WINE IS THE BEST AMBASSADOR FOR ITALY IN THE WORLD, CONFIRMED BY NONE OTHER THAN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, GIORGIO NAPOLITANO WHO GAVE THE 2011 “LEONARDO AWARD” TO PIERO ANTINORI AT “ITALIAN QUALITY DAY”

Wine is the best Ambassador for Italy in the world, confirmed by none other than the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano who, during “ Italian Quality Day” - dedicated to the manufacturers of “Made in Italy” products that promote the image, style and excellence of Italy abroad- gave the “Premio Leonardo” 2011 to Piero Antinori, standard-bearer of excellent Italian wine and at the head of the most famous and historic wine names.

Focus – Piero Antinori
Piero Antinori together with Émile Peynaud, Giacomo Tachis and today Renzo Cotarella, are the creators of Tignanello, Solaia and Cervaro della Sala, among the most celebrated and innovative wines of the century. Former president of Federvini, the Italian federation of wine industries today he heads the Institute of Quality Italian Wine- Big Brands. “Decanter Magazine” elected him “Man of the Year”; he received “Wine Spectator’s” “Distinguished Service Award” and the “Wine Enthusiast” “Lifetime Achievement Award”. He has received the Leonardo Italian Quality Award from the President of the Italian Republic, and many other national and international awards.

Focus – the Leonardo award
The first edition of the Leonardo Award was held in the United States in 1994 and awarded Ferrari for its contribution to production and sports and also Prof. Allen Mandelvaum for his exceptional contribution to the diffusion in the Anglo-Saxon world of classic and contemporary Italian poetry and particularly for a prestigious version of the Divine Comedy. Since 1995 this event has been sponsored by the High Patronage of the President of the Republic and has become an important and prestigious event held each year at the Palazzo del Quirinale, the Presidential palace. The prestige of the Leonardo Committee events is given by the fact that the head of State personally consigns the awards to the winners, who are nominated by a highly selective and qualified jury and in the presence of numerous Italian authorities, diplomatic corps representatives and the media. Each year the Committee, based on a highly qualified Jury’s evaluation, gives the Leonardo Award to an Italian or foreign personality who has promoted the image of Italy in the world. The Committee also assigns the International Leonardo Award to a personality of a foreign country who has contributed significantly to developing and improving cultural and economic connections with Italy. The Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been assigned since 2004, is given to the personality who has contributed to strengthening the image of Italy, thanks to the excellence of his professional activity. The Committee also assigns the Leonardo Quality Italy Awards to entrepreneurs whose companies have distinguished themselves for innovation, product quality combined with strong international marketing and production.