The name ‘Antinori’ is synonymous with the Chianti wine region, being one of most prolific and influential producers of the area, helping lead the way in bringing Chianti to the forefront of the wine world. Having a long history as winemakers, it was in the 1970s that they truly made their mark as innovative producers with their ‘Super Tuscan’ wines, which went against Chianti regulations and blended Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and were aged in barriques.
At that time Chianti wine was undergoing a major slump, its international reputation was that of a cheap, low quality wine bottled in a squat straw covered bottle called a ‘fiasco’, and regulations dictated that white wine must be a part of the blend. Antinori had been dabbling with Cabernet Sauvignon blends on a personal level for years, and frustrated with the rigid restrictions of the then Chianti DOC they decided to produce an ‘IGT’, allowing more personal freedom with the grapes and blends, releasing the first Chianti like Super Tuscan ‘Tignanello’. Soft, succulent flavours with a fabulous longevity propelled their wine to the forefront of the international market, winning numerous awards and receiving worldwide acclaim. This ripple of fame spread, shaking up the region’s ideas of Chianti and its future, and finally in 1996 the rules were changed. White wines didn’t need to be included in the blend, and the production of 100% Sangiovese wines were permitted. Chianti as a wine began to rise again in both quality and popularity, and most vineyards now will produce a high quality IGT as well as Chianti.
There is some amazing architecture at the winery.
Antinori expanded across Italy and overseas buying vineyards as far away as Chile and they have now become a multinational corporation. In 2012 they unveiled a new base in Tuscany for the public, complete with Guggenheim style architecture, wine tours, wine tasting and an in house restaurant overlooking their vineyards. Whilst you are not experiencing the personal touches of a smaller vineyard, it is worth visiting to learn about their history, and experience first hand some of their beautifully sophisticated wines.
The building is built into the hillside, so from the outside all you can see is the restaurant area which is covered in vines. The architecture has been designed to stand out but complement the environment also.
Our arrival felt somewhat futuristic, we parked up and then had to wait for a shuttle to drive us up the long uphill path to the vineyard. Stark architecture and vast open spaces awaited us, with beautiful sets of winding staircases built into the hillside, leading up to various levels. Using natural materials such as terracotta, wood and steel, the building complements the environment despite being modern, and is spectacular. We opted out of the official tour of the winery, once you’ve had the fermentation process explained to you a few times the big winery tours can sometimes be a little repetitive, although I imagine learning about the history of the family and having a chance to explore the cellars could be very insightful. Instead, we decided to sample the restaurant and then the tasting room. I have dined in their Florence restaurant ‘Cantinetta Antinori‘, which I love but it is quite upmarket with its white tablecloths and pristinely dressed waiters, and I wasn’t sure whether this restaurant, with its idyllic vineyard setting, would be overly pretentious but, in fact, it was the opposite. We arrived at ‘Rinuccio 1180‘ to find a bustling dining room decorated with rustic style chequered tablecloths and a beautifully modern wooden interior, and in summer there is a beautiful terrace overlooking the vines. There were a variety of customers, ranging from tour groups to couples, as well as groups of Italians, enjoying a leisurely lunch. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting and the menu simple but interesting, with lots of Tuscan specialities on offer. There are various wine tasting menus allowing you the opportunity to experience a flight of wine to go with your meal, or set menus serving a different wine with each course. We opted for their Super Tuscan flight, which was a trio of Tignanello, Solaia, (their second Super Tuscan release), and Guado al Tasso, a Bordeaux style blend from their Bolgheri estate.
Natural materials abound again with the warm wooden decor, and a modern take on the classic, rustic chequered tablecloths.
Beautiful outdoor seating area which overlooks the vines.
After, we headed over to their tasting rooms; a strikingly minimalist interior with rows of wines displayed beautifully and tempting you to buy them, ranging from mid-price to very expensive. We decided to try a selection and share them between us and, whilst it was necessary to pay for the tasting, our friendly advisor became a bit more relaxed when it became obvious we would be buying some wines and so offered us a few others to try, and when we then proceeded to buy a few bottles we received a discount. However, whether you will be purchasing wine or not, the tasting really is worth paying for as there is the opportunity to try high priced wines that you would never normally see by the glass, and its a really relaxed and informal environment. We tried an interesting rosé, light and delicate it showed that, despite not being a wine style often made in Italy, they can still provide a delicious example. We also tasted their Pinot Nero, which I then proceeded to buy. Much more full bodied and fruity than a french Pinot Noir it had a beautiful structure and overt plummy notes. We left happy, satisfied and with a few bottle shaped memories to return home with.
Restaurant Rinnucio 1180,Via Cassia per Siena, 133, 50026 Localita’ Bargino, San Casciano Val di Pesa, +39 055 235 9720 open daily 12-4pm, Winery open daily 10-5, Sat/Sun 10-6. Last guided visit is at 3pm (Sat/Sun 4pm) and booking is advisable.
Cantinetta Antinori, Piazza degli Antinori, 3, Florence, +39 055 292234 open daily 12-2.30 and 7-10.30, closed Sunday, booking recommended.
Lots of beautiful design, but feels casual and informal. A wonderful place to while away the afternoon.
