Santa Cristina By Antinori Chianti Superiore DOCG

Santa Cristina represents Antinori's entry-level expression of Chianti Superiore, sourced from the producer's estate vineyards across the Chianti DOCG zone in central Tuscany. The vineyard sites sit at 250–400 meters elevation on clay-limestone soils typical of the region, with south and southwest aspects that ripen Sangiovese reliably across vintage variation.

The wine is 100% Sangiovese, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and aged for 6 months in large Slavonian oak casks (not barriques), a choice that preserves primary fruit character while adding subtle structure without oak dominance. The Superiore designation requires minimum 12% alcohol and stricter ripeness standards than base Chianti, reflected in the wine's mid-palate weight and tannin grip.

Antinori's scale and consistency—the house has farmed Chianti since 1385—means Santa Cristina delivers reliable varietal expression: dried cherry, tobacco leaf, and mineral earth from the limestone subsoil. The large-cask aging avoids the vanilla overlay common in barrique-aged competitors at this price point, keeping the focus on Sangiovese's natural structure.

Drink 2024–2028. Approachable on release but gains complexity with 2–3 years bottle age.