An Evening with Marchesi Antinori at Restaurant Omber

An Evening with Marchesi Antinori at Restaurant Omber.

On a mild October evening Restaurant Omber, in Amsterdam’s Tivoli Doelen Hotel, opened its doors to a handful of wine writers. The evening’s program began on the canals of Amsterdam with a presentation by Chiara Borchi, proud representative of Marchesi Antinori. She discussed the role of women in the world of wine and how it has evolved since the middle of the 19th century, as well as introducing Marchesi Antinori and its illustrious family. 

After tasting three wines from the Marchesi Antinori Estate, the group returned to the Omber restaurant for a dinner dedicated to art. A four-course wine pairing was served to the guests, highlighting the restaurant’s concept and the expertise of the Marchesi Antinori.

Restaurant Omber, Where Art Meets Food

Restaurant Omber is located in the heart of the historic center of the Dutch capital.

Located within the walls of the renowned Tivoli Doelen Hotel, part of the Minor luxury hotel Group, the restaurant enjoys breathtaking views of Amsterdam’s canals. The restaurant’s concept is largely inspired by the works of 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt. The artist is widely celebrated in Amsterdam, but had not yet been honored in the culinary arts. To begin with, the restaurant’s name, “Omber,” refers to one of the colors often used by the artist. This warm and sophisticated brown tone was an inspiration for the restaurant’s design. 

The dishes are also inspired by Rembrandt’s color palette, and the ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible. The restaurant offers signature menus, always inspired by the Dutch artist. Their inspiration comes from the key words in Rembrandt’s works: light, texture, volume, and conservation. The Masterpiece and Golden Age menus consist of several dishes inspired by Rembrandt’s works. The restaurant also offers a tailor-made wine list, featuring local wines as well as wines sourced from the world’s finest appellations, which can be paired with the dishes served. The menu features Italian wines from Marchesi Antinori, which are even more prominent on this tasting day at Omber.

Marchesi Antinori; History, Tradition and Innovation

Marchesi Antinori is a family estate that has existed for more than 26 generations in Italy. For several years now, three descendants, three sisters, have been at the helm of the large 4,000-hectare estate (the largest in Italy belonging to the same family). Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the three sisters manage the land with a masterful hand; Alberia, the eldest, is the president of the company, Alegra, the second, is the cellar master, and finally, Alessia, the youngest, is exclusively in charge of one of the family estates.

With a total of 4,000 hectares, there are several different estates managed by winemakers, cellar masters, or company managers, sometimes under names other than Marchesi Antinori. The various estates are located in Tuscany, such as Antinori Nel Chianti Classico, Villa Antinori, and La Mortelle. But also, in Umbria with Castello Della Salla. There are also estates in Puglia with Tormaresca, as well as in northern Italy with Marchesi Antinori Franciacorta and in Piedmont with Prunotto, Brunello & Barbaresco.

The family’s land therefore covers a large part of Italy, across several very different appellations, increasing the family’s offering. All of the wines are recognized and appreciated. 70% of sales are to hospitality, with a strong focus on the restaurant sector. Exports go to more than 180 countries and the estate produces a total of nearly 20 million bottles per year. A true Italian success story!

Marchesi Antinori wine tasting on the Amsterdam canals

Throughout the evening, wines from Marchesi Antinori were served. Starting on the boat, Chiara Borchi presented two wines from different Marchesi Antinori estates.

• Marchesi Antinori, Cuvée Royale | Franciacorta
  A non-vintage sparkling wine aged for at least 18 months on the lees. The bubbles are elegant and persistent, with aromas of brioche, citrus, and white fruits. The brut dosage brings a beautiful balance to the wine. 

• Le Mortelle | 2023 Vivia | DOC Maremma Toscana

A beautiful blend of Vermentino, Viognier, and Ansenico. The wine was vinified in stainless steel vats and released in February of the year following the harvest. Fruity, mineral, with a crisp acidity, this white wine is meant to be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif. 

• Antinori | 2024 ‘A’ Rosato | Toscana Rosato IGT

100% Aleatico from volcanic soils in southern Tuscany, with a short maceration of 20 minutes to obtain this subtle color worthy of a Provence rosé. Vinification was carried out exclusively in stainless steel vats to preserve a beautiful freshness. The wine has a beautiful bouquet of ripe red fruits, grenadine, and minerality. A rosé made to be enjoyed at the table!

The tasting continued at the Omber, with its breathtaking view of Amsterdam’s canals. The wines were served to accompany dishes prepared by the restaurant’s chef. 

Stage 2, The Pairing: Antinori meets Omber

Dinner began with a red fish ceviche & tempura calamari course paired with a 2021 Mezzo Braccio, Toscana IGT by Tenuta Monteloro. The rich and tangy texture of the ceviche went perfectly with the aromatic and buttery texture of the white wine.

For the second course, the chef served a typical Spanish dish, reminiscent of his origins: Roasted garlic ajo blanco, rice vinegar, aged sherry vinegar, roasted mini cauliflower, and bimi. It paired perfectly with a 2023 Sabazio, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC by La Braccesca. The wine, made of Sangiovese and Merlot, was round with velvety tannins, pairing perfectly with the dish enhanced by aged Jerez vinegar. 

For the main course, Black Angus Beef Cheek, roasted pumpkin cream & courgette flower was served with a powerful 2021 Poggio alle Nane, Maremma Toscana DOC by Le Mortelle. The wine, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Carménère, inspired by Bordeaux wines, paired perfectly with this comforting autumn dish.

Finally, the three-texture chocolate dessert was served with a delicious Muffato della Sala, Umbria IGT by Castello della Sala. This sweet wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Riesling, Grechetto & Traminer, made from noble rot and Italian-style dried grapes and aged in barrels. It offers a bouquet of candied fruit and honey, pairing perfectly with the rich chocolate dessert. 

Conclusion

The evening at Omber offered far more than a simple tasting – it was a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the art of pairing. Through Chiara Borchi’s passionate storytelling and the refined selection of Marchesi Antinori wines, guests were taken on a journey through Italian winemaking tradition, reinterpreted in a modern, artistic setting. Omber’s Rembrandt-inspired cuisine proved to be the perfect canvas for these exceptional wines, where every course reflected a harmony between flavor, texture, and color.

This article is written by our own Charlotte Sauzet. We would like to thank Restaurant Omber and the Tivoli Doelen Hotel (part of the Minor Hotel Group) for the wonderful experience, Chiara Borchi of Marchesi Antinori for her passionate presentation and tasting and MissPublicity for the invite and perfect organization of the event.