Which grape variety was cultivated in the “Leonardo da Vinci Vineyard in Milan?” The Milano Wine Affair quiz

Leonardo da Vinci received a vineyard in Milan for his painting “l&' Last Supper” in 1498. Which grape variety was cultivated?

Manzoni Bianco
Malvasia di Candia
Moscato d'Asti
Moscato d'Alessandria

Solution:

Scientific investigations have identified the grape variety cultivated by #LeonardoDaVinci and replanted in 2015: the aromatic Malvasia di Candia.

In Italy there are as many as 19 Malvasia varieties found on the territory spread from north to south, white and red grape varieties, aromatic

and not.

DNA analysis described the origin of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica as a cross between Malvasia Aromatica di Parma and an unknown parent, highlighting, at the same time, a genetic relationship with white Moscato, a grape variety that would have generated a lineage of numerous aromatic varieties from the Northwest, including some Malvasia.

Malvasia di Candia Aromatica is mainly cultivated in the province of Piacenza (Colli Piacentini, Emilia Romagna — 660 ha), then in the province of Reggio Emilia (12%), in the Parma area (6%) and in the Oltrepò Pavese (

2%).

Its organoleptic profile is distinctive, rich and complex, with many primary aromas such as fruit (orange, cedar, lemon, peach, apricot) and flowers (acacia, freesia, lavender).

The grapes are mostly intended for the production of dry or semi-dry sparkling wines and for the production of sweet sparkling or dried wines.