Antinori, Badia A Passig.Ris 1997

Antinori’s Badia a Passignano Riserva 1997 is a fine expression of Sangiovese from one of Tuscany’s most respected names. Sourced from a prized hillside estate near Tignanello, it combines the elegance of classic Chianti terroir with the depth and precision that have made the Antinori family a benchmark in Italian wine for more than six centuries.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this vintage would typically show a deep garnet core with brickish garnet edges, reflecting its maturity. The nose often moves from dried cherry and plum into layered notes of tobacco, leather, dried herbs, earth, and subtle spice from oak aging. On the palate, expect the lifted acidity and fine tannins that define Sangiovese, now softened into a more savory, polished profile. Flavors of red fruit compote, balsamic nuance, cedar, and forest floor may emerge, with a long, refined finish. Given the age and the structure of the wine, it is drinking at an advanced stage now, with remaining appeal depending on storage, but limited further aging potential.

Production
Badia a Passignano comes from a 223-hectare estate in Sambuca Val di Pesa, just south of Tenuta Tignanello, where 65 hectares are planted mainly to Sangiovese at 250–300 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from a Tuscan hillside climate and calcareous soils, which help deliver freshness, finesse, and mineral tension. The wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in new Hungarian oak barrels, with a small percentage in new French oak barriques. It then matures for around 14 months in barriques, followed by another selection before bottling and an additional 12 months of bottle aging. The result is a carefully crafted Riserva with both regional character and a distinctly polished Antinori signature.

Food & Serving
This mature Sangiovese pairs beautifully with roast lamb, wild boar, beef tenderloin, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C to allow the aromatics and structure to show at their best. Decant gently if needed to remove sediment, but avoid extended aeration for an older vintage.

Producer
Marchesi Antinori is one of Italy’s most important and historic wine families, with roots dating back to 1385. Over the centuries, the family has built a reputation for innovation without losing sight of Tuscan tradition, helping redefine Italian fine wine through estates such as Tignanello and Solaia. Today the company is led by Albiera Antinori, with support from her sisters Allegra and Alessia, while Piero Antinori serves as honorary president. The family’s influence reaches far beyond Tuscany, but its heritage and prestige remain deeply tied to the region, where it continues to produce some of Italy’s most celebrated wines.

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