Wines News & People
All About Antinori
By Daniel Lim.
Singapore – Organized by Hock Tong Bee with Antinori’s principal, Jacopo Pandolfini, a tasting was held recently at Cornerstone showcasing Antinori’s medium range of delicious and delectable premium wines.
酒 Jiuwine.com met Jacopo (as seen above) and asks him on Antinori interest in Asia (Except India and Japan). Interestingly, Antinori’s Asia representative recently relocated to Shanghai in November 2008, and as he observes the wine scene, Jacopo describes the Chinese in the Asian wine scene as; “China is still not a mature wine market, and while we target the affluent with our top wines like Tignanello and Solaia, which appeals to people, particularly rich people, and as more become educated, the product line will slowly filter down to entry level wines“.
He goes on further to say being Chianti’s biggest vineyard owner, “Antinori is Chianti. It’s about giving value, and we use local grapes and International grapes, always Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and native grape varieties. On the subject of wine with food, he reinforces “Italian wine have to be drank with food“, which was evidently so in an evening of wines and delicious lip smacking buffet line served at this tasting.
“Overall, I liked the way the Antinori tasting was set up, with an attractive participating fee and not too expensive. Moreover it was a targeted smaller group which gave a generally good and enjoyable experience.”, said Executive and wine enthusiast, Evan Ng, who was accompanied by his friend, Jack Ng.
Briefly: Antinori is one of Italy’s largest and most prestigious wineries, made famous by its well-known exploits and exports of Super-Tuscan labels such as: Tignanello (80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc), Solaia (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc). Others well received brands include Pian delle Vigne (100% Sangiovese from Brunello di Montalcino), and Guado al Tasso (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Syrah from Bolgheri).
The company owns 2,500 hectares throughout the country’s Tuscany and Umbria regions, as well as investments in vineyards in Napa Valley, California, and Szekszard, Hungary, and a handful of restaurants in Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. Today Marchese Piero Antinori is director of the company, assisted by his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra and Alessia, all of whom are personally involved in the business.
The estate exports some 60% internationally, with 20% to Asia, which includes China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Antinori is represented and distributed by the following Chinese wine importers in Asia, namely China – Summergate Fine Wines, Hong Kong – Maxxium China, and Singapore – Hock Tong Bee + Cornerstone Wine & Retail.
Tasting Notes:
N.V. Antinori Montenisa Franciacorta Brut (Italy, Tuscany)
12.5%. From 60 hectares of vineyards in Franciacorta, planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco.
Medium-bodied and sees balanced moderate acidity than most standard NV champagnes, this Brut was delicate, citrus, velvety and clinically clean with a dry weighty finish. Best from 2009 to 2010. 12/20 Tasted: March 2009. HK$ 253.00. S$58.00.
2006 Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala (Italy, Umbria)
13.0%. Made from 85% Chardonnay, and 15% Grechetto from 160 hectares Castello della Sala estate in Umbria. 6 months in French oak, with further 6 months in bottle before release.
This white was lovely, with a distinctive nose, which reminds me of Burgundian white wine style. On the nose it shines with sweet butter, condensed milk, and dry floral petals, with soft apricot and tropical fruit notes. Medium-bodied, still fresh and zesty, with fruit flavors, which reminds me of pear, pineapple, with a hint of lemon zest and mineral, dry medium plus finish. This white wine was impressive, a good white wine example and effort from Tuscany. Best from 2009 to 2015. 14/20. Tasted: March 2009. RMB 826.00. HK$430.00. S$95.00.
2004 Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Tenute Marchese (Italy, Tuscany)
13.5%. Made from 90% Sangvioese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyards of Santa Cristina, Pèppoli and Badia a Passignano in the Chianti Classico region. 14 months in French oak, with an additional year in bottle before release.
Lightly floral with wood scented aromas, leather and a load of dark cherry fruit. Medium-bodied, balanced, with smooth acidity, cherry fruit, some licorice with a mix of finely grained tannins and a moderately dry medium finish. Best from 2009 to 2015. 12.5/20. Tasted: March 2009. RMB 490.00. HK$239.00. S$52.00.
Prunotto
Founded in 1923 by Alfredo Prunotto, Prunotto is a 40 hectares estate from Piedmont in Italy. With 60,000 cases made annually, Prunotto, a predominately red wine producer offers the following – Barbaresco, Barbaresco Bric Turot, Barbera d’Alba Pian Romualdo, Barbera d’Asti Costamiole, Barbera d’Asti Costamiole, Barolo Bussia, Barolo Cannubi, Dolcetto d’Alba Mosesco, and Nebbiolo d’Alba Occhetti plus sweet wine Moscato d’Asti. The Antinori family purchased Prunotto in 1989.
2005 Alfredo Prunotto Barbaresco (Italy, Piedmont)
14.0%. 100% Nebbiolo from vineyards located in Barbaresco, Treiso and Neive. 12 months in oak, with further 10 months in bottle before release.
The 2005 was a lovely, velvety example in and irregular climate but satisfying’ vintage, exalting wonderful aromas of blackberry, cherry, toast, meat and mineral. While it was an excellent aromatic wine, the Barbaresco was medium-bodied, with a texture of silky tannin, drying acidity, which then rounds off with a simplified medium finish. The single vineyard bottling, Bric Turot should be a more sensuous and serious Barbaresco to look out for. Best from 2009 to 2016. 13/20 Tasted: March 2009. RMB 966.00. HK$304.00. S$70.00.
2004 Alfredo Prunotto Barolo (Italy, Piedmont)
14.0%. 100% Nebbiolo from vineyards sited in Monforte, Serralunga and Castiglion Falletto. 24 months in Slavonian and French oak barrels, with a further 12 months in bottle before release. The winemaker notes described 2004 as a good quality year, which saw an increase in the volume of wine made.
The Prunotto Barolo was subtle, boasting of wonderful aromas of mint, dark cherry and dried floral. Full-bodied, rather linear yet bounced off by the presence of silky tannin, and a velvety light finish. Best from 2010 to 2015. 12.5/20 Tasted: March 2009. HK$ 511.00. S$82.00.
The Prunotto Barolo is not imported into China, while the single vineyard, Bussia is priced at RMB 1190.00.
2007 Fattoria Aldobrandesca Avignonesi Aleatico Sovana (Italy, Tuscany)
13.0%. 100% Aleatico. This was a simple sweet wine with hints of raspberry, spice and floral. Best from 2009 to 2010. 10/20 Tasted: March 2009. S$49.00.