Classification:
Toscana IGT
Blend:
Cabernet Sauvignon 90% - Cabernet Franc 10%
Climate:
The beginning of spring was marked by
some rainfall and temperatures slightly above
the seasonal average, favoring budbreak
of the various varieties a few days earlier than
average. The subsequent weather conditions
led to excellent flowering and fruit set, which
led to a balanced yield on the
vines themselves. The exceptional rainfall that characterized
most of the summer, from mid-July onwards,
certainly created difficulties both for the normal
ripening process and for the health of the
bunches. In the last three weeks of harvest,
the weather conditions showed all their
variability: stable at the beginning (allowing the grapes still
to be harvested to complete their ripening), marked by
several showers at the end. The 2002 harvest was
one of the most difficult in recent years, with areas that
still achieved excellent quality, but
also areas where the results were not fully
satisfactory, influenced predominantly
by the weather.
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Solaia / 2002

Vinification:
The particular weather, which caused a delay in ripening, made
a careful selection of the grapes essential during the harvest. Despite this, the Sangiovese,
Cabernet's traditional partner in Solaia, did not reach the satisfactory quality levels
capable of providing the necessary characterization of the wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon and
Cabernet Franc harvest took place approximately eight days later than in 2001. Thanks to the careful
selection, the grapes were able to undergo maceration and fermentation similar to
the best Solaia vintages. The wine remained in contact with its skins for two weeks and was then
racked directly into new French oak barrels, where it remained for 16 months. After
aging, it was aged in bottle for at least 12 months before
being released to the market. Alcohol: 13.0% ABV.
Historical data:
Solaia is a 10-hectare vineyard with southwest exposure, located between 350 and 400 meters above sea level on rocky
calcareous soil with alberese rock. It is located at Tenuta Tignanello, adjacent to the vineyard of the same name.
Marchesi Antinori produced this wine for the first time with the 1978 vintage;
The initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, a process repeated in 1979.
In subsequent vintages, 20% Sangiovese was introduced, and some adjustments were made
to the Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc ratio, leading to the current
mixture. Solaia is produced only in exceptional vintages and was not produced in 1980, 1981,
1983, 1984, and 1992.
Tasting notes:
On the nose, the wine is characterized by notes of currant and cherry complemented by subtle oaky notes. On the
palate, it is smooth, well-balanced, and remarkably persistent; it is suitable for immediate consumption
but also has great aging potential.