The Antinori family has been involved in the production of wine since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the “Arte Fiorentina”, the Winemakers’ Guild of the city of Florence. During this entire long period, through twenty six generations, the family has always directly managed this work with courageous and, at times, innovative decisions. But always while maintaining a fundamental respect for tradition and for the territory in which they have operated.

Estates currently under the Marchesi Antinori wine empire include Tignanello, Badia a Passignano, Guado Al Tasso, Castello della Sala, Pian Delle Vigne, Peppoli, and Montenisa. While the core of the family's properties and production are focused in Tuscany, additional properties have expanded their regional diversity to include Orvieto Classico and Franciacorta.

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is located between the Greve and Pesa river valleys in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. In these 127 hectares (320 acres) of vineyards, the Antinori family, more than anywhere else, has expressed its principles and working philosophy: reconcile tradition and modernity with wines which are strictly and authentically tied to their territories of origin. Solaia and Tignanello, the two iconic wines of the estate, have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the viticultural history of Italy” and are a constant symbol for the Antinori family of a continuous challenge, one driven by pure passion.

The Guado al Tasso estate is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southwest of the city of Florence, near the medieval hamlet of Bolgheri in the Upper Maremma. Once part of a fiefdom of some 4,048 hectares (over 10,000 acres), today the 1000 hectare/2500 acre property extends from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the inland hills, where the vineyards are cultivated on rocky and slightly calcareous soils. Of these, 300 are under vines which are planted to Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot along with small quantities of other grape varieties. In the 1930’s this property was inherited by Carlotta Della Gherardesca who married into the Antinori family.

Today the firm is run by Marquis Piero Antinori with the support of his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia. Tradition, passion, and intuition have been the three driving principles which have led the Marquis Antinori firm to become a leader in Italian wine.

Solaia is a 50 acre (20 hectare), southwest-exposed vineyard of the Tignanello estate situated between 1150 and 1320 feet (350-400 meters) above sea level on stony soils consisting of calcareous clays and limestone rock. The Marchesi Antinori produced this wine for the first time in the 1978 vintage with a blend consisting of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, repeating the initial production in 1979. In the following vintages, 20% Sangiovese became part of the blend and adjustments to the ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were made until the current composition of the blend was defined. Solaia is produced only in top vintages and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, or 1992.

The 2018 Antinori Solaia IGT, a red wine with an alcohol content of 15%, originates from the grand and historic wine region of Tuscany, Italy. This proprietary blend was crafted by Antinori, a producer renowned for their mastery in winemaking, and is protected by a cork closure, preserving its quality and original taste.

The wine is characterized by its stunning, vibrant red color, evoking a sense of the Tuscan sun under which it was cultivated. As you pour this exceptional wine into your glass, you will note its silky and elegant personality, expressed through its rich, deep hue.

On the nose, the 2018 Antinori Solaia IGT is very aromatic and lively, bursting with notes of ripe raisins, blackcurrants, and cherries. Fragments of currants, fresh herbs, white pepper, and cherry blossoms further add to its complexity, creating an intriguing and inviting bouquet.

Upon tasting, this full-bodied wine reveals a multilayered structure, subtly mouthwatering with creamy touches around the sides. Its velvety texture is paired with ultra-fine tannins, resulting in an extremely long, focused finish. The palate features raisin, steeped prune, licorice, and mocha, all encapsulated in a smooth texture provided by the velvety tannins.

The 2018 Antinori Solaia IGT is not merely a wine, but an experience, showcasing a perfect blend of depth and elegance, complexity and delicacy, all the while remaining quietly confident in its personality. It's a wine that invites you to wait, to allow it to further mature and reveal even more of its excellence; a testament to its longevity and the mastery of its producer.

The 2018 Antinori Solaia IGT is a wine that demands attention, a beautiful wine that is sure to make an impression at any gathering. It's an embodiment of the Tuscan sun, the Italian soil, and the passion of the Antinori family, a true masterpiece of Italian winemaking.