Vin Marchese Antinori - Tenuta Montenisa

The estate is located in the heart of the Franciacorta production zone around the centuries-old hamlet of Calino. The vine has always been cultivated in this area of important wines. Some in fact say that “Franciacorta” has its origin in the phrase “Petite France”, an affectionate name given to it by Charlemagne. There are some conflicting stories about the history of the small Borgo di Calino, some say it dates back to ancient Greece while others believe it has roots in Latin from “callis” which means small street. At the end of the 1800s, Lavinia Calini married Gaetano Maggi and inherited the land, since that time the estate had always been the property of this noble family from Brescia. One of the estate’s famous descendants was Count Aimo, the founder and symbolic personality behind the legendary car race called “MilleMiglia” (one thousand miles). His wife, Countess Camilla, lived in the splendid Villa Maggi. Fascinated by the beauty and potential of this area, in 1999 Marchesi Antinori decided to invest in Tenuta Montenisa, pursuing a long-lasting, inseparable commitment.

The property cultivates the varieties which, by tradition, have given the finest results in Franciacorta: Chardonnay, with its typical aromas of fruit and flowers, Pinot Noir which gives structure and personality and Pinot Blanc with its savory and mineral character. The historic vineyards are located on the hill of Santo Stefano, whose excellent grapes give wines balance and complexity. The more recent vineyards, planted in a parcel surrounded by walls, known locally as a “brolo”, have been programmed to produce great grapes for great wines. 

The fermenting and aging cellars of Tenuta Montenisa are located under the arcades which delimit the property. Here the bottled wines age on their lees for lengthy periods, longer than those prescribed by the appellation regulations. The result of this invaluable accumulated experience in fermenting and aging the wines perfectly expresses the production territory.