A single vineyard, super Tuscan of exceptional concentration, only ever made in the finest vintage years. Solaia is an elite ten hectare site within the Antinori estate at Santa Cristina in the
Mercatale Val di Pesa zone of Chianti Classico. A cepage of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a fifth of Sangiovese and minor portion Cabernet Franc, fine grained tannins underpin black fruit flavours and supple new oak.
Particular attention is paid to selection of grapes in the vineyard, only perfect bunches are considered. Harvest is done completely by hand, picking by single hectare plots, according to the vigor of vines. Sangiovese arrives slightly earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. Great care is applied to ferments and extractions, employing delestage and pumpovers to maintain varietal characters. Vinifications are carried out at temperatures between 27C and 31C, the active musts show great complexity. Upon completion, the wines are racked into new oak barrels for malolactic, assemblage and twelve months maturation, followed by racking, bottling and a further year in bottle.
TASTING NOTESIntense ruby red colour. Fruity aromas in perfect harmony with the vanilla and chocolate notes of oak. Powerful on the palate with a firm tannic texture, yet remaining smooth before an intense aftertaste of ripe blackberries and cherry fruit, a seemingly endless finish.