Climate
The weather pattern in 2015 was extremely consistent, adhering to the seasonal norms typical of the Chianti Classico territory. A cold, relatively dry winter was followed by a spring that was wet in March and April but dry in May and June; temperatures during this period remained steady, ensuring perfect vegetative development and an excellent flowering and fruit-set phase. The summer was hot—peaking in July—with significant day-night temperature fluctuations that allowed the grape clusters to develop without undergoing undue stress. August was also hot but saw some rainfall, which fostered an optimal start to the ripening process.
Harvesting took place between late September and early October. The Cabernet Franc harvest ran from September 28 to 30; the Sangiovese harvest followed from September 29 to October 3; and the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest concluded the season, running from October 4 to 10.

Total annual rainfall: 646.8 mm
Average temperature (April 1 – October 12): 20.27°C
Rainfall (April 1 – October 12): 291.2 mm

Vinification
The 2015 vintage—characterized by steady, consistent weather—will be remembered for the harvest of completely healthy, fully ripe grapes, thanks to highly favorable climatic conditions throughout the season.
Nevertheless, meticulous attention was paid to every stage, from vineyard management to the harvest and vinification processes.
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were gently destemmed, and the berries were carefully hand-sorted on a selection table before crushing; this attention to detail ensured that only perfect berries entered the 60-hectoliter truncated-cone fermentation tanks. During fermentation and maceration, the musts slowly transform into wine; this stage requires extreme care to preserve freshness and aromatics, while also managing color extraction and tannins to ensure a profile of softness and elegance. Once the skins were separated from the wine, malolactic fermentation took place in barriques, enhancing the wine's finesse and appeal. The aging process occurs in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. During this period, the various lots—vinified separately based on grape variety and specific vineyard characteristics—mature in wood before being blended a few months prior to bottling.

Winemaker's Note
The 2015 vintage is considered one of the best ever, thanks to ideal weather conditions throughout the seasons, culminating in a harvest period that allowed the grapes to ripen to perfection.
Meticulous attention during vinification and a careful selection of wood for maturation have resulted in a wine of undeniable potential, boasting excellent balance and great personality.

Historical Background
Solaia is a vineyard covering approximately 20 hectares with a southwest exposure, situated at an altitude of 350 to 400 meters above sea level on the Tignanello Estate. The soil is rocky and calcareous, characterized by *alberese* and *galestro* rock formations. The Antinori family first produced this wine with the 1978 vintage; the initial blend consisted of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, a composition that was repeated for the 1979 vintage. In subsequent years, 20% Sangiovese was introduced, and adjustments were made to the ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon to Cabernet Franc, eventually leading to the current blend. Solaia is produced only in exceptional vintages; it was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, or 1992.

Tasting Note
Solaia 2015 displays a very intense ruby ??red color with violet hues.
It offers excellent aromatic expression and complexity: the nose reveals intense notes of plum jam and ripe dark fruits such as blackberry, blueberry, and blackcurrant. Distinct aromas of chocolate and licorice are perfectly integrated, giving way on the finish to a hint of mint that lends a pleasant freshness to the bouquet.
On the palate, the wine is harmonious, with excellent, balanced structure; the roundness and sweetness of the tannins create a compact, elegant profile, leading to an extremely long finish and a highly persistent spicy aftertaste.

Vintage Awards
Wine Advocate
100/100
United States

James Suckling
100/100
United States

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