SOLAIA Magnum 2017

The utmost care and attention is given both in the vineyards during harvesting operations and in the winery. The grapes are destemmed, meticulously sorted on sorting tables, gently crushed and transferred by gravity to the vats. It is imperative that only the finest berries reach the 60 Hl truncated cone fermentation vats. During fermentation and maceration on the skins, it is essential to maintain the right balance between the fruity compounds and the quality of the tannins to best express the sweetness, fragrance, identity and character of Solaia. Immediately after racking, malolactic fermentation begins in barrels, which increases the complexity and pleasantness of the wine. Ageing takes place in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. The different batches are aged separately and then blended and put back into barrels to complete the ageing process.

Solaia is a 50-acre (20 hectares) south-west facing vineyard located at an altitude between 350 and 400 metres above sea level and with a stony soil of "alberese" (hard limestone) and "galestro" (flaky calcareous clay) rock. The vineyard is located on the Tignanello estate. The Antinori family made this wine for the first time in 1978, and the initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, a formula that was repeated also in 1979. In the following years, 20% Sangiovese was introduced and some adjustments were also made to the ratio between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc until reaching the current blend. Solaia is only made in exceptional vintages, and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1992.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR:  Intense ruby red.

NOSE: Impressive for its aromatic complexity and finesse: notes of small red fruits, especially raspberries and blackberries, give way to sweet sensations of ripe apricots and red oranges together with light floral hints of roses.  Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate and liquorice are perfectly integrated and are accompanied by fresh impressions of mint and white pepper that give its generous bouquet a pleasant and delicate spicy note.

TASTE: Enveloping, harmonious, with an excellent, well-balanced structure. The plush and vibrant tannins contribute to its dense and captivating palate.

FINISH: Exceptionally long and pleasant, with a lingering aftertaste that echoes the toasty and spicy notes perceived on the nose.