“Italy is a wine country but Milan is not famous for it. At least, not until today. However, now that we have the Cantina Urbana, we might have to rethink the map of the Italians wines. Because this place is worth mentioning.”
Cantina Urbana
Via Ascanio Sforza, 87
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Tu – Sa | 10.00 – 00.00, Su | 17.00 – 24.00
Closed on Monday
Sandwich from 6,50€, glass of wine from 2,50€
Cantina Urbana, where they make real Milanese wine
It is part of my job to know my way in Milan. One of the first things that I have understood is that in Milan there is only one small wine producing area. Actually it is an area separated from the rest of the Metropolitan area. Let’s forget about it though. Here we are going to talk about real Milanese wine that is made in a canteen just three kilometres south of the Duomo of Milan.
Cantina Urbana is the realised dream of Michele Rimpici. It was he, together with friends and colleagues to have the idea to open a winehouse in Milano. They select the grapes from winegrowers that they believe are the best ones. They will bring them to their canteen on the Naviglio Pavese in Milan where they are transformed in the most natural way possible. Some of the wines get aged in steel, other in clay-pots others or in wooden barrels.
An unexpected spot in Milan
The location of the Cantina is quite unusual. Normally you see them in the countryside, in the middle of the hills. A romantic place, to be short. But for Cantina Urbana this is absolutely not the case. This winehouse is situated in an industrial area, just out of the city center. The building is shared with different small industrial and artisanal realities. It might have been an ordinary palace, but thanks to the art work of Elian Chali, an Argentinian street artist that travelled the world in 2016 to colour walls in different parts of the world, it got a unique facade and is easy to recognise.
Non solo vino
In the Cantina Urbana they do not only produce wine. Besides offering the possibility to book a visit to learn more about the production process or to realise your own personalised blend, there is also the option to participate to one of the many events organised in the Cantina. At least once a week they organise an event. This can be a concert, the presence of a food truck or a tasting if typical products. Off course accompanied by one of the locally produced wines.
Cantina Urbana is really a nice place worth the trip south where you can have a relaxed lunch or chat with your friends during aperitivo.
All images © 2019 Inge de Boer
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