# Solengo (2021)

- **Producer:** Argiano
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €70
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, chocolate, leather, tobacco, forest floor

## About this wine

First released in 1995, Solengo is the iconic 'Super Tuscan of Montalcino' originally created by the legendary enologist Giacomo Tachis. Produced by the historic Argiano estate, which dates back to the 16th century, this wine represents a harmonious marriage between French Bordeaux varieties and Montalcino's unique terroir. Under the modern leadership of André Santos Esteves and winemaker Bernardino Sani, Argiano has undergone a major renaissance. The estate mapped its soils with terroir expert Pedro Parra, eliminated chemical pesticides, and became the first completely plastic-free, carbon-neutral certified winery in Montalcino. The name 'Solengo' translates to 'lone wild boar' in the local Tuscan dialect, paying homage to the wild fauna of the surrounding Sienese forests.

## Interesting facts

- Solengo translates to 'lone wild boar' in the Tuscan dialect, celebrating the wild fauna of the Montalcino forests.
- Argiano was the very first winery in Montalcino to become completely plastic-free and certified carbon-neutral.
- The wine was originally created by Giacomo Tachis, the legendary enologist behind Sassicaia and Tignanello.
- The 2021 vintage completely excludes Syrah, returning to a classic blend with Sangiovese for fresher Tuscan tension.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied, highly structured Super Tuscan requires rich, protein-heavy dishes to soften its robust, velvety tannins. The vibrant acidity cuts through the fat of marbled meats and rich sauces, while the intense dark fruit and oak spice complement savory, herb-infused, and earthy flavors like wild game, rosemary, and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The 2021 vintage of Solengo is crafted from certified organic grapes, manually harvested during the first week of September. Each grape variety is vinified separately. Initial fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by an extended skin-contact maceration period of approximately 20 days to extract structure and color. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in concrete tanks to preserve fruit purity and freshness. The wine is then aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barriques (225L) from select coopers, utilizing a combination of 60% new oak and 40% second-use barrels before final blending and bottling.