Antica

Antica stands for Antinori and California. Already in the 1960, the visionary Marquess Piero Antinori perceived the potential of Napa Valley. In 1993, Antinori bought an estate there, then a second one, in 1998. 

Antica now extends over 490 hectares, of which 245 hectares under vine, a patchwork of more than 50 blocks of vines a-on rather sheer slopes in assort of natural amphitheatre.  The altitude, between 425 and 550 metres above sea level, and the lower day temperatures it brings ensure the freshness of the wines. 

On the higher blocks of wines, on stony soils with good drainage are found cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. 

The lower slopes, which contain more clay, but still with good drainage, are ideal for chardonnay. Here, the nights are cooler than higher up, so that the wines are fruitier and even more refreshing. In the North-East of the estate, Sangiovese has been planted; in the centre, shiraz. Along the Chardonnay, there is also some pinot noir. 

Needless to say that Antinori has chosen the best clones for each block of vines. 

Antinori leaves nothing to chance, and the result are outstanding wines, fresh, refined and elegant, which express their vineyard, their terroir and Antinori’s know-how. 

Californian wines but a touch of Antinori’s classiness.