Story: Marchese Antinori | Tuscany
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The soul of Santa Cristina and the top wines of Antinori
While the operational heart of the Antinori Group still beats in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, its true soul is deeply rooted in another place: in the rolling hills surrounding the Santa Cristina vineyards. Here, in a recently modernized and architecturally appealing cantina, the Antinori family's vinophile heritage unfolds in its most concentrated form.

Santa Cristina is more than just a winery - it is a symbol of the synthesis of tradition, technology and terroir-driven precision. The estate's most renowned wines are produced in this ultra-modern production facility: first and foremost the globally acclaimed Tignanello and the majestic Solaia. The grapes for these wines come from the specially cultivated plots of land surrounding the cantina. These vineyards are considered some of the best in Chianti Classico and are the result of decades of careful selection.

The signature of Giacomo Tachis - An oenological legacy
The success story of the Antinori icons Tignanello and Solaia would be inconceivable without one name: Giacomo Tachis. Celebrated as one of the greatest Italian oenologists of the 20th century, it was this winemaker who, together with Marchese Piero Antinori, revolutionized the concept of the Super Tuscan. His signature can be recognized not only in the technical sophistication of the wines, but also in their stylistic clarity and depth.

Tachis was also instrumental in the international breakthrough of the legendary Sassicaia and is therefore regarded as the architect of modern Italian quality viticulture. Even though he has since retired, his legacy lives on in every glass of Tignanello and Solaia. Today, Renzo Cotarella, former director of Castello della Sala and now CEO of the Antinori Group, is responsible for continuing this tradition - with a team of highly qualified oenologists who balance respect for the heritage with a spirit of innovation.

Marchese Piero Antinori and looking to the future
For decades, the Antinori dynasty has been managed by Marchese Piero Antinori, one of the most influential personalities on the international wine scene. Under his leadership, Antinori has transformed itself from a traditional Tuscan family business into a global empire that is now present in numerous countries and sets standards worldwide. Piero's flair for style, quality and market trends has not only allowed the winery to grow economically, but has also sharpened its cultural profile.

The next generation is already waiting in the wings: With Albiera, Allegra and Alessia Antinori, a new generation of strong women with an affinity for wine is taking over and developing the business with new ideas and a great sense of responsibility. They are already involved in key decision-making processes - a rare but forward-looking family constellation in the often male-dominated wine sector.

Innovation as part of the DNA - from Galestro to Montelloro
Marchese Piero's innovative strength is not only evident in the company's premium labels, but also in projects such as “Operation Galestro”, which aimed to produce high-quality wines even from difficult, calcareous soils with low yields. Another ambitious project was the repositioning of the “Capsula Viola” wines, a line designed to make elegant, ready-to-drink wines accessible to a wider public.

A 90-hectare vineyard was planted in Montelloro on the edge of the Apennines specifically for their production. The cooler climatic conditions there give the wines more finesse and freshness. The cultivation here also marks a conscious step towards sustainable cultivation and a climate-adapted choice of grape varieties.

Guado al Tasso - The coastal wine with cult potential
Another star has established itself within the Antinori portfolio in recent years: Guado al Tasso. Originally known for its Rosato, the Belvedere vineyard on the Tuscan coast has developed into one of the most promising locations for international grape varieties. Since the 1990 vintage, the estate has been producing an outstanding Cabernet-based red wine that plays in the same league as Sassicaia and Ornellaia.

Guado al Tasso exemplifies what characterizes Antinori: the courage to expand without compromising on quality and the ability to bring out the full potential of the grape variety, even in new terroirs. Today, Guado al Tasso is not only a flagship for the Maremma, but also a worthy rival within the company itself - a sign that healthy internal growth is just as much a part of the Antinori philosophy as centuries of tradition. - Gerardo [TS05/25]