Within Lombardy, the Moratti family, owners of Castello di Cigognola, have not shied away from the spotlight. Gianmarco Moratti is the president and owner of one of Italy’s prized sports gems, the Inter-Milan soccer club while Mrs. Letitzia Moratti is the mayor of the city of Milan.

Their prized wine estate, Castello di Cigognola, is one of the most historic properties in the Lombardy region. The castle at the estate’s center was built in the 11th century on top of a rock as an outlook for strategic purposes. Its main function was that of a fort to watch the Emilia Road and control traffic through this extreme border area. The castle kept its defense function for over seven centuries, and became the residence of the most important feudal families. At the end of feudalism, the castle was used for residential purposes.

Documents at the castle indicate that wine has been made at there since the 14th century. Today, under the guidance of famed consulting winemaker, Riccardo Cottarela, Castello di Cigognola is making world-class wines.