A Glamorous Italian Giveaway: 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Super Tuscan Red Wine!

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As I mentioned in yesterday's episode of "Wines of the Week" on Facebook LIVE, I have a SUPER exciting giveaway to announce this month. In keeping with Italian Wine Month, this month's giveaway features a fabulous bottle of the 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello (a $110 VALUE)! This glorious red wine, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, debuted on the wine scene in 1978 and is widely regarded as the FIRST Super Tuscan wine in history.

As I've mentioned before, Tuscany is where I fell in love with wine. And while our entire trip was magical, it was during a special dinner in Florence with my husband that a flight of Super Tuscans (including Tignanello) positively blew me away! But in case you were wondering WHY these wines are SO special (not to mention SO expensive) here's a little history for ya.

Super Tuscan wines were "invented" in the 1960's as wine producers became frustrated with the declining quality of wines coming out of the Chianti region of Tuscany. As a result, they started experimenting outside of the strict DOC classification system, planting French grape varieties from Bordeaux such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Free of any restrictive vinous laws, these winemakers started incorporating these non-indigenous grape varieties into their wines, both with Sangiovese and without, depending on the whim of the producer.

In the beginning, these winemakers were laughed at. Yet, once people started sampling these utterly delicious wines, these rule breakers became heralded as great innovators. Soon, the prices of these exceptional wines were eclipsing that of the most well-respected Chiantis. And while these new wines didn't fit into any existing classifications, they were ultimately given their own in 1992 - the IGT classification, aka Indicazione Geografica Tipica.

And while today the production of Chianti wines has increased exponentially and they are some of my favorite Italian wines to enjoy, the rebellious Super Tuscans are here to stay. In addition to Tignanello, produced by the legendary Marchese Piero Antinori, other notable Super Tuscans include Sassicaia which was invented by Antinori's uncle Mario Incisa della Rochetta, Solaia, Ornellaia, Masseto and Fontalloro. To put it in perspective, these wines with their unique monikers are essentially the Italian equivalent of California Cult collectibles like Screaming Eagle and Insignia.

To enter The Glamorous Italian Giveaway for this fabulous bottle of 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello, simply leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Italian food and wine combination - AND - comment on TWO other blog posts here on my website - it's THAT simple! AND for ADDITIONAL chances to win, please leave ADDITIONAL comments on other blog posts! Each additional comment left on a blog post here on my website (after the initial three of course) will count as ONE additional chance to win.This Glamorous Italian Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Sunday April 22nd and ends next Sunday, April 29th, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is included as part of the contest!

Thank you in advance for your participation, best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comments now. I look forward to announcing the lucky winner next Sunday!!!

Cheers,