Monte Antico story began in the early 1970s in the medieval town of the same name located in Maremma, just a short way from Montalcino towards the sea. It all started at a historic estate full of vineyards, forests, olivegroves and even a hunting reserve. Neil and Maria Empson, pioneers in the export of fine Italian wines to North America – they were the first exporting iconic Gaja, Biondi Santi and Sassicaia to the United States – saw great potential in the area of Maremma and the wine itself, therefore aquired the brand, as well with all the wine that was aging at the cellar of the estate, becoming in this way negociants. Then distribution began, and today, Monte Antico is sold in over forty markets across the globe . The first vintage to hit the market was 1972. At that time, Monte Antico was made from Sangiovese Grosso, which was austere and structured, leading Neil and Maria to ask the help of Franco Bernabei – their long time friend and winemaker to some of the highest rated wineries in Italy – for refining the quality of the wine into something with more finesse and elegance. Today, Monte Antico is a Toscana IGT and is made from 85% Sangiovese, 10%Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot grown in different areas around Tuscany,such as the Colli Senesi, Chianti Classico, Colli Fiorentini and the Maremma. These different zones, with different terroirs, were meticulously chosen by the Bernabei team. Monte Antico goes through modern vinification,starting with fermentation in stainless steel. It ages 18 months in large oak casks and then in barrique. The production process ends with 1 years of bottle aging.. After years, passion and experience of Empson and Bernabei, in 2009 has brought splendid fruit in to another wine Supremus Tuscan – that epitomizes the harmony of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. For Supremus, only old vines are used (50 year old average), which yield small, highly concentrated crops. The wine is therefore intense and full-bodied. Thanks to 50 years in the industry, the know-how, the entrance of daughter Tara in the business, the relationship built with the best growers, Empson family is able to produce signature wines, which have been praised year after year by top international magazines and reviewers. The wines region by region: Trentino Alto Adige: Bollini (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Pinot Nero) – Piedmont: Reversanti (Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Moscato d’Asti)– Veneto: Balerin (Amarone, Valpolicella, Prosecco)– Puglia: Matanè (Primitivo, Negroamaro, Primitivo di Manduria)– and other Tuscan: Toscolo (Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano) These are all soulful Italian wines for everyday enjoyment!
