The lack of a strict regulation for the production of wines in California, leaves the expert producers the chance to stand out! An original starting point which overturns the European certainties cames out interviewing Glen Salva, general manager of Antica Napa Valley owned by the historical Italian family Antinori.

A strong statement just to say that California and Europe can still learn from each other through an exchange of philosophy, culture, knowledge and, above all, a different approach.

Antica is located in Atlas Peak, Napa valley. A location chosen by the forward-looking Piero Antinori as the most similar area to his beloved Tuscany. Some other investments have been made in California, Antinori also owned the 25% of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellar (read more here: http://chiarasfoodandwineguide.com/2013/11/03/the-historical-stags-leap-wine-cellar-which-has-made-california-known-worldwide/), as well as many other properties worldwide (Chile, Romania, Ungury, etc.) but Antica is part of the family and one of the few brands of the group which includes the family name on the labels: “Antinori family estate”.

The adventure started in the late 80ies making Antinori family the only Italian one who has invested in Napa. Also for them Cabernet is the most important production but Sangiovese becomes the link to Tuscany and represents the importance of the exchange between different lands, different producers, different cultures. “This is what European producer are missing: collaboration” asserts Glen; I am also curious about their communication and the answer of Glen is clear: the goal of the communication at Antica is to preserve the name of the family and their pride, this is why Antica works closely with the company in Tuscany as a unique group. I also ask him an opinion about the prices which are high compared to the average in Italy and so, what is the philosophy of a company with a strong connections with other markets (in Europe), even then the answer is easy: Napa produces 4% of California wine industry and the 50% of the all CABs: a small production for an high demand makes price high! Anyway Antinori keeps the price as low as possible: they want people to enjoy them and not “to keep them on the fireplace”.

The wines are just wonderful, first of all the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, the result of a volcanic soil: authentic, not too complex, good to be enjoyed and paired easily, it invites to a second sip; it also has firm tannins and a long finish. CAB is the reason why Antinori decides to invest in Napa but when they got here they realize they would have produced a  great Chardonnay: the 2012 Chardonnay by Antica Napa Valley is the result of the grapes grown in the higher part of the property, it has well-balanced acidity and a great fruity flavor, different from many other Chardonnay also thanks to the altitude of their Vineyard (see pic).

Antica map

Glen left me asking to write him once I would have been back in Italy to know my favorite winery after my long trip in California: “I am sure you will write me: ‘Glen: Antica’”. I think this is the right time to send him the title of this post!