Tenuta Tignanello winery
The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. Within the boundaries of Tenuta Tignanello's about 130 hectares (321 acres) of vineyards, divided into smaller individual parcels, are two of the finest pearls: the Tignanello vineyard and the Solaia vineyard. The soils, originating in the Pliocene period, are rich in calcareous rock and marl and sit at an altitude of 350-400 meters above sea level (1148-1312 feet) with considerable temperature fluctuation between day and night; all of these factors combined to give the grapes their unique characteristics. Grape varieties grown include the indigenous Sangiovese and untraditional varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that can fully express the territory's distinctive characteristics. Throughout the 1970s, Tenuta Tignanello was a sort of laboratory for Marchesi Antinori, a center for new viticultural research and development as they introduced new winemaking techniques and new varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Innovations concerning vine density or pruning techniques and the selection of the Sangiovese grape were always intended to obtain grapes with concentrated fruit and soft tannins. Tignanello and Solaia each have their own exclusive vinification and aging cellars. Wines produced on the estate reflect expressly different aspects of one unique terroir, Tignanello. The territory's exceptional characteristics are captured in the wine's decisive, unmistakable and elegant personality.