The solid super Tuscan backbone of Sangiovese with various inclusions of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, inaugurally introduced in 1928 by Marquis Niccolò Antinor, the first Chianti ever to be made suitable for bottle ageing and development. In 2001, Piero Antinori launched a new step in the evolution of Villa Antinori, making it a pure Tuscan Indicazione Geografica Tipica vinified exclusively from fruit grown to the finest Tuscany estates. Such a well regarded and internationally renowned marque, the label has remained largely unchanged since 1928.
All vines are closely managed to achieve harvests of healthy fruit with an optimal ratio of sugars to acidity. Bunches are destemmed and grapes are gently crushed, the musts are moved to controlled fermenters for eight to twelve days maceration and up to a week of vinification at temperatures peaking at 28C. Eight to twelve days macerations ensure proper extraction of colour and soft tannins. Batches are treated to malolactic in October and November, followed by transfer to a selection of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for twelve months maturation before bottling and ageing for at least another eight months before release.
Intense ruby red color. Aromas of red fruit which remind one of blueberries and blackberries, notes of oak inspired vanilla. On the palate, the wine is generous and full bodied, exhibiting soft tannins followed by a finish which leaves behind hints of red berry fruit flavours and lingering spice.
