. It’s the type of wine that you can’t help but sip ever so slowly, because you never want the glass to end.

So is it worth the attention? If you ask me, I wouldn’t even hesitate to say yes.

Tignanello 2018 Specifics and Tasting Notes

Region: Toscana, Italy

Regional Style: Tuscan Red

Grape Varietal: Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol (ABV): 14.5%

Closure: Cork Closure

Aging: 14

Sweetness: Dry (1 g/L)

Acidity: 5 g/L

Tasting Notes: Well-balanced, red fruit notes (cherry, raspberry, plum), woody notes (oak, tobacco, cedar) and earthy notes (leather, minerals, smoke)

Pairs Well With: Veal, Cured Meats, Beef, Lamb, Poultry

My Favourite Accessories to Try a Tuscan Red

Have you ever tried the Tignanello 2018? Or any other of the wines from the Marchesi Antinori list? If so, let me know what you thought of them – I always love to compare notes.