Artenova with Leonardo Parisi and Elisabetta Rogai
06/09/2021 Artenova / artistic-ornamental object / clay vessels / Florence / Greeks and Romans / History and Terracotta / Impruneta clay / palazzo vecchio / terracotta and wine / Terracotta in Tuscany / terracotta revolution
The mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella
Leonardo Parisi, owner of Artenova Terrecotte, in Palazzo Vecchio (Florence)
What they wrote about Artenova in the “Alpi Fashion Magazine” after our participation in “Territories, Culture and the Art of Wine” at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence (The original article)
Artenova with Leonardo Parisi and Elisabetta Rogai
Wine, Art, History and Terracotta, but above all passion. Thousands of combinations show us how the production of Terracotta in the Impruneta area and that of Wine, has forged a link between two different but compatible worlds.
These relationships have now experienced a new impetus, particularly in the wine sector, going on to become full blown marketing operations. From Tv commercials and Wineries built by famous Architects, Art performances in vineyards and cellars, up to the detailed research of labels and packaging by well-known Artists.
However, Wine Routes are truly endless and today Artenova actively supports Elisabetta Rogai at Palazzo Vecchio as part of the G20 on agriculture, combining the story of Leonardo Parisi’s terracotta wine-jars with that of EnoArte®, a personal and original story and the rediscovery of an ancient method of vinification in terracotta amphorae.
Artenova, after a decade of experience in the production of artistic-ornamental objects, in reaction to a decline in the market, decided, after a long period of experimentation, to use the prestigious clay of Impruneta to create large terracotta jars for the processing of wine. A new company pathway, which came about also thanks to the precious interdisciplinary collaboration of various experts, ensuring an immediate international success.
As Leonardo Parisi, owner of Artenova tells us: “Terracotta in Tuscany, an excellent material of the highest quality, has in fact the ideal characteristics for the vinification and aging of wine. It is, for example, an excellent thermal insulator and therefore has the ability to preserve wine from extreme changes in temperature, while its porosity allows it to maintain the right oxygenation. All this, since terracotta is an inert material, takes place without transmitting any type of flavour, which on the other hand, does not happen when the wine is stored in wood.
Humble clay is transformed into working utensils or into splendid ornaments for gardens and houses, objects that take a thousand different forms, now launches a terracotta revolution to continue the most ancient method of making wine. In fact, history tells us that the ancient Greeks and Romans used amphorae to transport and store wine, but few know that similarly they used terracotta jars, often buried, for its fermentation and conservation. Today, using terracotta for winemaking means rediscovering a centuries-old tradition and at the same time enhancing a natural and very modern material which, if used correctly, is practically eternal.
This is a niche market so far, but there is a great interest from important names from the Italian and Global wine scene that suggests a general rising trend. Terracotta provides excellent thermal insulation and creates excellent oxygenation of the wine. It also preserves the integrity of the grape creating wines of intense, decisive and deep purple red colour, the scent of which gives sensations of red berries in the foreground accompanied by slightly toasted, spicy and pepper notes as well as mineral hints due to the terracotta. In the mouth a certain softness is made vital by a good vein of freshness and tannins. ”
The story of Leonardo Parisi’s workshop is fascinating from a historical and cultural point of view. The rediscovery of clay vessels, a material that is part of our roots, brings us a bright future for a “new” container whose history goes back to the beginning of time…