When avant-garde design meets the most refined enological production, the result can be nothing but surprising, as confirmed by Alberto Alessi, world-renowned architect for the historic Alessi brand.

An iconic name synonym of pop kitchen utensils, the Piedmont-born designer since the eighties together with his wife Laura has cultivated the dream of owning a winery near his hometown in the Lago d’Orta region.

The right chance came when the couple managed to grab Cascina Eugenia in Pratolungo, the perfect location to make their dream a reality. It took them twenty years to start production as the vineyards had been long neglected, but eventually they made it.  Thanks to the support of oenologist Jacques Mell, the firm is now ready to introduce his first range of fine wines featuring names such Signora Eugenia (Mrs Eugenie) and Il Passero Solitario (the lonely sparrow) to the world.

A white (chardonnay) a red (pinot noir) and a late grape harvest: the bottles are only available in super limited editions from the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The result is fully convincing and wrapped up in a special packaging that makes it even more unique: every single bottle is sold in a splendid ‘Leo’ bottle, part of a Leonardo Da Vinci-inspired historic project developed by the firm. Usually you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case, they are both remarkable.