Antinori is one of the most famous names in the world of wine. This Italian family, which dates its origins back to the 14th century and which now owns more than 20 estates across the world is a model of success.
The history of the Antinori family
This very old Italian family is known for producing fine wines across the world. Its origins are in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany where, for 637 years, its winemaking skills has been passed down through the generations.
The origins of the Tuscan estate
In the Middle Ages the estate produced top quality wines renowned in Tuscany. In 1385, Goivanni di Piero Antinor entered the Florentine winemaker guild « l’arte Fiorentina. » The family The family became famous when Niccolò di Tommaso Antinori, an illustrious man from Florence, bought the Palazzo Boni in 1506, which was later named Palazzo Antinori. This palace is an example of Florentine Renaissance architecture and is still today used as a residence for the family and is the seat of commercial activities.
The development of Marchesi Antinori since the 20th century
Thanks to its prestigious wines, the estate has remained in the same family for more than six centuries. Marquis Piero Antinori follows 26 generations to lead the company. Since the 20th century, the family has purchased more than 20 estates with top quality terroirs all over the world, enabling them to produce wines that represent and respect the uniqueness of each appellation.
The style of Antinori wines
The Antinori family has always worked according to the rules of the art, i.e. in the tradition and with respect of the terroir, while maintaining its innovative character. Tapping into inherited know-how, the family combines it with modern methods to enhance the characteristics of the soils and the grape varieties.
"Ancient roots play an important role in our philosophy, but they have never inhibited our spirit of innovation," says Marquis Piero Antinori.
Marchesi Antinori’s Italian estates
Marchesi Antinori has estates in Italy in several famous and prized regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, Puglia and Umbria. These vineyards, which stretch from the north to the south of the country, let us see the extent of the family's savoir-faire, on very different terroirs and grape varieties.
The Antinori estates in Tuscany
Tuscany is the Antinori family’s historical region where it established itself six centuries ago, and where it still resides at the Palazzo Antinori, in Florence. Marchesi Antinori owns the majority of its estates there – today 12.
"Villa Antinori"
Villa Antinori is located south of Florence in the Chianti Classico appellation area. In 1928, the Marquis Niccolò Antinori created Villa Antinori, producing a powerful Chianti Classico wine made for ageing. The wines are made with Sangiovese in keeping with the House's guiding principles while respecting the terroir. The Villa Antinori Riserva is an benchmark property of the estate.
"Pèppoli"
The Pèppoli estate was acquired by Marchesi Antinori in 1985 and has 50 hectares of vineyards. Thanks to its warm microclimate and mineral pebble soil, Pèppoli is known for its Sangioveses with strong fruity and floral scents. The Antinori - Pèppoli: Chianti Classico is an example.
"Tenuta Tignanello"
Tenuta Tignanello was acquired by the Antinori family in the 19th century. This estate of 130 hectares of vineyards is located on the same hill as their famous Solaia vineyard. The soils are composed of Pliocene marine marl to limestone and schist, giving finesse and complexity to the wines. The temperature difference between day and night ensures expressive scents and good acidity. The estate is experimenting with different winemaking techniques, cultivation methods and the introduction of new grape varieties in order to produce exceptional wines. The Antinori - Tenuta Tignanello: Marchese Antinori Riserva in Chianti Classico appellation is a typical wine of the estate.
"Badia a Passignano"
Dating back to the 10th century, Badia a Passignano is one of the oldest estates in the Chianti Classico appellation. The history of the estate, written in books now kept in the Florence archives, has provided information on the cultivation of Sangiovese and its production. The estate has 65 hectares of Sangiovese vines on limestone soil at an altitude of 300 metres. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Badia a Passignano is an emblematic wine of the appellation.
"Pian delle Vigne"
This estate has belonged to the Antinori family since 1995. Located 6 km from Montalcino, its 65 hectares of vineyards produce Sangiovese, also known as Brunello in the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. The clay-limestone soil gives the wines elegance. They are aged in barrels to preserve the fruity scents of the Sangioveses. Pian Delle Vigne's Brunello di Montalcino is a typical wine of the appellation.
"La Braccesca"
The La Braccesca estate is located on the lands of the Counts of Bracci in Tuscany. The family bought the estate in 1990. Its 237 hectares produces vintages in the Nobile di Montepulciano and Cortona appellations, made with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Prugnolo Gentile and Sangiovese. The renowned Antinori - La Braccesca: Bramasole is made exclusively with Syrah.
"Tenuta Guado Al Tasso"
Located in the Bolgheri appellation on the coast south-west of Florence, the estate owns 320 hectares in a setting called the "Bolgheri amphitheatre". The appellation has been in existence for only a short time, yet it has become a reference point for the wine world. Pietro Antinori's mother inherited Tenuta Guado Al Tasso in the 1930s. The grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The climate is mild thanks to the Mediterranean Sea, which refreshes the vines in summer with its sea spray. The sandy-clay and silt-clay soils produce wines of character. The wines are elegant, powerful and complex like the Cont'Ugo from Guado al Tasso 100% Merlot.
A reference model in Piedmont
Close to the Alps and the Apennines, Piedmont is one of Italy's most prestigious and renowned wine regions. It is here that Nebbiolo, the flagship variety of the great Barolos and Barbarescos, flourishes. The family wanted to produce these eminent wines here as well.
"Prunotto"
In Alba, in the heart of the Langhe and Monferrato regions of northern Italy, the wines of the Prunotto estate are high quality Barolos and Barbarescos, made from the legendary Nebbiolo grape. In 1994, the Antinori family bought the vineyard that had been developed by Alfredo Prunotto. Like a mosaic, the terroirs bring their own characteristics and allow the production of typical Piedmont wines. The emblematic wines of the estate are Prunotto: Bussia in the Barolo appellation and Prunotto: Bric Turot in the Barbaresco appellation.
The estate in Umbria
Umbria is located in the south of Tuscany, a wine region where cellars dating back more than 3,000 years have been discovered in volcanic rock. The family established itself in these historic wine-growing areas.
"Castello della Sala"
Castello della Sala was built in 1350, but was acquired by Marchese Antinori in the 20th century. The estate has plots at an altitude of between 220 and 470 metres and has clay-limestone soil containing fossilised shells. This soil is ideal for making fine, elegant wines like Pinot Noir, an essential grape variety that is best illustrated in Castello della Sala's Pinot Nero vintage.
In the south of Italy, an estate in Puglia
The wine region of Puglia is located in the south-east of Italy and is one of the oldest in the country. It is renowned for preserving its local grape varieties. The Antinori family has invested in the Upper Salento area.
"Tormaresca"
The Castel Del Monte appellation in Puglia has interested the Antinori family since 1988. Near the Adriatic coast, the splendid hilly landscapes, which have fabulous terroirs, allow grape varieties such as Aglianico, Nero di Trioa or Cabernet Sauvignon to grow. They bring about the production of emblematic wines such as the famous Bocca di Lupo made from Aglianico of Tormaresca.
Antinori family estates around the world
Marchesi Antinori has expanded not only in Italy but also around the world. The family has estates in Napa Valley and Washington State in the United States, Chile, Hungary, Malta and Romania.
Antinori produces wines of the highest quality, world-renowned, with the same convictions as in the 14th century: to manage their vineyards with respect for terroirs and traditions, while having innovative ambitions.
