THE ANTINORI FAMILY

The news is out! Recent trade publications have announced that the famous Italian winemaking family, Antinori is now owner of Stag’s Leap Winery of Napa. Stag’s Leap was held by the Chateau Saint Michelle company of Washington state. The new company, born out of this transaction is now called Vinattieri 1385. It all goes back six centuries ago, that’s right, in 1385 Giovanni di Piero Antinori was awarded a “Vintner’s Gold” for arts and winemaking. He was contributing and preserving the arts as well as maintaining quality vineyards in Italy. Twenty-six generations later, Patriarch Marchesi Pieri Antinori’s three daughters are currently running the show. In between those nearly 700 years, the family (whose properties are mostly Tuscan) purchased the Palazzo Antinori in Florence. In February 1506, Nicoli di Tommaso Antinori continued his family’s tradition of quality grape growing, wine making, and art preservation. Eventually the magnificent building he purchased and restored, had to be sold- so as to continue funding the wineries.

Persevere they did, In 1970, after working many years to save the vineyards after near destruction from World War II, the “Super Tuscan” blend of Sangiovese (the famous Tuscan varietal used to make Chianti) was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the world loved it! Now, world famous Tiganello put Antinori on the map for one of the greatest wines of all time! Later, Solaia was created, from 10 hectares of property next to the Tiganello site.

In 1981 Pieri bought out a brother and a sister in the family, to become the sole proprietor. But things were still not great financially, and the company that is famous for Cht Ste Michelle wine became a partner. At the time they were looking to expand their holdings internationally. Ste Michelle also backed Warrern Winiarski of Napa’s Stag’s Leap Winery- striking a deal that gave Ste Michelle 85% control of the winery, and 15% to Antinori. At that time Antinori was making Antica, a beautiful Napa Cab sourced from 1200 acres on Atlas Peak the family owns. Antinori has been involved in the Napa Valley winemaking business since 1985. A partnership with Stag’s Leap was a natural progression for a world-famous winery.

Today the three sisters, Albiera, Allegra and Allesia manage Marchesi Antinori winery, and as of May of 2023, the family took full ownership of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and have complete control of the Antinori wines of Italy, in Tuscany and Umbria. The amicable agreement made sense for Ste Michelle, seeking to put a greater focus on their Washington State properties. It also made sense for the Antinori family to now have full control over all financial operations of their wineries after all these years.

Let’s review some of the most highly sought after properties in Italy, and where some of the most beautiful wine in the world is produced by the Antinori family.

Tiganello (translated means “young shoot”) of Tuscany, was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine to be blended with untraditional varietals (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon)and one of the first red wines produced in the Chianti Classico region to not use a white varietal as a blending grape. Tiganello is a milestone, Antinori’s flagship “Super Tuscan” created with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Because the wine is made in a non-traditional manner, it is labeled an IGT. Notes of ripe, red fruit, cherries, strawberries, and blackberries, accompanied by a delicate floral hint, roasted coffee and cocoa. We give it three bones!

Peppoli Chianti Classico This Tuscan wine is recognized and appreciated for the full expression of its fruit. The estate is located a few miles northeast of the Tiganello vineyards, in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Floral and fruit, red raspberry, currants, and pomegranate. Lively supple tannins on the finish. We give it three bones.

Pian Delle Vigne A Rosso di Montalcino from the town of Montalcino in Tuscany. Perfumed with Lavendar and violet tones, giving way to masses of ripe plum and cherry. Balsam herbs and hints of chalk develop in the glass. Pian dell Vigne means “flatlands of vines” growing in the lower elevation with heavier red soils. We give it three bones.

Villa Antinori This Toscana Rosso was first crafted in 1928 by Marchese Niccolo Antinori, as the family’s signature wine. The nose is intriguing with notes of blackberry, cherries and plum jam. Together with hints of Boxwood, tobacco and vanilla, it shows smooth, silky tannins, we give it two bones.

Today the three sisters, Albiera, Allegra and Allesia manage Marchesi Antinori winery, and as of May of 2023, the family took full ownership of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and have complete control of the Antinori wines of Italy, in Tuscany and Umbria. The amicable agreement made sense for Ste Michelle, seeking to put a greater focus on their Washington State properties. It also made sense for the Antinori family to now have full control over all financial operations of their wineries after all these years.

Let’s review some of the most highly sought after properties in Italy, and where some of the most beautiful wine in the world is produced by the Antinori family.

Tiganello (translated means “young shoot”) of Tuscany, was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine to be blended with untraditional varietals (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon)and one of the first red wines produced in the Chianti Classico region to not use a white varietal as a blending grape. Tiganello is a milestone, Antinori’s flagship “Super Tuscan” created with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Because the wine is made in a non-traditional manner, it is labeled an IGT. Notes of ripe, red fruit, cherries, strawberries, and blackberries, accompanied by a delicate floral hint, roasted coffee and cocoa. We give it three bones!

Peppoli Chianti Classico This Tuscan wine is recognized and appreciated for the full expression of its fruit. The estate is located a few miles northeast of the Tiganello vineyards, in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Floral and fruit, red raspberry, currants, and pomegranate. Lively supple tannins on the finish. We give it three bones.

Pian Delle Vigne A Rosso di Montalcino from the town of Montalcino in Tuscany. Perfumed with Lavendar and violet tones, giving way to masses of ripe plum and cherry. Balsam herbs and hints of chalk develop in the glass. Pian dell Vigne means “flatlands of vines” growing in the lower elevation with heavier red soils. We give it three bones.

Villa Antinori This Toscana Rosso was first crafted in 1928 by Marchese Niccolo Antinori, as the family’s signature wine. The nose is intriguing with notes of blackberry, cherries and plum jam. Together with hints of Boxwood, tobacco and vanilla, it shows smooth, silky tannins, we give it two bones.