From globally respected wine critic to creator of ultra-limited wine collections, Antonio Galloni is embarking on a new chapter with Vinous in collaboration with Asprey, one of London’s most prestigious luxury brands known for jewelry and design.
Together, they have launched an exclusive project: small luxury wine collections signed by Galloni himself and Vinous, crafted in extremely limited quantities—around 600 bottles per release. These wines will be distributed by Fine+Rare in the UK and Vinfolio in the United States, both part of the Fine+Rare Group, a leading global marketplace for fine wines, spirits, and collectible experiences.
The debut release fittingly pays homage to Galloni’s deep Italian roots. The first wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines 2021 IGT Toscana, was blended from historic plots of Ornellaia’s Bellaria vineyard in Bolgheri, one of Tuscany’s most celebrated winemaking zones. Founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori and today part of the Frescobaldi group, Ornellaia remains an icon of Bordeaux-style winemaking on the Tuscan coast.
Galloni revealed to WineNews that the inspiration behind this project dates back to blending wines for charity events in California:
“The audience loved them, and many Vinous readers asked me to create more unique, one-of-a-kind wines. Then Asprey reached out—through Asprey Studio, which works with artists and creatives across disciplines—and the project took shape.”
This vision has now materialized into a series of “unicorn” wines—rare, highly coveted bottles designed for collectors and enthusiasts. Galloni describes them as “tiny selections of barrels from some of the most prestigious estates in the world,” curated with artistry and precision.
The exclusivity of the project is reflected not only in its provenance but also in its pricing. On Asprey’s official website, the Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines 2021 is offered at USD 995 per standard bottle, USD 2,195 for magnums, and USD 4,495 for double magnums. These are wines destined to sit alongside jewelry, art, and other collectible masterpieces.
Galloni emphasizes that his role goes beyond critic:
“I am honored to be one of the artists at Asprey Studio. This project allows me to showcase the excellence of Italian wine in a new, creative way. Today, wine needs more imagination, and I’m delighted to bring that to life through these limited-edition collections.”
While the debut comes from Tuscany, Galloni has hinted at a second release in collaboration with another prestigious Italian producer, details of which will be revealed in due course. With this endeavor, Antonio Galloni confirms his transition from critic and storyteller to creator of wines that are themselves stories—singular, rare, and collectible.
Source: WineNews