Antinori
It’s nearly impossible to escape the Antinori surname when in Italy, where throughout the centuries, members of this historical family have included politicians, priests, literary figures, explorers and artisans. The family’s influence is well elucidated within Florence, where Piazza Antinori commands a prominent spot adjacent to the city’s luxurious shopping district. Within the Piazza is Palazzo Antinori, built between 1461 and 1469, the past and current home of many Antinori family members. And on the ground floor of the Palazzo is Cantinetta Antinori, one of Florence’s most popular eateries where the wine list features a wide selection of wines from the Antinori estates.
During this and the past century, it is these wines for which the Antinori name is most recognized. Tignanello. Guado al Tasso. Solaia. Icons all, and a mere sampling of the family’s substantial vinous output—the result of a 27 generation commitment to the art of winemaking. The Antinoris have been honing their craft since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri, the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. And perhaps no other member of the family has had as great an impact on the business as its current patriarch, Marchese Piero Antinori, who, in 1966 at age 28, took the Marchesi Antinori reins and today serves as honorary president of his family company.
Alessandro Leone, Export Director for Marchesi Antinori
Young and dynamic, Alessandro is passionate about wine and travelling. His excitement and interest in wine was inherited from his father who has worked in the wine business for over 30 years. Restaurants and wine appreciation have always been a part of family life both in Italy and in the U.S. where he travels every year to visit family. An enthusiastic and curious traveller, he enjoys exploring new destinations, cuisines and wines as well as returning to familiar ones. He believes that the most interesting part of the wine industry is that it constantly changes and challenges you to connect your knowledge of centuries-old traditions and modern innovations. In his current role, he is responsible for exports to The Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Canada. Alessandro was born in Florence, Italy in 1993 and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florence in Management, Internationalization and Quality.