Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello Toscana

The 2021 Tignanello is a masterful expression of modern Tuscan elegance—structured and vibrant, with classic Super Tuscan intensity balanced by finesse. A must-have for serious collectors and lovers of Italian reds. 

🏛️ Heritage & Innovation

• Crafted by the historic Antinori family, winemakers since 1385, Tignanello revolutionized Italian wine in 1971 by blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and aging in barriques—launching the Super Tuscan movement 

• The 2021 vintage marks its 50th anniversary, produced only in top years from the estate’s Tignanello vineyard—elegantly nestled in Chianti Classico’s prized terroir 

🍇 Blend & Cellaring

• Composed of 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, aged 17 months in wood (50% new barriques) followed by three months in neutral oak during malolactic, teased out with an additional year in bottle 

• With vibrant acidity and polished tannins, this bottle is built for both early enjoyment and long-term cellaring—peak drinking from 2027 to 2045 

👃 Aromas

• A complex bouquet featuring ripe plum, blackberry, candied orange peel, layered with dark chocolate, caramel, licorice, and sweet tobacco; accented by violet and crushed white pepper 

• Enchanting hints of blood orange and cedar add depth and freshness.

👅 Palate & Texture

• Silky yet assertive, with supple, vibrant tannins. Flavors of dark red and black fruit, tea leaf, spices (nutmeg, clove), mint, and a touch of mineral freshness from Sangiovese’s backbone 

• Balanced, polished, and harmonious, with oak nuances enhancing structure without overwhelming.

🔚 Finish

• A long, persistent finish with echoes of tobacco, cedar, orange peel, and refined tannins. Both vibrant and focused, this bottle offers both immediate satisfaction and cellaring promise 

🏅 Accolades

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 98 pts — “One of the best vintages ever” 

• Vinous: 98 pts, #8 in Top 100 Wines of 2024—“Silky and polished… exceptional finesse” 

• Wine Spectator: 97 pts, Top 10 of 2024—“A game changer… added finesse and purity” 

🍽️ Pairing Suggestions

• Ideal with osso buco, rich lasagnas, grilled bistecca alla Fiorentina, or sharp Pecorino cheese—perfectly balancing with its acidity and savory depth 

✅ Quick Snapshot

"First made in 1971, this legendary Italian wine now celebrates its 50th birthday. Happy Birthday, Tignanello! The Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello (made with 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc) pulls on all the heartstrings. To be released in May, the wine shows a quintessentially pretty taste profile with tart fruit flavors, redcurrant, tea leaf, heritage rose, crushed white pepper, licorice, nutmeg, clove and chopped mint. It opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance with time, becoming downright voluptuous and heady a short while later. The through line, however, remains the bright freshness and minerality of Sangiovese. Compared to the 2018 vintage (which I also loved), this vintage has more overall fruit weight and volume." Robert Parker 98 Points

"Laced with pure cherry, strawberry, graphite and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is beautifully supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins. Everything is framed by vanilla and toasty oak in the best sense, revealing harmony, with a long, orange-tinged finish and, yes, even drinkability at this stage. Best to give this a few more years in the bottle. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2045." Wine Spectator 97 Points

"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." Antonio Galloni 98 Points