|
While its fellow portfolio member Tignanello may have introduced the eponymous estate, Solaia has never been in the shadows of its predecessor, having emerged as its friendly estate rival virtually upon its international debut (1979). While its initial appearance enjoyed only limited release in its native land, the original composition—80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc—was replicated in the ’79. In subsequent vintages, however, Franc’s contribution was reduced, and ’82’s introduction of Sangiovese (20%) essentially rendered Solaia the inverse of Tignanello.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Toscana
- Subregion/Appellation: Toscana IGT
While deeply ensconced in the rebellious tradition of Super-Tuscan wines, Guado al Tasso’s Marchese Piero Antinori stands in opposition to most Super-Tuscan winemakers. In contradiction to those producers who looked to French techniques, Antinori believes that to imitate a Bordeaux wine is wrong; rather, he wants to make great wines by using Italian tradition to shape both indigenous and international varietals. With the guidance of legendary enologist Giacomo Tachis, Antinori introduced Tignanello in 1971, Solaia in 1978, and Guado al Tasso in 1990. Located in the Bolgheri zone, the Guado al Tasso estate, or “Badger’s Ford,” dates back to 1385 when Antinori’s ancestors joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners. Twenty-six generations later Antinori has acquired and developed estates in Toscana’s finest and most progressive viticultural areas of Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Montepulciano, and beyond, all of which work in concert to produce some of the bst-loved Italian wines.
|
