A UNIQUE AND UNREPEATABLE EVENT:
SOLAIA, THE HISTORY OF A GREAT WINE.

Solaia, the cult wine produced by Marchesi Antinori, tells its story for the first time in a vertical tasting of 6 vintages.

At Vinitaly 2010, Friday April 9th, at 3:30 p.m. in the Argento Hall.

Vinitaly, in order to portray Italian oenological excellence, is dedicating this year's  "wine-tasting event" to Marchesi Antinori''s Solaia- the wine which has become an object of desire for wine-enthusiasts throughout the world. Solaia is making its introduction for the first time in a very prestigious vertical tasting: 1978, 1988, 1994, 1997, 2004, and 2007. 
Marchese Piero Antinori himself will be present to conduct this exclusive wine tasting along with his daughters Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia, together with Doctor Renzo Cotarella, agronomist and CEO of Marchesi Antinori.

Participation in this event is on payment and exclusively for a limited number of people and the proceeds will be entirely donated to the Italian Lenitherapy Foundation (file, www.leniterapia.it) active in the Palliative Care sphere to offer terminal patients and their families qualified and free medical, nursing and psychological assistance.

Online sale is open from today until places are available and one ticket costs € 150. Is it possible to purchase max. 2 tickets.

Six of Solaia's best vintages have been chosen to tell the wine's story, which is based on the contrasts between solid tradition and a constant new appeal, being produced only during exceptional vintages.

1978- The first historic vintage, which was born almost by accident: in 1978 the Cabernet which was meant to become part of Tignanello was of an excellent quality and in great abundance that year. (Tignanello was the first Supertuscan wine produced by the house of Antinori, and had been created a few years earlier on the basis of Sangiovese along with 20% Cabernet.)
Marchese Piero Antinori decided to bottle the excess quantity of this pure varietal wine, which turned out to be about 3000-4000 bottles, and thus made way for a grand new wine: Solaia.
 
1988 - A historic vintage of great longevity, which represents one of the first years in which the Supertuscans make an impact on the international market. Solaia 1988 is a wine of great substance and elegance, which unites great smoothness with a rare level of intensity both in terms of taste and smell.

1994 - The proverbial elegance of Solaia, which deviated in a vintage which was difficult for various reasons, expresses itself optimally in a wine of incredible freshness and integrity;   
possibly one of the absolutely best vintages ever of this Antinori Supertuscan. 

1997 - A great vintage which, in the year 2000, was elected by Wine Spectator as "Wine of the Year", and was the first Italian wine ever to be chosen as the best wine in the world.  It was a historic harvest, possessing perfect organoleptic characteristics,
and is considered a milestone by wine collectors and experts everywhere.

2004 - A classic vintage with great potential for aging, bestowed with a wonderful balance between its concentration, minerality, and profound aromas.
This wine has exemplary complexity, and will surely be talked about for many years to come. 

2007 - A vintage yet to be discovered, and possibly one of the best ever, has given life to an unquestionably great version of Solaia, which will be introduced in its "anteprima" (unveiling) to the guests present at the tasting.

Tasting vouchers can be collected the day of the tasting, on Friday 9th April, at the "Reception" located at the entrance of the Argento Hall (-1 Palaexpo bldg., entrance A2)

A valid entrance ticket to Vinitaly is required in order to take part in the tasting.