When a
family has been in the business of making wine since the 14th
Century, it can be considered one of the most important in Italy, and Marchesi Antinori has been making some of the finest. In 1966, Pierro Antinori took
the reigns in the family business and since then has been full force into
improving and striving for excellence in his wines. This same passion and drive is now in the
hands of his three daughters Albiera, Alessia and Allegra. Their portfolio of wines show the many faces
of what Tuscany and Umbria have to offer, at all different price points.
I was
recently invited to a tasting hosted by Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits,
where I was able to taste through a wine
range of their products. All the of the
wines listed below are my favorites from the tasting, and I think they best
represent the passion and love that the Antinori family has for their
winemaking.
Photo: Wine Spectator
Villa Antinori
Bianco 2016
SAQ:
12392574 $17.80
This is a blend of Trebbiano (80%) and Malvasia (20%)
showing lots of lemon and grapefruit with a palate cleansing acidity. A nice mineral streak, very balanced and
uncomplicated wine making for easy and enjoyable wine. Drink now.
Pèppoli 2016
SAQ : 10270928 $20.00
Dark cherries and blackberry fruit dominate with soft and silky
tannins. Dusty earth and violet makes it
way around the palate, as does the vinrant acidity. The wine finishes some plum and vanilla. Drink now or in the next 4-5 years.
Il Bruciato Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri
SAQ: 11347018 $24.95
Cherry, blackberry and black current shows a lot of volume supported
by a nice acidity. The fruit has a baked quality, as is the wine is soft with a
nice persistent and concentrated finish.
The oak is coming through but ever so elegant and balanced. Excellent quality for the price. Drink now or in the next 5-6 years.
Badia a Passignano
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
SAQ: 403980 $54.25
Using only the best grapes, this wine has notes of
blackberry, plums, and dark cherries with balsamic and vanilla notes that make
the palate round, smooth and very elegant.
Tannins are soft grained with an acidity is still holing on and very
vibrant. This wine has still a great margin
for further development. Drink in the
next in 10-12 years.
Guado al Tasso Matarocchio 2013
SAQ: 1369297 $451.00
This is an absolutely stunning wine. It’s the kind of wine that sort of stops you
at first sip and carries you off somewhere. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, there is an incredible concentration
of blackberries, cherries and plum with bits of undergrowth and leather. It has a super fine palate, plush, elegant
and soft fruit with the perfect amount of dark chocolate and cloves. Tannins
are ripe and smooth, but still plenty of kick to carry along the aging process…and
all of this balanced by an incredibly bright acidity. Elegant and classic finish. Absolutely
beautiful. Hold on to this one for at least another 8-12 years.
A very special thank you to Francesco Visani, commercial director of Antinori and Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits Quebec for the incredible tasting and opportunity.
Once again, the delicious meal at Le Muscadin was outstanding. Not only was the food impeccable, but the warm welcome was especially appreciated. You walk into the restaurant and are treated like family. If you ever in Old Montreal, do not miss this place. I highly reccomend the grilled steak, which melts in your mouth....such incredible flavour. Thank you to Le Muscadin for a memorable dining experience.
Wine Shots: saq.com
