Italians take it from the top

2007 Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico and 2007 Antinori Bramito de Cervo Chardonnay. Photo / Paul Estcourt

It is without doubt one of the great global brands, producing some of the world's finest wines.

Marchesi Piero Antinori is Italian wine royalty with breathtaking Tuscan real estate, vineyards and wines that would rattle the reputation of French first growths - but at a fraction of the price.

I have long held the view that across the board, the best food wines come from Italy. There is something about their reds in particular that envelop food with complimentary flavours while at the same time allowing the dish to shine.

Given the Italian love of food and their legendary rustic table settings able to make a lunch easily roll into a late dinner, this comes as no surprise.

The Italians have understood for centuries the value and importance of sharing a meal with local wines. The country is awash with grapes, with many varieties unknown beyond its borders.

There are more than 500 officially recognised wine regions and styles, with prices varying from inexpensive village chianti wines to soaring, super Tuscans that challenge the bank balance. Expect to pay only a few dollars for the former and a few hundred dollars for the latter.

Jacopo Pandolfini, at 27 years of age, has the responsibility for Antinori Sales and Promotion in the Asia/Pacific region. How does one so young get such a prestigious, challenging job?

"Easy," says the smiling Pandolfini, "I was baptised with water and wine and my godfather is Piero Antinori - he owns the company."

Pandolfini is a passionate and engaging ambassador for one of the biggest family owned wineries in the world.

"We've managed to expand but maintain quality. People look to Italian wine for something new and different. Our wines are designed to drink easily and be food-friendly."

However, Pandolfini is very frank about how wine sales are going in his patch: "Italian wines are underestimated. Our strategy in new countries is to get in there with high-end wines ... you need to create the reputation. We work the opposite way to everyone else."

Given the sublime quality at realistic prices, it should work.

RECOMMENDED

2007 Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico
Once a simple table wine, this has emerged as an elegant, light, textural and well-structured beauty. This is where Antinori started from, an estate dedicated to this one wine. A bargain.
Price: $39

2007 Antinori Bramito de Cervo Chardonnay
A wine that exemplifies this style perfectly. It has superb balance between oak and acidity. Fruity, with vanilla and toast flavours.
Price: $38-$39