Villa Antinori
Tuscany offers wines of a fine quality
A short walk from the Arno River in Florence, at Piazza Antinori, the headquarters of the Antinori family attract every visitor’s attention. The Palazzo Antinori is an architectural jewel and has served as the offices and residence of Marchesi Antinori since 1506. The Antinori family has lived in Florence since the early 13th century. They were wine producers and merchants, and it was this business that became prevalent over time. In 1385 Giovanni di Piero Antinori registered with the Guild of Winemakers. Wine remained the family’s main passion and activity and they were devoted into making Tuscan wines a fine quality and a well known product.
Not so long ago we had the chance to taste Villa Antinori wines. The 2006 Villa Antinori, IGT, Toscana abv 12% (€12) is a blend of four white grape varieties (70% Trebbiano and Malvasia, 30% Chardonnay Toscano and Pinot Bianco). This is a refreshing wine, with a pale straw yellow colour, intense nose with hints of spring flowers and citrus, lime-centered flavours. It is soft and fresh on the palate, light and medium-bodied and with a good lingering aromatic flavour of lime-kissed pear fruit, crisp and clean. My mind was on grilled scallops or mild fish, the likes of swordfish or trout, chicken tenders in honey, moderately cooled at 7-9°C.
The second white is a blend of Procanico and Grechetto with small percentages of Verdello, Druppegio and Malvasia. 2006 Antinori Campogrande, Orvietto Classico, Secco, Umbria DOC abv 11.5% (€9.50)has a bright yellow colour; the aromas and flavours are restrained, with intense citrus and tree fruit essences – lime and pear and a hint of nuttiness. The mouth feel is pleasant, round and with medium body, the finish dry and clean. Good with seafood pastas served at 7°C.
The last white a 2006 Castello Della Salla, Brampton, Chardonnay Umbria IGT, abv 13% (€18.50) has a pale gold colour, fruity on the nose – lemon and red apples – with clean varietal character, mineral and limpid with a good vanilla flavour, toasted, well integrated though. On the palate it is soft and well balanced with an excellent structure. Best enjoyed at 11°C with seafood or fish in creamy sauce, and grilled or roast chicken.
On to the reds: 2006 Antinori Santa Christina Toscana IGT, abv 12.5% (€11) has a ruby red colour with purple hues, intense fresh aromas of tobacco, blackcurrant and blackberry, with pleasant floral hints and sweet tarriness. This is a well structured Sangiovese and Merlot blend; the addition of merlot has brought softness and opened new fruit nuances in the wine. Harmonious, with soft, sweet tannins that work gently alongside the silky palate, Santa Christina is stylish with lingering fruits to the finish. Loved it with crostini at 16-18°C.
2004 Villa Antinori, IGT, Toscana abv 13.5% (€21), Sangiovese 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 15% and Syrah 5% has an intense ruby colour with aromas of red fruit that blend well with toasty, chocolate and vanilla notes from ageing in wood. Complex and stylish, dry, medium body balanced with silky tannins, fruit hints and rich extract. Drink with lamb chops cooked over charcoal at 18°C.
2005 P?poli, Chianti Classico, Toscana DOCG abv 13% (€21)This Sangiovese (90%) with Merlot and Shiraz has an intense ruby and a nose full of mature redcurrants and raspberries, amplified by light hints of vanilla and coffee sensations. Full-bodied, the fruit is pleasantly lingering on a soft palate and with sweet tannins. Enjoy now that all the fruit nuances are at their maximum with roast pork and plenty of garlic and herbs.
2006 La Braccesca ‘Sabazio’, Rosso Di Montepulciano, Toscana DOC, abv 13.5% (€13) From La Braccesca estate, this violet with cherry reflections is a blend of Prugnolo Gentile (85%), Merlot and Canaiolo grapes. It has a fresh bouquet of mature red berries and black cherries, minerals and herbs. It is clean and bold on the nose. The medium weight palate is well structured, refined and harmonious with a balanced acidity. Recommended with Bistecca a la Fiorentina at 17°C.
2004 La Braccesca, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, Toscana DOC, abv 13% (€24) A Prunello Gentile (90%) and Merlot, with a deep Burgundy colour fading to a coppery garnet rim wine, has an intense nose and typical aromas of black cherry and prunes with a delicate hint of vanilla. The palate has hints of cherry and licorice coupled with earthy leathery accents. Medium to full the tannins are quite soft and acidity still keeps. Served at 18°C, this wine is paired to thick pork chops with radicchio, white beans and rosemary followed by mature cheddar or Gouda.
Finally three more reds from Piedmont 2006 Prunotto Dolcetto D’ Alba, Piedmont DOC abv 13% has a ruby red colour with a fragrant nose, fruity bouquet of red cherries with floral hints and savoury notes of leather, dried herbs and cinnamon bark, typical to the Dolcetto grape. The palate shows light red fruits and zingy acid, lithe and a nice fruit concentration with a drying and savoury finish. Needs food to shine, spaghetti with mushrooms and mascarpone, or fussily with summer tomato sauce, tomato and mozzarella salads therefore it is best served at 16°C. The 2005 Prunotto Barbera D’ Alba, Piedmont DOC abv 13.5 % (€15) has a lively ruby red colour with violet reflexes, vinous with rich cherry fruit and flowery aromas. Full and harmonic on the palate, round with ripe and chewy tannins, this is a pleasant a versatile wine and a perfect match for several antipasti dishes at 16°C. The 2004 Prunotto Barbaresco, Piedmont DOCG abv 14% (€41) From the Nebbiolo grape variety, this Barbaresco offers complex aromas of ripe strawberries and blackberries with hints of herbs and licorice. Full-body and velvety on the palate with an optimal balance between sweetness and tannins, this Barbaresco is the wine of choice for hearty soups, beef casseroles, grilled meats and steak tartar. An excellent finish to a long wine tasting organised by Ghalanos.
