Antinori Wine - Solaia

As one of the world's most impressive and successful wine estates, Marchesi Antinori has been passed down through 26 generations since its establishment in 1385. Embodying the perfect balance of tradition and innovation in their wines, the Antinori family's unwavering pursuit of excellence shines through in every bottle they produce. Among their most celebrated creations is Solaia, a super-premium red blend that epitomizes one of Italy’s finest modern expressions.

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 result was a genius bottling - released in 1981 - 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 any 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 borne 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 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.”

2016 Solaia - The Best Yet?

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 can rival First Growth Bordeaux estates like Petrus or Mouton, the 2016 bottle is a must-have for every wine collector and Cabernet enthusiast.

Experience the crown jewel of Antinori’s modern artistry, built upon six centuries of expertise!