Uncorking Italy’s Elixir: From the Pope’s Cellar to Da Vinci’s Vineyard, a Sip into Extraordinary Wine Tales!
Venetian Viniculture Odyssey: From Ancient Squares to the Revival of Dorona di Venezia
Exploring Venice’s winemaking legacy unveils a rich history, evidenced by a vineyard in Piazza San Marco until the 1100s. Viticulture traces back over 2500 years, vital for self-sufficiency in a lagoon where 92% is water. Even squares, named “Campo,” were cultivated. Venissa emerged in 2002 when Gianluca Bisol discovered a vineyard on Torcello, spurring research into its history. This revealed a robust winemaking tradition on the Venetian islands, disrupted in 1966 by high waters. Agronomic studies unearthed the indigenous grape, Dorona di Venezia, adapting over centuries to the lagoon’s salinity. Venissa revives this ancient legacy with care and innovation.
Crowning Glory: Argiano Winery’s Brunello di Montalcino Reigns Supreme
At Montalcino’s Argiano Winery, the Brunello di Montalcino attains oenophilic zenith, crowned the world’s finest by Wine Spectator. The 2018 vintage, reigning atop the Top 100 list, earns the 2023 Wine of the Year accolade. This victory underscores its celestial quality, unveiling fruity notes gracefully parting from balsamic and spicy undertones. Argiano’s 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, a sublime masterpiece, invites enthusiasts to relish a meticulously orchestrated flavor symphony acclaimed by Wine Spectator.
Consecrated Wine: Crafting Cabernet Sauvignon on Holy Ground
The Holy See is set to have its own wine crafted on Vatican soil. From the vineyard nestled in the heart of the Castel Gandolfo residence, a red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes will bear the label of the Holy See. The two-hectare vineyard is situated within the papal summer residence near the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo. While various grape varieties have been planted, the predominant composition of the wine will be Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine will undergo oak barrel aging and is scheduled to be bottled in 2026, although it will not be available for purchase as the bottles are exclusively destined for the Vatican.
Antinori Winery: A Symphony of Tradition and Innovation in Chianti Classico
Situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, the Antinori Winery is a harmonious blend of viticultural mastery and architectural ingenuity. Infused with centuries-old winemaking tradition, the Antinori family seamlessly merges heritage with modernity. Designed by Marco Casamonti, the structure integrates with the landscape, partially underground, organically emerging from the earth. This architectural marvel not only facilitates winemaking but also underscores a commitment to sustainability and a deep connection to terroir. The Antinori Winery, a testament to tradition and innovation, produces outstanding wines while harmonizing with the natural allure of the Tuscan countryside.
Leonardo’s Legacy: The Vineyard Gift from Ludovico il Moro in Milan
Leonardo da Vinci’s forgotten tale in Milan revolves around a vineyard, a gift from Duke Ludovico il Moro in 1498. Legends intertwine with the genius and his works. Today, the vineyard rejuvenates, honoring the original rows and grape varieties. In 1482, da Vinci arrived in Milan from Florence, commissioned to paint The Last Supper in 1495. Ludovico granted him a vineyard in 1498, a symbol of the residential dream. Despite leaving in 1500, da Vinci continued caring for the vineyard, even bequeathing it in his 1519 will. Recent archaeological excavations unveiled and restored the original rows, and genetic analyses reconstructed the Malvasia di Candia Aromatica grape profile, replanted in 2015.
