Who doesn’t love Tuscany in the Fall? While some of us aren’t traveling just yet, Villa Antinori wanted to bring Tuscany to New York. Known for producing Tuscan wine for over six centuries now, the Antinori family hosted an exclusive dinner for wine and food media in NYC to taste the newest releases of wines.
Held at Il Florista, a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant that doubles as a flower shop, the dinner’s theme was “Our villa, your table.” Not only did the space transport us into a beautiful Tuscan villa, Rae Kramer, the executive chef, masterfully incorporated each course with edible flowers that paired exquisitely with the wines.
Wanting to showcase age-worthy Chianti Classico, Marchese Niccolò Antinori launched Villa Antinori in 1928. If you’re unfamiliar with the region, Tuscan wines include revered regions like Chianti Classico and Montepulciano. While not always, Sangiovese is the grape variety that generally dominates a Tuscan red wine blend. It’s a grape with rustic characteristics but lively with red cherry and plum flavors on the palate. If you’re looking for Italian wines with body, Tuscan wines will be your go-to.
Wines from Villa Antinori offer diverse blends with classic Tuscan personality. The Villa Antinori Bianco is refined, fruity and floral with notes of pear. The palate is flavorful with a fresh mineral finish. The Villa Antinori Toscana is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. It pairs beautifully with pesto, truffles and mild cheeses. Lastly, we tasted the Chianti Classico Riserva. This wine is the heart of Tuscan wine. Mostly Sangiovese, it’s spicy, fruit-forward with bold tannis and structure. Pair it with meat sauces, pungent cheese and grilled steak and lamb.
