Domus Artium Reserve is born

It was presented in Milan, at the Mengoni Room of the Cracco restaurant in the Galleria, Domus Artium Reserve. A new wine lounge hatched from the mind of Barrett Wissman. Wissman is honorary president of the global arts management agency IMG Artists and a longtime promoter of arts events along the Boot. The project aims to be a private club for lovers of art and taste. It has among its other founding members celebrities from the world of international food and wine. The two winemakers Riccardo Cotarella and Michel Rolland; taster Antonio Galloni and chefs Yannick Alléno, Carlo Cracco e Thomas Keller.

“I sought out Thomas, Michel, Carlo, Yannick, Riccardo and Antonio with the idea of Domus Artium Reserve because that is what I was looking for first – recounted Barrett Wissman – in all the festivals I founded, or participated in around the world, I always asked myself how I could make that experience truly original and engaging with the best talents in the arts but also in food and wine, and all in the most exclusive locations with the support of big names. And when Michel and Riccardo said they would be willing to make wines with our partners, I knew we had something unique, unprecedented to start with“.

The wineclub: Domus Artium Reserve is born

The circle takes its name from Domus Artium, a circuit already started by Wissman of concerts and convivial gatherings inside monumental mansions in the Capital, to which the specific Reserve was added to indicate the exclusivity of access and, at the same time, the connection with the world of wine. A driving part of the project is, in fact, the input of oenologists Cotarella and Rolland, who will try their hand at producing “Four Hands” wines, that is, born from the union of an Italian and a French wine from the same grape variety.

“People who make wine often don’t like to work on joint projects, this one is really unique in that it develops friendship and collaboration between talented stars in both the wine and culinary fields – said. Riccardo Cotarella – It is an initiative to further value wine. A project with an international scope that may be of great resonance. It will be a space where new frontiers for experimentation and new wines can be imagined, but above all, it will be a great opportunity to better tell and communicate the world of wine“.

Benefits and reserved events

Not only samples of “exclusive” products. Reserve members will be made able to produce Customized French and Italian wines on request, made by the team led by Riccardo Cotarella and Michel Rolland. An opportunity of particular interest to chefs and restaurateurs, who will have the chance to create the own branded label. With the hope that this will not result in an overproduction of wines ad personam, a phenomenon we have already witnessed with unflattering results for the wine world.

The club also allows you to take advantage of a purchasing cooperative, to source almost all Italian wines, including special and unobtainable ones. Finally, members are also guaranteed access to events, dinners and tastings organized by the chefs. Admission to clubhouses (palaces and historic mansions such as Palazzo Ruspoli in Rome) provided by partners, as well as participation in trips, tours and private lessons.

The membership fee for the Reserve, which can be joined by invitation from a member. We assume, however, that it will remain only a dream for most wine enthusiasts. Confirming how much wine, and fine dining in general, are increasingly in the crosshairs of the luxury, regardless of the capacity for appreciation. So much for the less affluent connoisseurs who, by now, certain bottles can only see them pass by.