One of the oldest winemaking firms in the world, Antinori first commenced producing wines in and around Tuscany and around Florence in 1385. They acquired the prestigious Badia di Passignano vineyards in 1987. The estate Abbey was once home to the founder of the Vallombrosano order and is still owned by the monks, although Antinori make shrewd use of the beautiful cellars. Antinori have since led the resurgence of interest in the elegant Sangiovese of Chianti Classico and contributed significantly to the broader renaissance of Italian wines.
The Badia a Passignano vineyards near Sambuca Val di Pesa are planted to the best Sangiovese clones taken from very old vineyards at Tignanello. After destemming and a soft crush, grapes are treated to a maceration where indigenous yeasts activate fermentation. After a delicate pumpover and delestage, the fermented must remains on skins for a fortnight. At the end of year, batches spontaneously complete malolactic in a selection of new and seasoned French and Hungarian oak barriques. Component wines are then assembled and returned to barriques for a year's ageing. Barrels are then sampled before the finest are bottled under the Badia di Passignano label and aged for a further year.
Intense ruby red color. Scents of red fruit, licorice and ripe blackberries. The palate is well balanced and complex with good acidity and elegant fruit flavours. A highly stylish wine, palate filling with smooth tannins and distinctive flavours before a long, lingering finish. Well rounded, exhibiting the characteristic integrity of the region.
