Three wines from one of the world’s oldest companies
Established in 1385, the Italian winery Antinori has been bottling vintages for more than 600 years – but it doesn’t believe in resting on its laurels
The Family Business magazine has compiled a list of the world’s 100 oldest family companies. The wine industry represents 10 per cent of that list, with producer Antinori the 10th oldest.
Established in 1385, Antinori has been producing wine for more than 600 years. Currently one of the largest companies in Italy, it is managed by the Antinori sisters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia, the 26th generation of the family to do so.
Although the company’s culture is deeply rooted in tradition, it is also famous for its pioneering spirit. It was one of the first producers to experiment with and incorporate international grape varieties into traditional blends. To get around strict industry rules, these wines are modestly classified as IGT (Indicazione geografica tipica), meaning the wine is typical of the region.
Not happy to rest on its laurels, Antinori continues research in the vineyard and cellar to improve the quality of its wines. It now also produces wine in California, Chile, Hungary, Malta and Romania. In Kyrgyzstan, the Antinori family is involved in charity work, training nomadic families in high-altitude winemaking, with a vineyard located 1,500 metres above sea level, by Lake Issyk-Kul.