Marchesi Antinori TignanelloProducer from Tuscany, Italy

Antinori, a name synonymous with Italian winemaking, boasts a rich history that stretches back over six centuries. Founded in 1385 by Giovanni di Piero Antinori in Florence, this esteemed winery has continuously shaped the landscape of Italian wine through its commitment to quality and innovation. Today, Antinori remains at the forefront of the wine industry, renowned for its exceptional wines and pioneering spirit.

The history of Antinori

The Antinori family's journey in winemaking began in the heart of Tuscany, where Giovanni di Piero Antinori established the family's winemaking business. Over the centuries, the Antinori name has become emblematic of Italian viticultural excellence. The family's dedication to both tradition and innovation has allowed them to navigate the evolving wine landscape while maintaining their historical roots.

In the early 20th century, Antinori made a bold move by investing in the renowned Chianti Classico region. This period saw the introduction of the famous Tignanello wine in 1971, which marked a turning point in Italian winemaking. Tignanello was one of the first Super Tuscans, a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that challenged traditional winemaking norms and established a new benchmark for quality and style.

Terroir and Winemaking Philosophy of Antinori:

Antinori's commitment to terroir and meticulous winemaking is evident in the diverse range of vineyards they manage. The estate spans several key regions in Italy, including Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia, each offering distinct terroirs that contribute to the complexity and character of their wines.

In Tuscany, Antinori's vineyards benefit from the region's varied microclimates and soil types. The renowned Tignanello and Solaia vineyards are situated in the Chianti Classico region, characterised by its limestone and clay soils, which impart a unique minerality and depth to the wines. The vineyards' elevation and exposure to the sun also play a crucial role in achieving optimal ripeness and balanced acidity.

In Umbria, the Antinori family produces exceptional wines at the Castello della Sala estate. The region's volcanic soils and cooler climate create ideal conditions for growing white varieties such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are known for their freshness, elegance, and vibrant acidity.

The Puglia region, known for its warm climate and rich soils, allows Antinori to produce robust and flavourful wines. The estate's focus on local varieties, such as Primitivo and Negroamaro, results in bold wines with ripe fruit flavours and a distinctive regional character.

Innovations and Modernisation

Antinori's success is also attributed to its willingness to embrace modern winemaking techniques while respecting traditional practices. The family has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, including temperature-controlled fermentation tanks and new oak ageing regimes. This blend of tradition and innovation ensures that Antinori wines consistently meet the highest standards of quality.

The winery's approach to blending is another area where innovation shines. By combining traditional Italian varietals with international grapes, Antinori has created iconic wines that appeal to a global audience. The use of new oak barrels for ageing adds complexity and depth to their wines, enhancing their ageing potential and overall character.

Wines produced at Antinori:

Solaia

Solaia is a premium Super Tuscan, crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. Known for its full-bodied richness, Solaia presents a bouquet of dark fruit, tobacco, and earthy notes. The wine’s structure and depth are complemented by its well-integrated tannins and long finish, reflecting its esteemed place among Italy’s top wines.

Tignanello

Tignanello is a flagship Super Tuscan, blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This wine is renowned for its rich, complex profile, offering ripe red fruit, spices, and a touch of oak. Its velvety texture and balanced acidity make it suitable for ageing, showcasing the innovative spirit that transformed Italian winemaking in the 1970s.

Tenuta Tignanello Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori

Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori is a refined expression of Sangiovese, blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine offers intense flavours of dark cherries, plums, and spices, with a structured palate and well-integrated tannins. The Riserva is known for its exceptional ageing potential and depth, honouring the Antinori family’s dedication to quality.

Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala

Cervaro della Sala is a prestigious white wine crafted from Chardonnay and Grechetto at Castello della Sala. It combines vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavours with a rich, creamy texture and a hint of oak. The wine’s complex layers and elegant finish reflect the careful blending and ageing process, showcasing the unique terroir of Umbria.

Castello della Sala Bramìto del Cervo

Bramìto del Cervo is the younger brother to Cervaro and made from the younger vines. It features a vibrant acidity and notes of citrus, pear, and a hint of oak. The wine’s crisp freshness and minerality are a testament to the unique terroir of the region, offering elegance and finesse.