Which grape was grown in "Leonardo's Vineyard in Milan?"

Leonardo da Vinci received a vineyard in Milan in 1498 for his painting "The Last Supper." Which grape variety was being cultivated?

• Manzoni Bianco
• Malvasia di Candia
• Moscato d’Asti
• Moscato d’Alessandria

Solution:

Scientific investigations have identified that the grape variety cultivated by #LeonardoDaVinci and replanted in 2015 is the Malvasia di Candia aromatica.

In Italy, there are as many as 19 Malvasie present across the territory, spread from north to south, consisting of white and red grape varieties, aromatic and non-aromatic.

DNA analyses have described the origin of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica as a cross between Malvasia Aromatica di Parma and an unknown parent, while also highlighting a genetic relationship with the white Moscato, a grape variety that has led to a lineage of numerous aromatic varieties in the northwest, including some Malvasies.

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 Oltrepò Pavese (2%).

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

The grapes are mostly destined for the production of dry sparkling wines or semi-dry wines, and for the elaboration of sweet sparkling wines or passito wines.

Cornelia Hassmueller