Solaia is arguably Antinori's top wine, challenging fellow Super Tuscan, Tignanello, as the estate's prized possession. First crafted in 1978, Antinori Solaia, a super-premium red blend, has become one of Italy's top wines. The bottle is only produced in top vintages, ensuring each release represents the apex of Italian winemaking from the famed Marchesi Antinori.
Solaia Wine: Premier Super Tuscans & Italy's First Cab Sauv Blends
As one of the major labels tied to the legendary Antinori portfolio, Solaia is a ground-breaking wine that broke the Chianti Classico DOC rules. The now iconic label began as a happy accident when, in 1978, the Antinori team realized there was an excess of Cabernet Sauvignon for the premier Tignanello label thanks to a great harvest. Rather than letting the grapes go to waste, they made 3,600 bottles of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, unsure if the market was ready for a Tuscan wine solely made from foreign varieties. The resulting 1981 Solaia was a genius bottling that captivated the Italian market and furthered Antinori's global buzz in fine wine.
Released ten years after the Super Tuscan Movement was set into motion by Piero Antinori’s uncle, Mario Rochetta, with the release of the 1968 Sassicaia, Solaia can be seen as a continuation of the conversation. Both wines broke the Italian mold by blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc varieties, omitting Italian varietals. Today, Solaia has found its distinct voice with the inclusion of Sangiovese, resulting in a final blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Such an unconventional combination is only permitted for production under a broad-level appellation such as IGT – a badge of honor carried by wines born of the Super Tuscan Movement.
Antinori Solaia: Terroir & Wine Style
The grapes are meticulously sourced from a single sun-drenched hillside that gives Solaia its name, translating to “a place where the sun radiates.” The wines exhibit fresh vibrancy, full of blackcurrant and violets with a consistent stony minerality and backbone. Treated to lavish time in new French oak, these cabernet blends are primed for years of bottle age, capable of developing a silken profile with the ready integration of tannins. The 2012 vintage perfectly illustrates this potential, described by The Wine Advocate as “a beautiful monument to the potential of Italian wine…redolent of dark berry, crushed mineral, plum, spice and touch of white pepper.”
Top Vintages of Solaia Wine
Solaia 2016
With the release of the 2016 Solaia, the estate arguably produced its greatest-ever vintage. The drink earned perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker and James Suckling, with Parker labeling the wine the "Armani" of the vintage and Suckling being left "speechless." As one of the few wines that rivals First Growth Bordeaux estates like Petrus or Mouton, the 2016 bottle is a must-have for every wine collector and Cabernet enthusiast.
Solaia 1997
1997 was a top vintage from Tuscany, as multiple Super Tuscans released iconic wines that are still cherished today. However, no release shone brighter than the 1997 Solaia, a bottle awarded the 2000 Wine Spectator Wine of the Year— the first of any Italian wine to win the award. The bottle was acclaimed for its polished tannins, full-bodied mouthfeel, and incredible aging ability.
Solaia 2010
The 2010 Solaia was released during an exciting time for Antinori, which revealed its new, multi-million dollar winery featuring a museum, restaurant, and tasting area. The vintage was an extension of the glamor unveiled, dazzling drinkers thanks to its classic, firm, muscular style and explosive mouthfeel. Critic Antonio Galloni said of the wine, "its pedigree is unmistakable."
Savor a Bottle of Solaia Wine
Experience the crown jewel of Antinori’s modern artistry, built upon six centuries of expertise. Born from a sunny, Tuscan single-vineyard, Antinori Solaia is unquestionably a top wine from Italy, offering a bold structure and profile and excellent representation of Bordeaux varieties. Grab a bottle today from our extensive collection.
What does Solaia mean?
Solaia means "the sunny one" or "the place where the energy of the sun radiates" in Italian. Its name is derived from the sun-drenched hillside the wines are grown from.
What kind of wine is Solaia?
Solaia is crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. It was one of the first Italian wines to feature non-native varietals.
What is the difference between Tignanello and Solaia?
Though Tignanello and Solaia are both made by the Antinori estate, they are grown from different vineyards and feature different varietals. Tignanello comprises a large percentage of Sangiovese with hints of the Cabernet varieties, a stark contrast to Solaia.
Is Solaia a good wine?
Yes, Solaia is consistently regarded as one of the world's greatest wines. The Cabernet varieties grown on Italian terroir have produced some of the country's finest vintages. Furthermore, early bottles were crafted by Giacomo Tachis.
What is the best vintage of Solaia?
The best vintages of Solaia include: 1981, 1990, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2021.
Is Solaia considered a Super Tuscan?
Yes, Solaia is considered one of the original Super Tuscans thanks to its Cabernet blends. The 1981 vintage was the first to gain international attention, instantly becoming a top Super Tuscan wine.
