Welcome to Episode 2631 of the Italian Wine Podcast and the sixth episode of Pellegrinaggio Enoico con Professore Attilio Scienza! This series is recorded in Italian.
Episode 6: La Vigna Ritrovata di Leonardo.
Experience a true Pellegrinaggio Enoico (oenological pilgrimage) led by Professor Attilio Scienza in the company of Stevie Kim. This journey winds across the peninsula, following ancient Roman roads, paths of faith, and historical itineraries. Genetics, morphology, climate change, and the concept of viticulture vocation come together to tell the story of our grape varieties and their inextricable bond with the territory.
Expect amazing stories, random digressions, curious anecdotes, and a new way of thinking about wine through the lens of this Pellegrinaggio Enoico. Join us on a wine pilgrimage with Professor Attilio Scienza and discover the soul of Italian viticulture.
More about Professor Scienza:
Professor Attilio Scienza is the expert who ensures historical accuracy in every Pellegrinaggio Enoico. He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, where he teaches genetic improvements to the vine. He also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti.
As the lead for many national research projects in physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics, and the author of over 350 publications, Professor Scienza is the ultimate guide for any Pellegrinaggio Enoico.
To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/
About Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler:
Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, and the wine2wine Business Forum.
Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to keep the technical insights accessible for listeners. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, and videos. Whether she is in the studio or “On the Road” visiting wineries, Stevie is dedicated to bringing the spirit of the Pellegrinaggio Enoico to a global audience.
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/
Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp
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Until next time, Cin Cin!
Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂
What is a "Renaissance vineyard"?
A Renaissance vineyard like Leonardo’s was often an “urban vineyard,” integrated into the city’s architectural fabric rather than being isolated in the countryside. These plots were typically designed using a “pergola” system, where vines were trained to grow overhead on wooden frames, creating shaded walkways that served both an agricultural and an aesthetic purpose. This method allowed for the cultivation of other crops or flowers beneath the vines, maximizing the utility of the limited urban space while providing a private sanctuary for the owner.
How does soil affect wine?
The concept of “terroir,” which Leonardo intuitively understood, suggests that the specific composition of the soil—its minerals, drainage, and temperature—directly influences the flavor profile of the grapes. The soil in Milan’s Corso Magenta, where Leonardo’s vineyard sat, provided a unique environment that combined urban warmth with specific alluvial deposits. This environment would have imparted a distinct character to his Malvasia, different from the same grape grown in the open hills, proving that a vineyard’s location is just as important as the variety of the vine itself.
What is an aromatic grape?
An aromatic grape variety is one that contains a high concentration of terpenes, which are natural compounds responsible for the intense, recognizable scents of flowers and spices. Unlike “neutral” grapes that require fermentation or aging to develop their aroma, aromatic varieties like Malvasia or Muscat smell like the finished wine even while they are still on the vine. This characteristic made them incredibly popular in the Renaissance, as they produced vibrant, perfumed wines that were easy to distinguish and highly pleasurable to drink.
