2013 Tignanello: a groundbreaking Italian red
Raise a glass to the pioneering Tuscan blend which shocked 1970s traditionalists
I was asked, at short notice, to put together an elite-level France v Italy tasting the other day. While hastily lining up ten wines, all in pairs, to go head to head, I came across some 2004 Vieux Château Certan and felt it would be the perfect wine in the “Bordeaux-style” category to represent France: one of my favourite estates in the world, a superb vintage and drinking perfectly.
What could Italy offer to challenge this extraordinary Pomerol? I plumped for one of Italy’s most famous and pioneering labels – the groundbreaking, Super-Tuscan hero Tignanello. Once a Chianti Classico, this stylish wine decided to break the local wine rules by using French barrels to mature its sangiovese. It also introduced Bordeaux grapes cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc into the mix.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The first release in 1971 provoked a storm of controversy but also gained it a legion of new admirers. Over the years this wine has finessed its offering and grown production. With some 20,000 cases being made each year I’m confident you will be able to find stock easily online.
The 2013 Tignanello is already drinking beautifully, and it floored the guests at my event with its super-suave tannins and dreamy fruit. I will not be so crass as to tell you which wine won this particular round, but needless to say it was a very close run thing.
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (MatthewJukes.com).
2013 Tignanello, Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy About £75, various wine merchants and wine brokers.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek
-
Will Japan’s first female prime minister defy sumo’s ban on women?Under the Radar Sanae Takaichi must decide whether to break with centuries of tradition and step into the ring to present the trophy
-
Political cartoons for November 16Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include presidential pardons, the Lincoln penny, and more
-
The vast horizons of the Puna de AtacamaThe Week Recommends The ‘dramatic and surreal’ landscape features volcanoes, fumaroles and salt flats
-
The best sherries to try this autumnThe Week Recommends The warming tipple from sunny Spain is an underrated cold-weather staple
-
The rise of English sparkling wineThe Week Recommends As UK-based brands give champagne a run for its money, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right bottle
-
Rosorange: the chic 'love child' of orange wine and roséThe Week Recommends Peachy to look at and crisp to drink, here's to the wine of the summer
-
Friendship: 'bromance' comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim RobinsonThe Week Recommends 'Lampooning and embracing' middle-aged male loneliness, this film is 'enjoyable and funny'
-
The best rosé wines to try this summerThe Week Recommends Warm weather means it's pink wine's moment in the sun
-
The jalapeño wine trend taking TikTok by stormThe Week Recommends Scatter a few chilli slices into your sauvignon blanc for a subtle and refreshing kick
-
Wine-tasting in TuscanyThe Week Recommends From biodynamic vineyards to historic cellars, the picturesque region is a wine lover's dream
-
A wine-themed tour of beautiful UruguayThe Week Recommends Secret paradise in South America boasts beautiful vineyards