Looking for a bottle of exceptional Tignanello in Asheville to complement your stay at The Restoration Hotel? Metro Wines offers the premier selection of fine Italian wines in the city, including the legendary Super Tuscan that revolutionized Italian winemaking. Located just minutes from The Restoration Hotel's downtown location on Patton Avenue, Metro Wines combines exceptional selection with personalized service to enhance your Asheville experience.
Tignanello: A Revolutionary Italian Wine
Tignanello stands as one of the most influential wines in Italian viticulture history. First produced in 1971 by Piero Antinori, this revolutionary wine broke from traditional Chianti Classico regulations by incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc alongside Sangiovese, and aging the wine in French oak barriques.
The Story Behind Tignanello
The Antinori family has been making wine since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Winemakers' Guild. After 26 generations of winemaking, the family created Tignanello, which would become one of the foundational Super Tuscan wines.
What makes Tignanello special:
- It was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small French oak barrels)
- The first contemporary red wine in Chianti Classico to include non-traditional varieties like Cabernet
- One of the first to eliminate white grapes from the blend (a tradition in old Chianti)
- Produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, a 190-acre parcel with limestone-rich soils
This innovative approach earned Tignanello its place as one of Italy's most celebrated wines, consistently receiving international acclaim and high ratings from wine critics worldwide.
Metro Wines: Your Source for Tignanello in Asheville
Finding tignanello in Asheville doesn't need to be a challenge. At Metro Wines, we pride ourselves on carrying exceptional bottles like Tignanello that might be difficult to locate elsewhere in the city.
Our Tignanello Selection
Our collection typically includes multiple vintages of Tignanello, allowing wine enthusiasts to explore how this remarkable wine develops over different growing seasons. Recent available vintages have showcased the continuing refinement of this iconic wine, with each release demonstrating the Antinori family's commitment to quality and innovation.
When you purchase Tignanello from Metro Wines, you receive:
- Expert guidance on the specific vintage characteristics
- Proper storage assurance, as we maintain ideal conditions for all our fine wines
- Assistance with decanting recommendations for optimal enjoyment
- Pairing suggestions to enhance your dining experience
- Background information on the wine's history and significance
For collectors and enthusiasts seeking tignanello in Asheville, our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect bottle for your cellar or special occasion.
Why Choose Metro Wines Near The Restoration Hotel
The Restoration Hotel embodies downtown Asheville's free-spirited culture with its boutique accommodations and luxurious amenities. Located on Patton Avenue in the heart of downtown, it places you within easy reach of Metro Wines and our exceptional selection.
Convenient Location from The Restoration
Metro Wines is situated at 169 Charlotte Street, just a short drive or pleasant walk from The Restoration Hotel. Our location makes us the ideal destination for hotel guests looking to enhance their Asheville experience with exceptional wines.
The proximity means:
- A quick 5-minute drive from the hotel
- About a 15-20 minute scenic walk through downtown
- Easy addition to your exploration of Asheville's vibrant downtown scene
- Convenient stop before returning to enjoy The Restoration's rooftop bar with your purchase
Boutique Atmosphere Complementing Your Luxury Stay
Just as The Restoration Hotel offers a boutique hotel experience, Metro Wines provides a boutique wine shopping atmosphere. Our carefully curated selection and personalized service align perfectly with the discerning tastes of guests staying at fine wine restoration hotel properties.
The boutique atmosphere at Metro Wines includes:
- Thoughtfully organized displays that make browsing enjoyable
- Intimate setting where questions are welcomed, not judged
- Personal attention from staff who take time to understand your preferences
- Community-focused environment that celebrates local culture alongside global wine traditions
This approach complements The Restoration's own commitment to creating personalized experiences for guests who appreciate quality, attention to detail, and authentic local connections.
Expert Guidance for Wine Enthusiasts
At Metro Wines, there is always a sommelier on duty, all with retail and restaurant experience, who can help you select just the right bottle for any occasion.
Meet Our Wine Experts
Our knowledgeable team includes:
- John Kerr, Owner - Born in Napa, wine is ingrained in him, but his desire to serve is what sets him apart. His wine knowledge is insightful and extensive.
- Gina Trippi, Owner - An attorney by trade and member of The Florida Bar and The District of Columbia Bar, Gina writes a column about wine for The Laurel of Asheville.
- Andy Hale, Director of Sales & Education - With almost two decades in the wine industry, Andy is a Certified Specialist of Wine and first level Sommelier who co-founded the Asheville School of Wine.
- Cat Lavezzo, Wine Buyer - On a constant quest to broaden her knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits, Cat brings her passion for exploring flavors to our selection process.
This expertise ensures that whether you're a casual wine drinker or serious collector, you'll receive tailored recommendations based on your preferences and budget.
Pairing Tignanello with Asheville's Culinary Scene
Asheville has earned its reputation as a culinary destination, with restaurants showcasing farm-to-table cuisine and innovative flavors. Tignanello, with its elegant structure and complex profile, pairs beautifully with many local specialties.
Restaurant Recommendations Near The Restoration
If you're bringing a bottle of Tignanello back to enjoy at The Restoration or looking for restaurants where you might find it on the wine list, consider these pairing suggestions:
- Tignanello complements rich, savory dishes featuring local meats, particularly those with mushroom or truffle elements
- The wine's structure stands up well to aged cheeses, making it perfect for Asheville's artisanal cheese selections
- Its elegant acidity and fruit notes pair wonderfully with dishes featuring local heirloom tomatoes and herbs
Our staff can recommend specific restaurants near The Restoration that offer corkage services or feature exceptional food pairings for Super Tuscan wines like Tignanello.
Wine Delivery to The Restoration Hotel
Enhancing your stay at a fine wine restoration hotel property should be effortless. That's why Metro Wines offers wine delivery in Asheville, bringing exceptional bottles directly to your accommodation.
Special Occasions at The Restoration
The Restoration Hotel offers exceptional spaces for celebrations and gatherings. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner in your suite or utilizing one of the hotel's event spaces, Metro Wines can provide the perfect bottles to make the occasion memorable.
Wine for Celebrations
For special events at The Restoration, consider:
- Tignanello for milestone celebrations - its prestige and quality make it perfect for commemorating significant moments
- Vertical tastings featuring multiple vintages of Tignanello to explore how this remarkable wine evolves over time
- Custom wine selections tailored to your event menu and guest preferences
Our team can work with you and The Restoration's staff to ensure your wine selections perfectly complement your celebration.
The Larger World of Super Tuscans at Metro Wines
While Tignanello holds a special place in the world of Italian wines, Metro Wines offers a comprehensive selection of other exceptional Super Tuscans and Italian wines.
Beyond Tignanello: Other Notable Selections
Our wide selection includes:
- Antinori's Solaia - Tignanello's sister wine from an adjacent vineyard
- Sassicaia - The first Super Tuscan that paved the way for Tignanello
- Ornellaia - Created by Lodovico Antinori, brother of Piero Antinori
- Guidalberto - The second wine of Sassicaia producer Tenuta San Guido
- Le Volte dell'Ornellaia - An accessible entry point to Super Tuscan styles
Each of these wines represents a different expression of the innovative spirit that defines the Super Tuscan category, allowing you to explore the diversity of these remarkable wines.
Wine Education at Metro Wines
For those looking to deepen their knowledge of Italian wines like Tignanello, Metro Wines offers educational opportunities through the Asheville School of Wine.
Learning Opportunities
Founded by Gina Trippi, John Kerr, and Andy Hale, the Asheville School of Wine provides:
- Classes on wine regions and varieties, including special focus on Italian wines
- Tastings that explore the distinctive characteristics of Super Tuscans
- Educational events featuring experts in the field
- Resources for developing your palate and wine knowledge
These educational opportunities allow you to enhance your understanding and appreciation of exceptional wines like Tignanello during your stay in Asheville.
Collecting and Cellaring Tignanello
For wine collectors staying at The Restoration or residing in Asheville, Metro Wines provides guidance on building a collection that includes investment-worthy wines like Tignanello.
Collecting Tips from Our Experts
If you're interested in collecting Tignanello or other fine wines, our team can advise on:
- Which vintages show the most aging potential
- Proper storage conditions for long-term cellaring
- When specific vintages will reach their optimal drinking windows
- How to develop a balanced collection of Italian wines
- Investment considerations for fine wine collecting
This guidance helps ensure that your wine investments will provide both financial return and drinking pleasure for years to come.
Local Expertise Beyond Italian Wines
While we specialize in exceptional imports like Tignanello, Metro Wines also showcases our local expertise through carefully selected regional wines that reflect Asheville's growing wine culture.
Exploring Local and Regional Selections
Our commitment to local expertise extends to:
- North Carolina wines that showcase the state's developing wine regions
- Selections from neighboring states in the Southeast
- Wines that pair beautifully with Asheville's renowned local cuisine
- Bottles selected specifically to complement seasonal experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains
This local knowledge allows us to provide comprehensive recommendations that enhance your Asheville experience, whether you're enjoying the luxury of The Restoration or exploring the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tignanello
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What makes Tignanello different from traditional Chianti?
Tignanello broke from Chianti tradition by incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc alongside Sangiovese, eliminating white grapes from the blend, and aging in French oak barriques rather than traditional large Slavonian oak casks. These innovations produced a wine with greater structure, aging potential, and international appeal.
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How should I serve Tignanello?
For optimal enjoyment, serve Tignanello at around 60-65°F (16-18°C). We recommend decanting younger vintages for 1-2 hours before serving to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full complexity. Older vintages (10+ years) may benefit from 30-60 minutes of decanting to separate any sediment.
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How long can I cellar Tignanello?
Tignanello is crafted with aging potential in mind. Most vintages will develop beautifully for 15-25 years from the vintage date, with exceptional years potentially aging even longer. Our team can provide specific guidance on the cellaring potential of particular vintages.
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What food pairs best with Tignanello?
Tignanello's elegant structure and complex profile make it versatile with many foods. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, wild game, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and truffle-based dishes. Many of Asheville's renowned restaurants offer dishes that complement this wine perfectly.
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Is Tignanello worth its price?
While Tignanello commands a premium price, it offers exceptional value compared to wines of similar quality and reputation from regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley. Its consistent quality, aging potential, and historical significance make it a worthwhile investment for special occasions.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Restoration Experience
Your stay at The Restoration Hotel deserves to be complemented by exceptional wines that match the hotel's commitment to quality and distinctive experiences. Metro Wines offers the expertise, selection, and service to enhance your Asheville adventure with fine wines like Tignanello.
Whether you're seeking tignanello in Asheville to enjoy in your suite, looking for wine delivery to The Restoration, or wanting to explore exceptional bottles during your stay at a fine wine restoration hotel, Metro Wines is your trusted local partner.
Visit us at 169 Charlotte Street, call us at (828) 575-9525, or explore our contact us for more information. Our team looks forward to helping you discover the perfect wines to complement your Asheville experience.