The Artist
Deciphering the character of wine was only one of Valentino Monticello’s talents.He was an Italian sommelier who managed prestigious cellars at some of London’s most iconic private dining clubs such as Harry’s Bar and Club 21; but he was also an artist that fused his passion for mythology, opera and wine translating it into a distinctive style if fine art and creating a uniquely signature craft.
Monticello’s artwork is composed by shapes entirely made from the most distinguished wine labels. Every detail of each piece carefully hand cut from different labels capturing wine and regions from all over the world, his work exclusively uses wine labels as its medium and its context.
Monticello created collages portraying famous opera scenes, celebrated myths, legendary landscape and iconic establishments. His work has been showcased and celebrated in galleries and museums across Europe including the National Gallery in London and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The series ‘The Life of Bacchus’, as well the ‘Wine as Art’ collection is housed at Il Molino di Grace Winery in Panzano -in-Chinati.
www.theartofvalentino.com
GRAPES: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino
ALTIDUE: Single vineyard 400 mt above sea levelTRAINING SYSTEM: spurred cordon, guyot
HARVEST: Late, after middle of October 10th, by hand
VINIFICATION PROCESS: After a second grape quality control, 20 days of fermentation controlled temperature of 28-30°C with soft extraction process
AGING: 18 months in French barriques and tonneaux new and first use
COLOUR: intensive rubin red
BOUQUET: very complex with explosion of ripe black cherries and small black berries, spicy, white pepper, chocolate and tobacco
FLAVOUR: very structured and complex great balance, everlasting finish
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: lamb, beef, rack of dear, wild boar
ALCOHOL: 14.0% vol*
(* Depending on the year, the analytical values may vary slightly)