The connection between Leonardo and Milan is well-known: the Last Supper, the Codex Atlanticus, the locks of the Naviglio Grande, his vineyard and countless drawings that the Genius left during his twenty years there. For this reason we have brought our project to the city that – after Vinci – represents him most, with a special event dedicated to Leonardo Genius of Wine.
For five days – from 25 to 29 September – Villa Necchi Campiglio hosted the story of Leonardo and wine in all its dimensions: the oenological one, with the presentation of collections of wines inspired by the Genius and produced according to the Leonardo® Method; the cultural one, with a temporary exhibition of works curated by the Leonardo Museums; and also the most contemporary and research-driven dimension, with a special event in which gastronomy and science came together to testify to Leonardo’s continuing contribution to the world of wine and food.
Villa Necchi Campiglio, in the heart of Milan, is a place of unique character: a manor house from the 1930s designed by architect Piero Portaluppi – now protected by FAI – surrounded by a private garden with swimming pool and tennis court. The most significant rooms of the Villa hosted the opening event – reserved for the press and clients – on 25 September: an afternoon filled with inspiration and insights into Leonardo and wine, followed by an evening of music, food and conviviality.
During the conference held by SimonPietro Felice (Chief Executive Officer of Caviro and Managing Director of Leonardo da Vinci Spa), Luca Maroni (sensory analyst) and Alessandro Vezzosi (Director of the Leonardo Museums), various aspects of Leonardo’s connection with wine, agriculture and oenology were illustrated, along with the relevance of his thinking today; this was followed by a technical tasting curated by sommeliers from AIS Milan, which featured some of the most representative labels from the five wine collections of Cantine Leonardo da Vinci.
Event guests were able to admire the interiors of the villa and participate in the guided tour of the exhibition “Leonardo’s World and Wine”, housed on the third floor. Among the works on display was Guido Reni’s Bacchus, Desiderio da Settignano’s Madonna and Child with Grapes, and a faithful reproduction of the Nude Gioconda, whose original copy, now on loan to Château de Chantilly, will be exhibited at the Museo Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci from 14 October onwards. The evening concluded with an aperitif by the poolside, with live music, and followed by dinner in the villa’s tennis courts, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Cristina Bowerman – ambassador for Cantine Leonardo da Vinci – who for the project created the exclusive menu ‘Culinary Visions from the Future’ featuring dishes such as Risotto with Squab, Marzolino and Rosemary or Black Garlic Gnocchetti, Fava Beans and Candied Lemon.
During the five days of the exhibition, the show welcomed numerous visitors who were able to appreciate the modernity and multifaceted nature of the figure of the timeless Genius in the best possible way: by tasting a glass of Chianti Riserva (recently awarded the gold medal at the Mundus Vini competition) produced by Cantine Leonardo following the oenological indications set down by the Genius and recovered and preserved in the Leonardo® Method.
Wine guide
Food & Wine
Art & Culture
Wine guide
Food & Wine
