Antinori’s latest: Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar

You could say the Antinori family knows something about Tuscan wine: after all, they’ve been involved in wine in Tuscany for the past 625 years, ever since Giovanni di Piero Antinori entered the Winemakers’ Guild of the city of Florence way back in 1385. That’s no typo -- we’re talking 14th century.

And now this spring the 25th and 26th generation (that would be Marchese Piero Antinori and his daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia) are set to open Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar outside Florence, Italy, seven years after the four of them thought up the concept.
The idea was to showcase the family’s long history in wine in Tuscany and at the same time bring visitors up to date with the innovations and changes made over time.

To that end, the multi-faceted project includes a winery, restaurant, auditorium, museum, wine and book shop. Architect Marco Casamonti, founder of Archea Associati studio, designed the project and placed it in the middle of vineyards and ancient olive groves, concealed within a hillside covered with vines. Get a better look at the project here. Most of the structure is underground, with only the restaurant terrace at ground level, facing out onto the surrounding Chianti vineyards that produce Antinori’s Pèppoli, Villa Antinori and Vinsanto Tenute.

What about the restaurant? The kitchen will be run by chef Matteo Gambi of the Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria di Passignano, which, incidentally, was co-founded by Allegra Antinori. The menu will highlight typical Tuscan cuisine and ingredients.

Debuting in March, the Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission will be 20 euro (roughly $27 USD) and tickets can be purchased on site or in advance via the website. For more information regarding timetable and opening days, please visit: www.antinorichianticlassico.it.

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