Da Vinci Chianti

About the Producer: Cantine Leonardo da Vinci

Cantine Leonardo da Vinci is a large cooperative winery in Tuscany. It produces wines in the Chianti and Montalcino regions, both made from the ubiquitous Sangiovese grape in Tuscany. The cooperative was founded in 1961, 30 members of the cooperative farm 70 hectares (173 acres) in Chianti. In 1988, Cantine Leonardo da Vinci acquired Fattoria di Montalbano with 80 hectares (200 acres) of vineyards, and in 1990 took over Cantina di Montalcino. Leonardo da Vinci is now part of the Caviro group, which also includes brands such as Tavernello and Cesari. Today, there are 200 partner producers in both regions, cultivating 750 hectares (1,853 acres) of vineyards. As is typical of most cooperative wineries, a team of agronomists advises vineyard owners during the growing season and is paid based on the quality and tonnage of the fruit. The Caviro connection also gives access to fruit from other parts of Italy. Leonardo da Vinci produces a wide variety of DOC, DOCG and IGT wines from all over Tuscany. These include Chianti, Chianti Riserva and Chianti Classico, as well as Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and Vin Santo. Da Vinci also produces several Tuscany IGT wines based on international varieties such as Merlot and Syrah blended with Sangiovese. Outside Tuscany, Leonardo da Vinci manufactures Pinot Grigio delle Venezi, Sangiovese from Romagna and the multi-regional blend Vino d'Italia under the Monna Lisa label.