Italy
In 2006, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates became the exclusive U.S. distributor of all wines produced by Italy’s famed Antinori family. The Antinoris have been crafting wine for more than 600 years, spanning 26 generations, during which time they have made many innovative and sometimes courageous choices, always with the utmost respect for tradition and the land.
Today Marchese Piero Antinori is one of the most revered innovators in the world of fine wine. In the 1970s, he led a movement to upgrade the quality of Chianti and created the first “Super Tuscan” wines, so called because they blend Sangiovese, the grape used in Chianti, with such Bordeaux varietals as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The Antinori name has become an international benchmark for unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Antinori has always been identified with the regions of Umbria and Tuscany, with almost 3,500 acres of vineyards planted in the most prestigious areas – Chianti Classico, Bolgheri, Montalcino and Orvieto:
- Umbria – The Castello della Sala Estate is located in Orvieto and features a medieval castle built in 1350. The estate produces white wines exclusively, including the famous Cervaro della Sala, a blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto.
- Tuscany, Chianti Classico—The Tignanello Estate, with its famous Tignanello and Solaia vineyards, is where the first Super Tuscan wine, Tignanello, a Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, was produced. The Badia a Passignano Estate, which is one of the most prestigious properties in Tuscany, produces a Sangiovese-designated Chianti Classico Riserva bearing the name Badia a Passignano.
- Tuscany, Bolgheri—The Guado al Tasso Estate is located in the Bolgheri Superiore district along the Tuscan coast and produces, among other wines, Guado al Tasso, one of Antinori’s world-class Super Tuscans.
- Tuscany, Montalcino—The Pian delle Vigne Estate takes its name from a 19th century railway station on the property which is still used today. The Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino is produced exclusively from Sangiovese.
Other wineries from the Antinori portfolio imported by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates are Santa Cristina, La Braccesca from the acclaimed Montepulciano region, Montenisa sparkling wines from the Franciacorta region of Lombardia, and Tormaresca, located in Puglia.
