{"title":"Monte Antico","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"monte-antico-rosso","title":"Monte Antico Rosso","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonte Antico Rosso\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Sangiovese-based Tuscan red wine (Toscana IGT) bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 91 points by James Suckling and awarded 90 points with a \"Best Buy\" designation from Wine Enthusiast, this blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon consistently punches well above its weight class among Italian reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Tuscany, Italy (Toscana IGT)  |  Blend: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winemaker: Franco Bernabei\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonte Antico Rosso is produced under the direction of Neil and Maria Empson, with consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei — the same enologist whose work shaped iconic Super Tuscans, including Fontodi's celebrated Flaccianello. The fruit is sourced from approximately 50 of Tuscany's top vineyard sites spanning multiple zones, including Maremma, Colline Pisane, Chianti Classico, and Colli Fiorentini, giving the wine a diverse terroir profile. Originally produced entirely from Sangiovese Grosso — the same clone used for Brunello di Montalcino — the blend has since expanded to incorporate small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for one year in a combination of 80% Slavonian oak barrels (five to six years old) and 20% French barriques, followed by an additional year of bottle aging before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black cherry and raspberry lead the nose, layered with leather, licorice, and subtle floral notes. Deeper sniffs reveal earthy mushroom and chestnut undertones alongside hints of vanilla and toasted coconut from the oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with bright strawberry-cherry fruit and a lively, rustic quality. Mid-palate, the wine develops spice, earthiness, and a fleshy texture, with milk chocolate and a slight citrusy edge to the fruit giving complexity. Tannins are fine and chewy yet soft enough to keep the wine approachable, while vibrant acidity holds the structure together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long, dry, and savory, with licorice and cola fading slowly into juicy dark fruit. A persistent earthiness lingers, leaving a clean and balanced impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Monte Antico\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonte Antico Rosso shows its best character at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a standard Bordeaux glass with a few minutes of air. Its medium body and balanced acidity also make it a versatile wine for food-driven settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePasta Night Staple:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Sangiovese backbone and bright acidity cut through rich tomato-based sauces with ease.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePizza Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its rustic, earthy character and soft tannins pair naturally with margherita or sausage-and-pepper pies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCharcuterie Companion:\u003c\/strong\u003e The cherry fruit and savory finish complement cured meats, aged cheeses, and olive tapenade boards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryday Tuscan red for weeknight dinners with Italian cuisine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to quality Sangiovese without a steep price commitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a house wine that holds up across multiple food pairings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Monte Antico Rosso taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Monte Antico Rosso delivers bright cherry and raspberry fruit layered with earthy undertones, leather, licorice, and spice. The tannins are soft and approachable, with lively acidity and a long, dry, savory finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Monte Antico compare to Chianti Classico?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Tuscan, Sangiovese-dominant reds with earthy character and food-friendly acidity, but Monte Antico carries a Toscana IGT designation rather than the stricter Chianti Classico DOCG, allowing its blend to include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This blending flexibility, combined with fruit sourced from 50 vineyard sites across multiple Tuscan zones, gives Monte Antico a broader, slightly more international profile than a typical single-estate Chianti Classico.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Monte Antico good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its soft tannins, medium body, and approachable fruit-forward character make it an excellent entry point for exploring Tuscan Sangiovese. The Wine Enthusiast \"Best Buy\" designation reflects its strong quality-to-value ratio, which is ideal for those building their palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Monte Antico made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Monte Antico Rosso is produced in Tuscany, Italy, under the Toscana IGT classification. The fruit is sourced from approximately 50 vineyard sites spanning key Tuscan zones including Maremma, Colline Pisane, Chianti Classico, and Colli Fiorentini.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Monte Antico?\u003c\/strong\u003e Tomato-based pasta dishes like pappardelle bolognese complement the wine's acidity and earthy Sangiovese character. Grilled Italian sausage works well with the savory, spiced finish. Aged Pecorino Toscano mirrors the wine's rustic Tuscan identity. Roasted eggplant or mushroom risotto echo its earthy undertones. Wood-fired pizza is a natural, unfussy pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Monte Antico come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Monte Antico Rosso is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Monte Antico worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Monte Antico Rosso positions firmly in the value tier of Tuscan reds, yet its production pedigree — consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei, oak aging with bottle rest, and fruit from 50 top vineyard sites — delivers complexity typically found at significantly higher price points. The 91-point James Suckling score and Wine Enthusiast \"Best Buy\" both reinforce its standing as one of the stronger values in Italian wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Monte Antico?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Monte Antico Rosso from the crowded field of affordable Tuscan reds is the hand behind the wine. Franco Bernabei's involvement brings Super Tuscan-level winemaking philosophy to a value-tier bottle, drawing on the same Sangiovese Grosso clone used for Brunello di Montalcino. The dual-oak aging regimen — Slavonian casks for structure, French barriques for complexity — followed by a full year of bottle aging before release, is a level of patience rare at this price. With 91 points from James Suckling and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy designation, Monte Antico consistently delivers serious Tuscan character without requiring a serious budget.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Monte Antico","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836855414953,"sku":"7935","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/monte-antico-monte-antico-rosso-bottle.webp?v=1784211850"},{"product_id":"monte-antico-supremus","title":"Monte Antico Supremus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonte Antico Supremus\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Sangiovese-based Super Tuscan red blend from Toscana IGT, bottled at 14–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2015 vintage earned 95 points from James Suckling, who praised its \"very fine tannins and blackberry and blueberry character,\" placing it among the most critically acclaimed wines at its price tier in all of Tuscany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14–14.5%  |  Origin: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy  |  Super Tuscan Blend  |  Winemaker: Franco Bernabei\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonte Antico Supremus was launched in 2009 by Neil and Maria Empson as a tribute to their deep connection with Tuscany. The wine is made by Franco Bernabei, one of Italy's most accomplished winemakers — the same consultant behind iconic Tuscan bottlings such as Fontodi's Flaccianello, Selvapiana's Bucerchiale, and Felsina's Fontalloro. The grapes are grown in the heart of Chianti Classico territory between the villages of Monteriggioni and Castellina in Chianti, though the wine is classified as Toscana IGT due to its international grape content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blend of 75% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25°C, followed by 15–20 days of skin maceration and a 7-day malolactic fermentation. Once blended, the wine ages 14 months in barrique — principally Allier oak, with 70% new barrels — before spending an additional 6 months in bottle prior to release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with concentrated blackberry and blueberry fruit, shifting into more complex layers of violet, leather, and underbrush. Subtle balsamic and toasted vanilla notes emerge with air, joined by hints of cedar and black pepper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is polished and full, with dried black cherry and crushed dark berries dominating the mid-palate. Ground black pepper, tobacco, and a trace of chocolate develop as the wine expands, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannins. The structure is firm yet silky, with a juicy acidity that keeps everything focused and bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and lingering, with tobacco, mineral, and cinnamon trailing behind the fruit. The tannins remain refined throughout, leaving a clean, persistent close that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Supremus\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupremus is best enjoyed at 16–18°C (60–65°F) with 30–60 minutes of decanting to let the oak integrate and the fruit fully open. This is a wine built for the table — pour it alongside a \u003cstrong\u003ebistecca alla fiorentina\u003c\/strong\u003e for a classic Tuscan pairing, serve it with \u003cstrong\u003ewild boar ragù over pappardelle\u003c\/strong\u003e where the wine's tannin and acidity cut through the richness, or match it with \u003cstrong\u003eaged Pecorino Toscano\u003c\/strong\u003e to highlight its savory, earthy undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting an Italian wine enthusiast who appreciates Super Tuscans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a Tuscan-themed dinner party with a structured, age-worthy red\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to the Super Tuscan category without the ultra-premium price tag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for 5–10 years to explore how Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet blends evolve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Supremus taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Monte Antico Supremus delivers concentrated dark berry fruit — blackberry, blueberry, and dried cherry — layered with tobacco, leather, black pepper, and subtle chocolate, all held together by silky, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Supremus compare to Tignanello?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Sangiovese-led Super Tuscan blends from prime Tuscan vineyards that use French oak aging and international grape varieties alongside Sangiovese. Tignanello typically carries a significantly higher price point and draws from a single estate in the Chianti Classico zone, while Supremus offers a comparable style and structure at a more accessible tier — its 95-point James Suckling score demonstrates serious critical pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Supremus good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the velvety tannins and balanced fruit make it an engaging wine to drink on its own, especially after 30 minutes in a decanter to let the oak and fruit integrate fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Supremus made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine is produced in Tuscany, Italy under the Toscana IGT classification, with grapes sourced from vineyards located between Monteriggioni and Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Supremus?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled T-bone steak or bistecca alla fiorentina matches the wine's firm tannins and dark fruit. Wild boar ragù or braised short ribs benefit from the acidity cutting through rich, slow-cooked meats. Aged hard cheeses like Pecorino Toscano echo the wine's earthy, savory side. Roasted lamb with rosemary complements the herbal and balsamic undertones. Dark chocolate desserts find a natural companion in the wine's subtle cocoa and spice notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Supremus come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Monte Antico Supremus is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Supremus worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Supremus positions as a mid-range Super Tuscan that punches well above its weight — a 95-point score from James Suckling and a winemaker of Franco Bernabei's stature are rare at this price tier, making it one of the stronger values in the Toscana IGT category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Supremus?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe involvement of Franco Bernabei — the consultant behind some of Tuscany's most revered single-vineyard wines — immediately sets Supremus apart from the crowded Super Tuscan field. Grapes sourced from the prestigious corridor between Monteriggioni and Castellina in Chianti give the wine a terroir pedigree typically associated with far more expensive bottles. The 14-month aging regimen in predominantly new Allier oak barrique delivers the structure and complexity to age, while the 95-point James Suckling score on the 2015 vintage confirms that this is not simply a well-marketed label but a seriously made wine that earns its place at the table.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Monte Antico","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837926797481,"sku":"34871","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Monte-Antico-Supremus__93773.jpg?v=1730500853"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/monte-antico.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}