Picture this: you’re driving through the Tuscan countryside in a slick, new sports car; the wind is whipping through your hair as world-famous Chianti Classico vineyards disappear in the rearview mirror. In perhaps one of the most Italian collabs ever, Maserati and Marchesi Antinori have teamed up to release one of the first 100 percent electric luxury convertibles, inspired by Antinori’s world famous super Tuscan Tignanello. And the wheels could be yours—the car will be auctioned off for charity at the Festival Napa Valley's Arts for All Gala on July 14.
The car was created exclusively for Marchesi Antinori, whose family history in wine goes back 600 years and 26 generations, making them one of the most iconic names in Italian wine, if not the world. The bespoke driving machine, the GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello, was inspired by the vineyards of Antinori’s Tenuta Tignanello, an estate located in the heart of Chianti Classico.
Tignanello spans over 788 acres of limestone, schist and marine marlstone soils. About 121 acres are planted with vines. That soil inspired the car’s custom body color, “Terra di Tignanello”, a coppery chestnut color.
Tenuta Tignanello, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, has consistently received classic scores for decades. It was a game changer for Tuscany and Sangiovese, an innovative blend of the Italian grape with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Maserati is another Italian classic. Founded by the Maserati brothers in Bologna in 1914, it has a long history in luxury automobiles. The new collaboration includes Vegea "vegan leather" seats, made from recycled grape materials from the vineyard itself. The signature Tignanello label and the “Tignanello sun”, which has been featured on the bottle since its 1971 vintage, also make appearances on headrest embroidery and wood paneling.
Ultimately, this luxury sports car meets Tignanello tribute is made for a true Antinori superfan: someone who eats, sleeps, breathes, and now drives Tignanello. But when it comes down to bidding for this ride at auction, it begs the question: Which would you rather have? The new GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello or a couple hundred cases of the juice it's inspired by?
