Cantine Leonardo da Vinci

Cantine Leonardo da Vinci is a large cooperative winery in Tuscany. It makes wines in the Chianti and Montalcino areas, both made from Tuscany's ubiquitous Sangiovese grape.

The cooperative was formed in 1961, with 30 members farming 70 hectares (173 acres) in Chianti. In 1988, Cantine Leonardo da Vinci acquired Fattoria di Montalbano, with its 80ha (200 acres) of vineyards, and in 1990, it absorbed the 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 growers across the two regions, who farm 750ha (1853 acres) of vineyards. As is typical for most cooperative wineries, a team of agronomists advise the vineyard owners during the growing season, and they are paid according to the quality of fruit as well as the tonnage. The connection to Caviro also gives access to fruit from other parts of Italy.

Leonardo da Vinci makes a wide range of DOC, DOCG and IGT wines from around Tuscany. This includes Chianti, Chianti Riserva and Chianti Classico, plus Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, a Morellino di Scansano, and a Vin Santo. Da Vinci also make several Toscana IGT wines based on international varieties like Merlot and Syrah blended with Sangiovese. Outside of Tuscany, Leonardo da Vinci makes a Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, a Sangiovese from Romagna and a multi-regional Vino d'Italia blend under the Monna Lisa label.