2016 ANTICA TOWNSEND BY ANTINORI ESTATE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Founded by one of the oldest and most reputed wine families in the world, the Antinori Family, Antica is a reputed wine label from the Napa Valley region. Antica, in itself, is a combination of two words, Antinori and California. It was this family’s passion to make the best use of Napa Valley’s exceptional terroir that gave birth to this brand. In Italy, this family is quite popular as it has been in the wine business for over 26 generations now.

After exploring the wonderful terroirs of Tuscany and Umbria, the Antinori family’s new generation wanted to set up its brand in the Napa Valley region as well. This happened during the 1960s. In the Napa Valley region too, Antica wines are made with the same passion following the same traditional winemaking practices followed by the Antinori Family’s traditional wineries in Italy.

Piero Antinori, along with his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra and Alessia, run the winery right now. The Napa Valley Antinori Wine Estate came into the control of the family in 1993, and in the very next year, they constructed the winery. According to Piero, they came to create wines in Napa Valley with only two things – brain and passion!

The Antic vineyards are spread across 600 acres under vine in the beautiful, scenic estate that is located on 1200 acres. With the steep slopes and the deep canyons of Napa Valley surrounding the vineyards, the scene is nothing short of pure magic.

While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the main varietals planted on the original estate, many other Bordeaux varietals were also planted as years went by. These included Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc. The Townsend Vineyard, located on the edge of Rector Canyon, is known for its rich volcanic soils that produce unique, full-bodied and intense grapes.