The Chianti Antinori wines are true masterpieces of their category, and have made the history of the denomination, establishing themselves as prime examples. For more than 600 years this noble family has dedicated itself to wine production in Tuscany, precisely between the hills of Florence and Siena, in the area that is now known as Classico. From the younger and more versatile expressions, such as the Peppoli, to the more evolved and complex ones, such as the Badia a Passignano, these wines are produced on the vast, prestigious estates of this ancient and noble family of winemakers, who have been entirely dedicated to Tuscan winemaking excellence for the past 26 generations.
The Chianti Antinori wines are true masterpieces of their category, and have made the history of the denomination, establishing themselves as prime examples. For more than 600 years this noble family has dedicated itself to wine production in Tuscany, precisely between the hills of Florence and Siena, in the area that is now known as Classico. From the younger and more versatile expressions, such as the Peppoli, to the more evolved and complex ones, such as the Badia a Passignano, these wines are produced on the vast, prestigious estates of this ancient and noble family of winemakers, who have been entirely dedicated to Tuscan winemaking excellence for the past 26 generations.
The origins of this historic Florentine aristocratic family are lost in the mists of time and the earliest evidence is closely linked to the history of communal and republican Florence. The family apparently originated in the Sieve Valley, where they owned several castles, and from the 13th century assumed a leading political role in the city.
On the 19th of May 1385, their ancestor Giovanni di Piero joined the Corporazione dei Vinattieri (Guild of Winemakers), and it was probably during this time that the family began producing Chianti wine, destined to become part of the history of Italian enology. In the second half of the 18th century, under the rule of the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty, the members of the family obtained the title of Marchese, which still defines their descendants today.
During the 20th century, wine production was further developed by Niccolò, who was a great innovator. He inaugurated, for example, the use of international vines in the production of red wines and imported innovative techniques and oak barrels from France. This approach was carried on, starting in the 1960s, by his son Niccolò. He was responsible for the creation of very prestigious wines that have become famous internationally, and contributed to establishing the Supertuscan typology.
Today, the vineyards and production are managed by his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra and Alessia. They successfully embody their father's innovative spirit together with a strong bond with the territory, tradition and family history.
Antinori Chianti wines are produced on the various estates which the family manages and owns in the hills of Florence and Siena, entirely within the area of the Classico DOCG denomination. These are plots of land ideally suited to winemaking with a history stretching back centuries. They are places that are brimming with history and culture, and cradles of excellent wines that are appreciated throughout the world.
A true gem of the territory, the Tenuta Tignanello estate extends over 127 hectares of vineyards between the small villages of the Greve and Pesa valleys, about 30 km south of Florence. The long history of this estate is represented by the large 16th-century villa which was built on the foundations of an older medieval building. Today it houses a modern, state-of-the-art cellar, completely renovated in 2008, with rooms dedicated to the ageing of red wines.
The great winemaking tradition of this area has been recognised for centuries and has been exploited by all its historic owners, including the Medici and Niccolini families. The Marchesi bought it in the mid-19th century and immediately dedicated it to the production of great wines. Today, famous wines such as Tignanello, Solaia, Vinsanto and even Marchese Antinori Chianti Riserva are produced here. These wines can be purchased on Callmewine at the best prices.
A few kilometres to the south is another prestigious estate called Badia a Passignano. It covers 223 hectares along one of the most beautiful and productive valleys of the denomination, the valley of Sambuca Val di Pesa. The high suitability of this land was known and praised since the Middle Ages and probably even earlier: in the 1980s, a vine plant dating back thousands of years was found in these grounds! It takes its name from a Benedictine abbey founded in the year 891, which over the course of the centuries became a cultural centre as well as an important hub for viticulture and forestry. From this estate, the Marchesi produce a single wine, made entirely in the splendid old cellars built by the Vallombrosian monks.
The Tenuta Peppoli estate was once part of the extensive Benedictine abbey property, but by 1379 it passed into the hands of the noble Gondi family. It was later acquired by the Cerchi family and, finally in 1985, by the Antinori winery. The estate covers 100 hectares, 50 of which are planted with vines and 27 with olive trees. This is where the Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah grapes are grown, giving life to Peppoli, a versatile, medium-bodied, light, elegant and smooth red wine. Vinification takes place in a modern and innovative cellar built with sustainable materials typical of the area, with low environmental impact and high energy saving.
On Callmewine you will find all these excellent wines on offer and for sale online. Discover Chianti Antinori prices, history, data sheets and characteristics, and buy the finest bottles at the best prices on Callmewine's online wine shop.