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.

It was the first Sangiovese wine to be aged in small oak barrels, the first modern red wine to use such non- traditional varieties as Cabernet in the blend, and among the first red wines from the Chianti Classico area to be produced without white grapes. The wine, originally called "Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Tignanello" (a Chianti Classico Riserva from the Tignanello vineyard), was produced for the first time from a single vineyard parcel in 1970, when the blend contained 20% of Canaiolo and 5% of Trebbiano and Malvasia, both white grapes, and the wine aged in small oak barrels. In 1971 it became a Tuscan red table wine rather than a Chianti Classico, and was called Tignanello. In the 1975 vintage the percentage of white grapes was definitively eliminated from the blend. Ever since 1982, the blend has been the one currently used. Tignanello is bottled only in favorable vintages, and was not produced in 1972, 1973,1974, 1976, 1984, 1992, and 2002. 

Tignanello is produced exclusively from the vineyard of the same name, a parcel of some 140 acres (57 hectares) with limestone-rich soils and a southwestern exposure at 1150- 1325 feets (350-400 meters) above sea level at the Tignanello estate.

Vintage Notes:

From The 2019 growing season in Chianti Classico was defined by normal climatic conditions, winter was rather cold with limited rainfall and the first half of spring was cool and rainy especially during the months of April and May. Summer weather was hot, uninterrupted by major heat spikes, with slightly higher than average precipitation levels ensuring a normal growth cycle of both the vines and grape clusters. Ideal climatic conditions set in at the end of August and continued throughout September and October allowing all grape varieties grown in the Tignanello vineyard to reach optimal ripeness. Harvesting activities began in the second half of September beginning with Sangiovese and were concluded the 16th of October with Cabernet.

Tasting Notes:

The 2019 Tignanello is one of the most reserved, understated young wines I can remember tasting here. In so many vintages Tignanello is quite showy, but in 2019 the nervous energy and brightness of Sangiovese takes centre stage. That’s intriguing, because the 2019 blend has a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon than normal, a decision made to compensate for some of the lighter qualities in the Sangiovese. With air the 2019 shows gorgeous depth and captivating inner perfume, even if it is clearly still coming together. The 2019 spent about 14 months in oak with 50% new wood. Things are always in constant evolution at Antinori. This is the first vintage to incorporate some larger 500L barrels, an approach I think will work brilliantly. 

Vinous: Antonio Galloni – 95 Points 
Drink: 2027 – 2041 

A supple, elegant red highlighted by bright cherry, black currant, violet, tobacco, iron and oak spice aromas and flavors. Though fluid and seemingly approachable now, this is well-structured and shows the balance to age. Fine length. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Wine Spectator: Bruce Sanderson – 96 Points 
Drink: 2025 – 2042 

The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Tignanello was born in a classic growing season that saw some cooling summer rains and relatively stress-free conditions. This is an elegant and extremely polished wine made with mostly Sangiovese and smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Here too, the small blending element of Cabernet Franc has been slowly increasing in recent years. The 2019 vintage was born with a good amount of power and tannic structure, and maceration times were slightly reduced as a result. This less extractive approach shapes a polished and elegant wine with plenty of bright berry fruit, cherry, dried mint, blue flower, blood orange and rusty earth. The palate is more compact and streamlined. It shows beautiful grace. After this, the next vintage to watch is the highly anticipated 2021. 

The Wine Advocate: Monica Larner – 96 Points
Drink: 2024 - 2045 

Extremely perfumed and vivid, with fresh mushrooms, cherry stones and blackberries. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are long and complete. Fresh acidity. Tangy and vibrant. Lovely is the word. Drink or hold.

JameSuckling.com: James Suckling – 95 Points