Villa Antinori Rosso 2016, Super Tuscan
Antinori- An Iconic Family of Italian Wine
The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries. In all began in 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the “Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri,” the Florentine Winemakers' Guild. The family’s acceptance into the guild is generally considered to be the official starting point for the Antinori, when it comes to winemaking, marking them as one of the oldest and most well-respected families in the industry.
We couldn’t think of a more fitting wine for this week’s menu and celebration than to select one of the wines from this iconic family. They were around in the time of the Medici - giving council on how and where to plant the vines, carving out the region of Chianti and making their first wines for the Florentine nobels. Undoubtedly, fans watching the “Calcio Storico Fiorentino” medieval soccer match, were also drinking Antinori wines!
The Antinori’s and their innovations played a large part in the "Super-Tuscan" revolution of the 1970s where the regional character of the Sangiovese grape is enhanced by grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They created the first Super Tuscan called Tignanello. In Florence, the Antinori family has led a "Renaissance" in Italian wine making by combining long traditions, a love of authenticity and a dynamic innovative spirit.
Villa Antinori Rosso 2016, Super Tuscan
Ruby red in color, this wine shows intense and complex aromas of ripe, red fruit, sweet spices and dried fruit and nuts. This red wine is structured with sensations of spice and vanilla from the oak barrels. Firm bodied, it is round and supple with velvety tannins and a long, savory finish. Antinori's historic label is based on Chianti Classico's tradition of blending Sangiovese with a small amount of other grape varieties; in this case Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
“A red with attractive blackberry and licorice aromas and flavors. Some tar. Medium body, light tannins and a delicious finish. Drink now.” - James Suckling 91 points
With a wine history dating to 1385, Antinori has made this reliable Sangiovese and Bordeaux red blend since 1927, so its pedigree is not in question! Toasty oak melds into succulent cherry-berry fruit, with fine tannins and bright acidity to age well. Excellent value. - Decanter 92 points