FOR LA TORDELA'S VALCALEPIO WINE It is not easy to explain what causes nitric acid – known as “acquaforte” – to be used in etching plates inspired by its opposite, wine; and in particular, a magical wine commemorating the enigmatic and troubling year 2000 – a number which doubles the fears and tremors of the memorable year 1000. The etcher Mirando Haz has some experience of enological and gastronomical subjects, for example, the “illustrations” of the recipe book entitled “A Treatise of simple cooking to preserve the stomach” by Giuseppe Riva, known as “il Biondo”, reprinted in 1980 from the 1878 original (Bergamo, Pagnoncelli). He is also attracted by ancient menus, and in particular by Thomas Mann’s Buddenbrook menus. This etching is like an allegorical toast expressed through an ancient technique practised by such famous exponents as Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, etc.; it acclaims the dynamic future without rejecting the sense of the recent past, the importance of everything enclosed in the energy of craftsmanship. The composition depicts happy-faced figures toasting with solemn gestures the wine of our land of Bergamo, and the most ancient and joyful tradition in the world – wine-growing! Heraldic symbols can be glimpsed in the densely interwoven images, as well as the coat-of-arms of an ancient family, which also appeared in an important Renaissance portrait of one of its representatives, “The Knight in Pink” by Giovanni Battista Moroni. The etching, which combines classical and modern art, is a homage to the art of those who grow vines, respecting the most genuine and natural cultivation traditions. There are about fifty copies in circulation of the etching which uses the acquaforte technique on zinc plate, with some dry point detail; a copy signed by the artist will accompany special boxes. The subject of the etching will be reproduced in reduced form on the labels of the bottles of all wines from the year 2000 made by La Tordela winery. MIRANDO HAZ (Amedeo Pieragostini) La Tordela: Quality Wines Since 1790 History | Winery | Wines | Recipes | Holiday accomodation | Map | E-mail