Santa Cristina

This wine was first produced in 1980 as part of project which, ten years earlier, had joined together Antinori and other major Tuscan producers such as Frescobaldi, Ruffino, and Ricasoli. Together they formed the nucleus of the Galestro Wine Consortium, whose name derives from the typical soil (rocky but friable) of the Chianti Classico production zone. In those years, to improve the quality of Chianti Classico, it was necessary to reduce the percentage of white grapes utilized in the blend, a step which posed the problem of how to use an important native varietal such as Trebbiano, which would have disappeared from the standard Chianti Classico blend. It was instead used for a new white wine. The success of the wine was very important for the zone – had the Trebbiano grapes not found a valid alternative for their use it would have been very difficult for the growers of the zone to vote, as they did, the revision of the Chianti Classico appellation rules. Capsula Viola left the Galestro appellation in 2002 with the addition to the blend of other white grape varieties grown on the firm’s estates.

The first vintage of Santa Cristina was produced in 1946 by Marquis Niccolò Antinori. Over the years Santa Cristina has become a reference point for connoisseurs and wine lovers, along with a more general public, thanks to the constant quality commitment of the house. The care and attention which have always been shown in the vineyard and cellar work have been the stimulus for further innovation and for measuring the firm’s winemaking capabilities with both native and international grape varieties, thereby creating an entire family of different products which are nonetheless distinguished by a common style, the fruit of the indissoluble links between the vineyard, the terroir, and the human element in the winemaking. The classic Santa Cristina red wine, the initial wine of the line, has subsequently been joined by Santa Cristina Bianco, Santa Cristina Rosato, and Santa Cristina Le Mastrelle. These, along with Campogrande and Cipresse, together with other specialties such as the Santa Cristina extra virgin olive oil, Donato, and the Santa Cristina Grappa, represent a new phase in a long viticultural tradition.

This wine was produced for the first time in 1980 as part of a project which, ten years earlier, had brought together Marchesi Antinori and such important Tuscan producers as Frescobaldi, Ruffino, and Ricasoli. These houses created the Consortium for Galestro Wine, which took its name – “galestro” - from the typical stones of the Chianti Classico soil, flaky in consistence and a calcareous clay in composition. This was a period in which, to improve the quality of Chianti Classico, producers sought to reduce the quantity of white grapes used in the blend, a decision which posed the problem of what to do with the significant plantings of the major native white grape, Trebbiano, headed for elimination in the revised Chianti Classico blend. The grapes, instead, were used for Galestro, the new white wine created for the occasion. The success of the wine was an important step for Chianti Classico, offering a new use for Trebbiano and facilitating the approval of new rules – which drastically reduced the white grapes – for the Chianti Classico blend and the creation of the Chianti DOCG appellation. Capsula Viola left the Galestro consortium and name with the 2002 vintage when new and different white grape varieties were added to the wine’s composition.

The "classic" Santa Cristina was first produced in 1946 by Marquis Niccolò Antinori, the father of Marquis Piero. Over 60 years after its birth, the constant efforts taken to ensure the best quality possible have made Santa Cristina a point of reference on the Italian wine-making scene. The dedication and research in the interest of continuous innovation have, since 2009, given life to a family of products, a part of which is the Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

'Donato degli Antinori' is principally made from trebbiano grapes with a small quantity of malvasia grapes. Concentrated must and alcohol is added to the carefully- selected wine. During the long ageing period in 50-200 litre barrels the wine acquires its typical features: bright colour, vibrant aromas of dried fruit and oak, and a smooth, pleasantly sweet flavour. In Tuscany this wine is traditionally served at the end of the meal with almond biscuits called cantuccini. Donato degli Antinori (Florence 1701 - Rome 1786), nephew of Pope Clement XII, lived most of his life in Rome, working at the Vatican where he was honoured with important positions and offices. The wine label shows an extract from a letter written by Donato on 6th March 1729 to his cousin Niccolò Antinori, expressing the thanks and gratitude of Pope Clement XII for the wines sent from Florence, especially an excellent sweet wine.

This grappa is the result of a precise steam-distillation process, using the pomace and skins of Merlot grapes originating from the Le Maestrelle Vineyard in the heart of Tuscany. Only carefully chosen Merlot grapes are used in order to obtain pomace of the highest quality possible. After emptying the vats (the process of drawing off the lees) and pressing the grapes, the fermented pomace is taken to the distillery. According to tradition, the distillation process is completed by steam-method in order to guarantee that the pomace properly acquires the typical characteristics of alcohol-content and completely releases its aromatic substances. This procedure makes it possible for the grappa to best express the characteristic qualities of the grapes from which it is made. It thus bestows on the Santa Cristina grappa a fruity, pleasant, and well-rounded aroma, and a delicate taste, which, however, ends with a persistent finish. Alcohol: 42°C