The Super Tuscan investment-grade wine, Solaia, has released its 2015 vintage via the Place Bordeaux to critical acclaim. Both James Suckling and The Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner have awarded it the perfect 100 points score and Suckling went so far as to state that it could be “the greatest Solaia made so far”.
Located in the Chianti Classico region, the 10-hectare Solaia estate was originally created as a result of fellow Super Tuscan, and sister vineyard, Tignanello, producing too many Cabernet grapes in 1978. Owned by Marchesi Antinori Srl, one of the largest vineyard owners in Italy, both estates can claim origins that date back to 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Winemakers Guild.
Many generations later Piero Antori bought several vineyards in the Chianti Classico region in 1900 including the 47 hectares which would become Tignanello in 1971. His son, Niccolo, was an innovator and introduced the use of Bordeaux varietals, new blends, barrel types ad bottle ageing. The use of the Cabernet grapes in Tignanello and Solaia resulted in these great wines being registered as ‘IGT’ wines rather than ‘Chianti Classico’.
Solaia, ‘the Sunny One’ comprises a 10 acre estate next to Tignanello, and the first vintage was produced in 1978 with a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. The wine has since evolved to comprise 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 20% Sangiovese, the grape of the region.
Liv-ex’s Solaia index has enjoyed consistent growth and Solaia was the best performing Super Tuscan in 2017. The estate’s wines age well and prices tend to increase in value over time.
The 2015 vintage has been released at a premium of 19.2% over the 2012, 2013 and 2014 vintages, recognising its perfect 100 point quality score. It is being offered on the secondary market at a price comparative to older, rarer and lower quality scored vintages such as 2007 and at a justifiable 16% premium on the 95 point-rated 2014 vintage. It is sure to demand the attention of fine wine investors and Super Tuscan fans.
For more information on including Super Tuscans in your fine wine investment portfolio contact us now on 0203 384 2262.