On Tour with Allegra Antinori
Along with her sisters Albiera and Alessia, Marchese Piero Antinori’s middle daughter, Allegra, leads the long-standing Italian vineyard The House of Antinori. It has been in the hands of the family for more than 600 years – and is in its 26th generation. Wine is, of course, Allegra’s passion, even when she’s traveling.
24 May 2024
The House of Antinori has been synonymous with wine since the 14th century. Now, Allegra Antinori and her two sisters are at the helm, to ensure the continuity of the company and its iconic name. Antinori spoke to Falstaff Travel about two of her favorite topics: wine and traveling.
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What’s your all-time favorite destination?
I have a weakness for Portugal. It’s a country I love to explore and return to again and again.
Which other countries or cities inspire you?
Some of my favorite other countries include Vietnam, Myanmar, Iceland and Mexico.
The most unforgettable view?
I love sunsets. There are two very memorable ones that come to mind: the sunset on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand and the one on the Santorini caldera.
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Where will you go next?
To Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.
Which hotels do you like to return to?
To be honest, I prefer discovering new places…
Your favorite classic hotel?
I personally think that one of the most notable hotels is theAlvear Palace in Buenos Aires.
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Your favorite small and secret hotel?
The hotel Alegria in the historical center of Lisbon. I really felt at home there. It’s very understated but also very elegant.
What are some places you would like to explore in the future?
I’ve always wanted to see the northern lights in Norway. Another country and its culture that I desperately want to explore further is Japan.
Where would you like to go for dinner?
You might expect me to name fancy restaurants all over the world, but I prefer authentic local cuisine – preferably at a respective city’s local market.
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Your favorite meal – and at which restaurant?
I can’t settle on just one favorite meal, that’s impossible! But I do love the Japanese cuisine at The Arts Club’s Kyubi restaurant in London.
Your favorite wine?
My two favorite grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. With the latter, I’m partial to the Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva – the 2021 vintage is remarkable.
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Which Antinori wine goes with which Italian city? Can you name three?
The Tignanello, which represents the beauty and innovative spirit of Florence; our Guado al Tasso, which represents the colors, light and aromas of Livorno and the Tuscan coast; and our Barolo Bussia from Prunotto, an elegant and refined red wine that goes perfectly with the dishes of Piedmontese cuisine from Turin or Alba.
Which two beauty products are absolutely essential when you travel?
I can't do without Acqua di Rose toner by Santa Maria Novella and soap by Ortigia.
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The setting of a movie that made you want to travel?
When I saw Il Gattopardo (The Leopard, the 1963 epic historical drama film directed by Luchino Visconti), I immediately wanted to go to Palermo.
Name one famous person you would like to have a glass of Antinori with.
If I was trying to learn more about the wine I was tasting, I would have to go with our Chief Oenologist Renzo Cotarella and my father Piero Antinori. But if I had to choose a celebrity, it would have to be Harrison Ford.
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Spring 2024.
