Lodovico Antinori is a legendary winemaker who has played a key role in Italy's Fine Wine industry. He is mainly known for being the creative force behind two iconic Super-Tuscans - Masseto and Ornellaia - and more recently Lodovico made at Tenuta di Biserno in Bibbona. His latest project, Tenuta del Nicchio, started in 2023. This time his daughter Sophia Antinori is part of the adventure, helped by winemaker Helena Lindberg and renown consultant Michel Rolland.
Il Nicchio is not the second wine of Lodovico. It is inspired by the glorious St Emilion Ch. Cheval Blanc, and is mainly made with Cabernet Franc. This varietal thrives on the complex soils the area which are composed of silt and alluvial sand with a high percentage of clay. Only a touch of Merlot is added to create a wine with its own character and well-suited to the modern consumer.
The Vineyards
The estate has 12 hectares of vines close to Bolgheri and two hectares near the village of Castagneto Carducci. Il Nicchio is sourced from nine separate parcels located at the edge of the Bolgheri DOC, and for that reason falls out of the appellation. Some of the parcels, which are the highest of the area, were abandoned long ago. After long research to find the best rootstock and clones, they were replanted on a soil which has been untouched for years.
Winemaking
The grapes are carefully sorted on a vibrating belt at the winery before being destemmed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel for 3 to 4 weeks at 28°C. The wine is matured for 16 months in French oak barrels (80% new and 20% in one year old).
The 2021 Vintage
2021 stands out as one of remarkable balance. It began with a mild, rainy winter, which was followed by a gradual bud break. Spring brought cooler-than usual temperatures, with a brief spell of warmth at the end of March and early April, accompanied by consistent rainfall. By late May, the summer weather arrived, bringing with it hot and dry conditions that lasted until the final stages of harvest. The vines, well-supported by the water reserves accumulated from winter and spring rains, benefited from the day-night temperature fluctuations, ensuring they were not stressed by drought.
2021 - The Scores
Here's an exciting new project from a celebrated name in Italian wine. Created by Lodovico Antinori and his daughter Sophia, the Tenuta del Nicchio 2021 Il Nicchio is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot presented in a heavy glass bottle. The wine is saturated and rich with a big textural footprint that is reinforced by blackberry, dried plum, spice and rosemary essence. There are earthy tones, tobacco and cured leather over a full-bodied mouthfeel with rich texture and sweet tannins. - 96 pts Monica Larner, Wine Advocate