Villa Antinori Chianti Riserva (1981)

About this wine

The 1981 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva presents a deep ruby color, now showing garnet hues due to its age. On the nose, it offers aromas of dried cherries, plums, and subtle hints of tobacco and leather. The palate reveals a well-structured wine with softened tannins, balanced acidity, and flavors of dark fruit, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and elegant, reflecting the wine's maturity and the traditional winemaking methods of the Antinori family, who have been producing wine since 1385. This vintage is a testament to the longevity and evolution of Chianti Classico wines over time.

About the grape

In the 1981 Marchesi Antinori Villa Antinori Chianti Riserva, Sangiovese serves as the primary grape, a tradition in Chianti wines, providing the wine's core character. Canaiolo and Colorino, both native to Tuscany, are blended in smaller amounts; Canaiolo adds softness, while Colorino contributes color and tannins. The inclusion of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot was innovative at the time, introducing additional complexity and depth to the wine. This blend reflects a period when Tuscan winemakers began experimenting beyond traditional grape combinations to enhance their wines.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The Antinori family has been producing wine since 1385, making them one of the oldest winemaking families in the world.
• 🍷 The 1981 vintage of Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva was crafted under the supervision of Marchese Piero Antinori, who played a pivotal role in modernizing Italian winemaking.
• 🍇 Chianti Classico wines, like the 1981 Villa Antinori Riserva, must contain a minimum of 80% Sangiovese grapes, with the remainder often including varieties like Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
• ⏳ The 1981 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva was aged for a minimum of 24 months, including at least 3 months of bottle aging, to achieve its 'Riserva' designation.
• 🍾 The 1981 vintage of Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Antinori family, reflecting centuries of winemaking tradition and innovation.

Palate profile

Producer

Marchesi Antinori, established in 1385 by Giovanni di Piero Antinori, is one of the world's oldest family-owned wineries, now led by the 26th generation. The family has been instrumental in the 'Super Tuscan' revolution, notably with their Tignanello wine introduced in 1971. Their state-of-the-art winery in Bargino, Tuscany, inaugurated in 2012, seamlessly blends innovative architecture with the surrounding landscape. Beyond winemaking, the Antinori family has a longstanding tradition of supporting the arts, exemplified by their Antinori Art Project, which commissions contemporary artworks for their estates.