Solaia is the Cabernet-led flagship of Marchesi Antinori, grown on a single sun-soaked slope next to the Tignanello vineyard in the heart of Tuscany. Here you will find Solaia itself, across recent vintages and in magnum, double magnum and imperial.
Solaia wine: Antinori's Cabernet-led Super Tuscan
The Antinori family has been making wine in Florence since 1385, but Solaia belongs to the modern chapter of that story. Its first vintage was 1978, made from 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Cabernet Franc, with no Sangiovese at all. A wine without Sangiovese could not be called Chianti Classico at the time, which is why Solaia carries the broader Toscana IGT label rather than a DOCG.
Sangiovese joined the blend in later vintages, and the proportions were adjusted until the house settled on today's style. Solaia is made only in exceptional years: Antinori did not release it in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 or 1992. The 1997 vintage was named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2000, the first Italian wine to receive that title.
The Solaia vineyard and the style in the glass
The name means "the sunny one", after the vineyard's southwest-facing slope on the Tignanello estate, at around 350 to 400 meters above sea level in the Chianti Classico zone. The soil is stony, a mix of hard limestone called alberese and the flaky marl known as galestro, which keeps yields low and gives the wine its fine, firm structure.
Today the blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with roughly a fifth of Sangiovese and a small share of Cabernet Franc, varying with the year. In recent vintages it ages about 18 months in new French oak. Expect blackcurrant and dark cherry, cedar, graphite and sweet spice when young, opening into tobacco, leather and dried herbs as it matures. The Sangiovese brings a Tuscan lift of acidity that sets it apart from a Bordeaux blend.
Solaia vintages and large formats
The current selection centres on young vintages: 2020 and 2022 in bottle and 2021 in bottle and magnum, with 2019 and 2020 in magnum and double magnum, a 2017 magnum and 2016 in magnum and three-liter double magnum. For a big occasion there are also 2021 and 2022 imperials and double magnums. Large formats age more slowly and evenly, which suits a wine built for decades.
2016 is one of the most sought-after recent vintages. Warmer years give a little more fruit early, while cooler, classical years reward patience.
Solaia, Tignanello and Antinori: which page is which
This page is for Solaia alone. Tignanello comes from the neighbouring vineyard on the same estate, but it is a Sangiovese-led blend, while Solaia leans on Cabernet. The rest of the family's wines are on our Antinori page. For a second Cabernet-based icon from Tuscany, compare Solaia with Sassicaia, or browse more Tuscan wine.
Solaia FAQ
What is Solaia wine?
Solaia is a red Toscana IGT from Marchesi Antinori, a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and a little Cabernet Franc, grown on a single vineyard on the Tignanello estate. It is one of the best-known Super Tuscans.
What is the difference between Solaia and Tignanello?
Both come from neighbouring vineyards on the same estate. Tignanello is mostly Sangiovese with some Cabernet, while Solaia turns that around and is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Solaia is also made only in the best years.
Why does the price of Solaia vary?
Vintage reputation, age and bottle size drive it. Acclaimed years such as 2016 and mature bottles are scarcer, and magnums, double magnums and imperials are made in small numbers. The grid above shows the current price of every bottle.
When should I drink Solaia?
Most vintages start to show their best at around ten years and can keep for twenty or more. If you open a young bottle, decant it for one to two hours.
What food goes with Solaia?
Bistecca alla fiorentina, roast lamb, wild boar ragù and game birds are natural matches, as are porcini dishes and aged Pecorino.