Marchese Antinori 2016

Upon arrival in the cellar, the grapes were destemmed, gently crushed; the must was transferred into stainless steel tanks, where alcoholic fermentation occurred in about one week’s time. Very gentle pump overs and délestage techniques were performed during maceration on the skins for an intense extraction while preserving elegant and supple tannins. Malolactic fermentation, which took place spontaneously, was completed by the end of the year. The wine was then blended and went into French and Hungarian oak barriques for approximately one year. Marchese Antinori Riserva was then bottled and given a further twelve-month period of bottle aging before being released.

The Tignanello estate is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico production zone, nestled between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers, and extends over close to 800 total acres (319 hectares), some 130 of which (415 hectares) are planted to vines. The vineyards consist principally of the native Sangiovese grape along with such non-traditional varieties as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Marchese Antinori is an historic wine of the Antinori cellars which, since 2011, is produced from the grapes of the Tignanello estate. It is a wine which presents itself as the full expression of the quality and elegance of the Sangiovese of this part of Tuscany.

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is an intense ruby red color. The nose delivers notes of red fruit, in particular black cherries, light hints of flowers and sweet impressions of powdered sugar. The bouquet is completed by hints of cinnamon and dill that impart pleasantly spicy nuances. The vertical palate is taut, pleasantly mouthfilling with supple tannins and closes with a lengthy, sapid, and full finish.