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SLOW FOOD is all about preserving the best in agrarian tradition! So It is difficult to comprehend Piero Antinori family's extreme dedication to viticulture and winemaking, as it spans 26 consecutive generations (600+ years) in Tuscany and Umbria. Italian wine aficionados will easily recognize the Antinori Super"star"Tuscans Tignanello, Solaia, Guado al Tasso. Oh not to forget Antinori's highly sought after Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino. Then there is also the most highly awarded Tre Bicchiere winner by Gambero Rosso, the legendary Umbrian Chardonnay Cervaro della Sala.
First there was the Baron Philippe Rothschild from Mouton Rothschild, who collaborated with Robert Mondavi for Opus 1. Then Christian Moueix of Petrus fame followed with Dominus. Now, after 25 years of trials and tribulations* , the Antinori family is proud to debut this historic 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the family's estate in the rugged eastern mountains of Napa Valley. Named "Antica" as a symbol for Antinori Calfornia, the 24 acre estate vineyard is planted at an amazingly tight vine density of 2233 vines per acre (see inset photograph) and divided between 4 distinct Cabernet Sauvignon clones that contribute to the wine's complexity in flavors and rich, concentrated fruit. Average yield was only 3 pounds per vine. Antinori chief enologist, Renzo Cotarella, oversaw the production of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After completing malolactic fermentation in new French Oak barrels, the wine was aged an additional 12 months before final selections and bottling.
I must tell you, just one sip of Antica, and you immediately know the masters, Piero, Renzo, and Mother Nature have worked their magic! Yes, rich and concentrated black cherry, cassis and dark plum fruit are forefront aromas and flavors, enticed by a hint of toastiness that draws out a toffee complexity. With airing there is a little "beefy" component, and slight intrigue of minerality added to the mix. But this wine has a genuine sauveness, a refinement, that is undeniably Italian class, like a fine tailored, elegant silk suit from Florence. I love Antica's restraint and balance, as it is all to uncommon these day. A few more years and Antica could define debonair!
Antica was released last Fall to much fanfare. I know, because customers called me to inquire, but only the very best restaurants were allowed to purchase from the 1200 - six packs produced. So if you were lucky enough, or knew to look for it at one of the best restaurants in your area, you probably paid at least $125 a bottle to enjoy it with dinner. Only sommeliers, not collector have been able to stock Antica in their cellars. So here is your chance!
I did not ask why or how? And TWC is not a restaurant. But I felt a little blessed...and honored to be one of the chosen.... very limted availability!
More information on Antica go to www.anticanapavalley.com
And for more information on Antinori go to www.antinori.it
*Trials and tribulations go to SF Chronicle www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/05/WIKQSHVI2.DTL&type=printable
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