Tignanello: The Wine That Inspired Meghan Markle’s ‘The Tig’

Explore the story behind Tignanello, Meghan Markle’s favorite wine, and its influence on her lifestyle and passions.

By Medha deb

Created on Jul 11, 2025

Explore the story behind Tignanello, Meghan Markle’s favorite wine, and its influence on her lifestyle and passions.

Few wines hold the legacy and mystique of Tignanello, a celebrated Italian Super Tuscan. It’s not just the complex blend or the rich history—it’s the way this wine has crossed into pop culture, shaping the tastes and passions of celebrities like Meghan Markle. Before her royal exploits and worldwide fame, Meghan’s journey in wine appreciation led her to Tignanello—so profound, in fact, that she named her influential lifestyle blog “The Tig” in its honor.

This article reveals the origins, tasting profile, story, and cultural impact of Tignanello, and why its presence looms large in the world of modern wine enthusiasts.

The Super Tuscan Revolution: Where Tignanello Begins

Tignanello is one of the pioneering Super Tuscan wines—a designation for top-tier Italian reds that defied tradition. Instead of following the strict rules prescribing which grapes could go into Chianti, vintners like Marchesi Antinori blended native varieties (Sangiovese) with international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

First released: 1971, revolutionizing Tuscan winemaking
Blend: Predominantly Sangiovese, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
Origin: Produced on the Antinori family’s Tignanello vineyard in Tuscany
Price: $100–$175 per bottle, depending on vintage

With its release, Tignanello elevated the prestige of Italian wines globally and challenged the notion that only French blends could command such luxury and status.

Tignanello’s Signature Character: Tasting Notes & Style

Tignanello is renowned for its full-bodied and complex flavor profile. For many wine lovers, including Meghan Markle, their first encounter with Tignanello is transformative—the “aha!” moment where wine becomes more than a drink, but a sensory revelation.

Fruit: Red and dark fruit, especially cherry and plum
Spice & Herbal: Subtle notes of spice, dried herbs, and tobacco
Structure: Firm tannins, great acidity, lingering finish
Complexity: Hints of cocoa, toasted oak, and earthy undertones in select vintages

As Meghan shared, “Tignanello is a full-bodied red wine that I tried about seven years ago. It was my first moment of getting it—I finally understood what people meant by the body, structure, finish, legs of wine.”

Meghan Markle & ‘The Tig’: A Celebrity Love Affair

Meghan Markle’s appreciation for Tignanello is more than a passing preference—it’s the very inspiration behind The Tig, her influential lifestyle blog active from 2014 to 2017.

Blog Purpose: A curated celebration of food, travel, fashion, beauty, and ‘Tig moments’—those perfect, joyful flashes in everyday life
Name Origin: “The Tig” is Meghan’s affectionate nickname for Tignanello, symbolizing her personal wine awakening

The Tig became synonymous with sophisticated taste, self-discovery, and aspirational living. Even after shutting down the blog, Meghan’s fondness for Tignanello continues to define a part of her persona.

Tignanello’s Place Among Meghan Markle’s Favorite Wines

Though Tignanello reigns supreme, Meghan’s palate is anything but limited. Over the years, interviews and articles have revealed a handful of wines she returns to, marking her as a true connoisseur.

Wine	Type/Region	Signature Taste
Tignanello	Super Tuscan / Tuscany, Italy	Red fruit, spice, tobacco, herbs, cocoa
Flowers Pinot Noir	Pinot Noir / Sonoma Coast, California	Earthy, floral, balanced acidity, vibrant red fruit
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon	Cabernet Sauvignon / Alexander Valley, California	Rich dark fruit, smooth tannins, elegant finish

Yet, it’s Tignanello that remains closest to her heart, both as a wine and a symbol of personal journey.

Tignanello’s Winemaking: From Vineyard to Glass

The Antinori family crafts Tignanello with meticulous care, blending tradition with innovation.

Vineyard: The 140-acre estate sits at the heart of Chianti Classico, thriving in limestone-rich soils and ideal microclimates
Grapes: The blend is typically around 80% Sangiovese, balanced with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, though adjustments vary year to year
Aging: Matures in oak barrels, imparting delicate vanilla and smoke notes
Vintages: Some years, like 2022, are celebrated for hints of bitter cocoa and tobacco, strong acidity, and depth

This attention in vineyard and cellar is what sets Tignanello apart, yielding a wine that stands up to decades of aging and appreciation.

Why Wine Lovers (and Celebrities) Obsess Over Tignanello

Ask any wine aficionado, and they’ll tell you Tignanello is more than a beverage—it’s an experience, a piece of history, and a cultural touchstone.

Reputation: Regarded as one of Italy’s finest red wines and a benchmark for Super Tuscan style
Accessibility: While not inexpensive, its price reflects rarity and pedigree, often retailing between $100 and $175
Aging Potential: Collectors prize Tignanello for its ability to mature gracefully over ten to twenty years
Cultural Impact: Its association with Meghan Markle and other icons keeps it at the center of attention

Wine clubs, enthusiasts, and blogs continually tout Tignanello as a “bucket list bottle.” Social media further amplifies its legendary status, especially among those chasing Meghan’s signature lifestyle moments.

How to Enjoy Tignanello: Tips & Pairings

Pouring a glass of Tignanello isnn’t just about the wine—it’s about creating the perfect setting to savor its depth. Here are expert tips for making the most of every drop:

Serve at: 16–18°C (60–65°F) for optimal aroma and flavor
Glassware: Large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses accentuate bouquet and structure
Food Pairings:
- Grilled steak or lamb
- Hearty mushroom risotto
- Aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Italian classics: Eggplant Parmigiana, rich tomato pasta dishes
Cellaring: Consider buying two bottles—one to enjoy now and one to age for future celebrations

The Legacy of ‘The Tig’

Meghan Markle’s blog “The Tig” is more than a website; it’s a symbol of inspired living. The blog was her outlet to explore travel, health, beauty, and—above all—wine. In her farewell note, Meghan encouraged readers to “keep finding those Tig moments” and reminded them, “if you can’t afford it, rest assured, you are enough.”

Even after stepping away from her royal duties and public spotlight, Meghan’s love for celebrating everyday luxuries and finding meaning beyond headlines endures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Tignanello a ‘Super Tuscan’?

Tignanello broke Chianti’s traditional grape restrictions by blending Sangiovese with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, inaugurating the Super Tuscan movement.

Why did Meghan Markle name her blog “The Tig”?

The name reflects Meghan’s personal wine epiphany after tasting Tignanello. The experience gave her profound appreciation for flavor, character, and luxury, a philosophy she extended through her lifestyle blog.

How much does Tignanello cost?

A bottle of Tignanello typically ranges from $100 to $175, depending on vintage and availability.

What does Tignanello taste like?

Expect lush red and dark fruit, nuanced spice, hints of tobacco, herbs, cocoa, and an elegant, structured finish.

Can Tignanello be aged?

Yes. With proper cellaring, Tignanello’s flavors and structure evolve over years, making it a favorite among collectors.

Final Thoughts: The Enduring Appeal of Tignanello

From the ancient hills of Tuscany to the glasses of wine connoisseurs and royal celebrities, Tignanello remains one of Italy’s shining stars. Its storied origin, compelling taste, and cultural footprint continue to delight and inspire, especially for those like Meghan Markle who see wine as a source of joy, self-discovery, and celebration. Whether you’re reaching for your first ‘Tig’ moment or toasting the legacy of a legendary Super Tuscan, Tignanello promises a sip of history in every bottle.