Antinori
History and Background
The Antinori family's involvement in winemaking can be traced back to 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners. For over six centuries and 26 generations, the family has been dedicated to the art of winemaking, passing down knowledge and passion from one generation to the next.
Vineyards and Terroir
The Antinori family owns several estates across Italy, each with its distinct terroir:
Tuscany: This is the heartland of the Antinori family. Estates like Tignanello, Solaia, and Pèppoli are located here, producing some of the family's most iconic wines.
Umbria: The Castello della Sala estate is located here, known for producing high-quality white wines, including the renowned Cervaro della Sala.
Bolgheri: The family ventured into this coastal Tuscan region, establishing the Guado al Tasso estate, known for its Bordeaux-style blends.
Wine Style and Production
The Antinori family has garnered a reputation for their dual commitment to upholding traditions and pioneering innovation in winemaking. During the 1970s, they stood at the forefront of the "Super Tuscan" movement, introducing wines such as Tignanello that challenged Tuscany's conventional winemaking by incorporating non-native grape varieties and maturing wines in petite French oak barrels. Their diverse portfolio encompasses robust reds like Solaia and Tignanello as well as refined whites, notably Cervaro della Sala. A unifying theme across all Antinori estates is the dedication to capturing and expressing the distinct terroir of each vineyard.
Reputation
The Antinori name is synonymous with quality and innovation in the wine world. Their wines consistently receive high scores from critics and have played a significant role in elevating the global reputation of Italian wines. Marchese Piero Antinori, who led the company for many decades in the 20th and 21st centuries, is often credited with modernizing Tuscan viticulture and introducing several groundbreaking wines.
Final Thoughts
The Antinori family's legacy in winemaking is unparalleled, blending tradition and innovation seamlessly. Their commitment to quality, respect for terroir, and willingness to experiment have solidified their position as one of the leading wine producers not just in Italy, but globally. For wine enthusiasts, the Antinori name represents a rich tapestry of history, passion, and excellence.