At a glance

Producer

Marchesi Antinori

Region

Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$194-$219 USD per 750ml

Tasting profile

Aromas of ripe cherry, cassis, dried violet, tobacco, leather, and subtle oak. Palate shows elegance, deep fruit, silky tannins, notes of earth, spice, and balsamic.

Evolution: Develops velvety texture, tertiary flavors of dried herbs, cedar, and truffle with further aging. Primary fruit gently fading into complex bouquet.

At peak: Refined structure and balance; harmonized tannins and acidity; deep, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus; provides freshness and ageworthiness

Tannins

Refined, well-integrated, softening with age

Alcohol

13.5%-14.0% ABV (typical for this vintage)

Aging potential

Excellent; can evolve gracefully for another 5-8 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2021 to 2027

Optimal window

2017 to 2030

Current status

At or near peak; drinking beautifully now with further potential

Current condition

Excellent condition if properly cellared; offers full mature complexity

Tignanello 2011 is drinking at or near its peak, displaying the refined meld of fruit, earth, and tertiary nuances that flagship Tuscan blends develop with a decade of bottle age. It should maintain its best qualities for several more years under proper storage.

Food pairing

Pair with Florentine steak, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, truffle risotto, or aged Pecorino cheese.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has aged for 14 years, allowing its tannins to soften, but decanting will help further enhance its aromas and flavors by allowing it to breathe.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Marchesi Antinori implements integrated pest management, reduced chemical treatments, use of cover crops, water recycling, and solar energy at key estates. Packaging shifted to lighter bottles post-2010 but not fully lightweight in 2011.

While Antinori is committed to progressive sustainability practices across its estates—such as water conservation, renewable energy, and biodiversity—the 2011 Tignanello vintage was produced prior to the more recent intensification of these programs, and is not organically certified. The estate's emphasis is on integrated, responsible viticulture rather than full organic/biodynamic transition. Packaging is partially optimized, but bottle weights are above current best-in-class targets for carbon reduction. The carbon footprint for international consumers is increased due to shipping from Italy. Thus, Tignanello rates well for a traditional premium producer ahead of many in its peer group, but does not reach the topmost scores achievable by certified organic or carbon-neutral estates.