Monte Antico, Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy, 2021

Producer Profile

Monte Antico was established in the early 1970s and takes its name from the medieval town of the same name located in the Maremma, just a short distance from Montalcino.

The wine is the creation of consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei, whose winemaking genius was behind the launch of a string of iconic Super-Tuscans including Fontodi’s Flaccianello in 1981 and Felsina’s Fontalloro in 1983. The historic estate, which is surrounded by vineyards, forests, olive groves and even a hunting reserve, was purchased by Neil and Maria Empson, established fine wine merchants from North America, who were quick to recognize its incredible potential. Since 2019 the project has been managed by Tara Smeralda Empson, who was named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the 40 most influential people under the age of 40 in the wine business. Tara has an American heart combined with an Italian temperament and has spearheaded the winery’s sales to more than 40 countries around the globe.

Viticulture

The vineyards are located in Maremma, near Scansano, the Pisan Hills, the Coli Fiorentini and some areas of Chianti Classico. The total vineyard area is about 200 hectares, with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot planted at different altitudes and in different soils that guarantee exposure to the sun and early ripening from the more coastal vines, while inland, the hilly grapes show important temperature variations between day and night that favor the high quality of the fruit and acidity.

Winemaking

The best grape selections are chosen according to the harvest conditions in the individual terroirs and microclimates. This balanced orchestration of geological diversity ensures the consistent excellence of the wine. Depending on the vintage, the wine is aged from 12 to 24 months in old Slavonian oak and mostly 2nd passage of French oak, with 10% new French oak.

Tasting Note

This accessible Super Tuscan has an elegant bouquet of leather, black cherries, liquorice and plums leading to a medium to full-bodied palate where ripe red fruit show off the goût de terroir in addition to subtle notes of vanilla and violets, which harmonise and linger, interlacing with the soft tannins and gorgeous silky texture. A firm backbone with perfect integration of acidity and fruit.

Food matching

An extremely versatile and food- friendly wine, serve with classic Italian dishes of pasta, risotto, flame-grilled meat, and hard cheeses.