Name: Santa Cristina (Antinori) Chianti Superiore NV 750ml
Brand: Santa Cristina (Antinori)
SKU: 446892
Price: 20.39 USD
Availability: InStock

Winery

Santa Cristina (Antinori)

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Varietal

Sangiovese

The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively â€“ full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.

Country

Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region

Tuscany

The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.

Appellation

Chianti

Chianti, a legendary wine appellation in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, embodies the quintessence of Italian winemaking. Recognized for its contributions to the world of wine, Chianti primarily features the Sangiovese grape, known for its vibrant acidity and cherry-infused character. The diverse subzones within Chianti, including Classico and Rufina, reveal distinct terroirs, from hillside elegance to valley richness. What makes Chianti unique is its rich history, symbolized by the iconic black rooster on the label, denoting wines of exceptional quality. Traditionally stored in straw-covered bottles known as fiascos, Chianti has evolved to embrace innovation while preserving its cultural identity. Modern Chianti wines may incorporate international varietals, adding a contemporary twist to this timeless classic. With its enchanting landscapes, cultural heritage, and commitment to quality, Chianti beckons enthusiasts to experience the beauty of Italian wine culture firsthand.