Historical Data
Solaia is a 50 acre (20 hectare) vineyard with a south western exposure located at an altitude between 1150 and 1325 feet (350-400 meters)above sealeveland with a stony soil of “alberese” (hard limestone) and “galestro” (flaky calcareous clay) rock. The vineyard is located at the Tignanello estate. The Antinori family produced this wine for the first time in the year 1978,and the initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, a
formula repeated in 1979 as well. In the following years, 20% of Sangiovese was introduced and certain adjustments were also made in the rapport between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc until the current blend was settled upon. Solaia is produced only in exceptional vintage, and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984,and 1992.

Vinification
Particular attention is paid to grape selection in the vineyard, so that only perfect bunches arrived in the cellar. The harvest was completely by hand, picking by 1-hectare plots, according to the vigor of the vines. The Sangiovese grapes were picked in the first ten days of October, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested in the second half of the month. As always, great attention was paid to the fermenting and extraction processes, using délestage and overpumping to maintain the natural aromas of each grape variety and the intense color. Fermentation of all three grape varieties was carried out at an average of 27° and no higher than 31°, to best preserve the true aromas, flavors and varietal character of the fruit. The musts showed great complexity from the start, together with abundant varietal character, evident in the aromas, elegance and color, the first signs of a potentially great vintage. After alcoholic fermentation, the wines were racked into new oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation, which occurred by the end of the year. The wines were then blended and aged in barrel for 12 months, then racked off and, after a careful tasting of each barrel, the wine was bottled. The wine was released after a further year in bottle.

Tasting Notes
An intense ruby red in color, at times impenetrably so, the 2011 Solaia shows intensely warm aromas which reflect the climate of the season while maintaining a delicate freshness as well. On the palate, the ripe red fruit and the spices, along with deep and floral notes, define the wine’s complex structure. The palate is succulent, rich, enveloping, and sweet thanks to the presence of dense, supple, and rounded tannins. The vibrant acidity contributes to the excellent expressiveness of the flavors and to a highly pleasurable, long, and persistent finish and aftertaste.