In celebration of Tignanello’s 50th Anniversary, Italy’s esteemed wine dynasty commits to conserving the iconic symbol of Florence, blending the art of winemaking with architectural preservation.
FIRENZE – In a monumental melding of heritage and preservation, the Antinori family, renowned for their celebrated Tuscan wine Tignanello, is set to embark on the restoration of Florence’s iconic Ponte Vecchio. This announcement, made with the backing of Florence’s mayor, Dario Nardella, marks a significant commitment by the Antinori family to the conservation of one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to Florence since the 13th century.
Antinori to Restore Florence’s Ponte Vecchio
As the Antinori family celebrates the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, a supertuscan that has captivated the global wine community with its blend of Sangiovese and international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, they have chosen to honor this milestone by supporting the restoration of Ponte Vecchio. This project is not just a gesture of goodwill but a tribute to a city that has played a crucial role in their centuries-old winemaking legacy. Piero Antinori, the Honorary President of Marchesi Antinori, expressed his pleasure in contributing to the project, highlighting it as a perfect opportunity to give back to Florence on this special anniversary.
Ponte Vecchio, a bridge that has stood since the early 1300s and witnessed numerous refurbishments, has never undergone a conservation-focused restoration aimed at enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The restoration, with a budget of 2 million euros, will rejuvenate the bridge’s original materials across all its elements, including balustrades, facades, arches, and the paving of its central squares, ensuring their longevity. The project also encompasses improvements to the bridge’s rainwater management systems.
Mayor Nardella emphasized the bridge’s historical resilience against floods, fires, and wars, stating that this comprehensive restoration will enable a complete valorization of the bridge for the first time in its centuries-long history. He praised the Antinori family’s generous contribution as a special gift to Florence, underlining the importance of such public-private collaborations in preserving the city’s artistic and historical heritage.
The Wines of Tenuta Tignanello
The Tenuta Tignanello estate spans 319 hectares, with about 130 hectares under vine in the valleys of Greve and Pesa, home to the pivotal Tignanello and Solaia vineyards. Since the 1970s, the estate has served as a viticultural “laboratory” for the Antinori family’s innovative experiments with new planting densities, pruning practices, and varietal selections aimed at enhancing the concentration and softness of the tannins in their Sangiovese grapes.
The restoration of Ponte Vecchio by the Antinori family is not just an investment in the fabric of Florence but a testament to the indelible link between the city’s architectural beauty and its storied winemaking tradition. This initiative underscores the role of private patronage in safeguarding cultural landmarks, offering a future where the past’s elegance and the present’s innovation coexist in harmony.
