Alessandro Grazi, the Palio and the 2008 vintage tile

With the tents erected and the invitations sent out, Montalcino is busy preparing for Benvenuto Brunello this weekend, the traditional release of the current vintage, where press and wine lovers alike will get their first tastes of the 2008 Brunello. As has been a tradition at Benvenuto Brunello since 1992, along with the vintage evaluation, the Consorzio also reveals a tile created by an influential celebrity of the time.In 2008, this honor was bestowed upon Alessandro Grazi, an artist born and living in Siena.  His tile, at left, beckons everyone to Dai una mano alla Pace! or “Give peace a chance”. Grazi became linked with the Palio in Siena in 2007.  Held since Medieval times (twice a year since the 1700s when a second race was added in August), the Palio pits ten horses from different contrade (Medieval districts) and their bare-back riding jockeys on a race around the Piazza del Campo.  While the goal is obviously to win (and it can be noted that the loser is the horse that comes in second, not last), there is almost as much jubilation when a rival contrada loses as when the contrada’s horse wins.  Rivalries run deep.The winning contrada is awarded the drappellone, or flag, which is designed by a different artist each year.  There are very rigid rules with the design of the drappellone and what was must included, like including iconography of sacred symbols, the insignia of the city and the symbols or colors of the ten contrade racing in that year’s Palio.  The drappellone also serves as a piece of history, depicting the government at the time, from the Grand Dukes to the Republic. In 2007, Alessandro Grazi, a modern painter with a sort of abstract style, similar to that of Joan Miro, was chosen to design the drappellone.  Grazi’s groundbreaking version was very different from all those that came before it.  While still including all the necessary images associated with a centuries-old event, Grazi modernized the drappellone to much fanfare and a warm welcome that helped the Palio embrace the future while maintaining its long held traditions.Following Grazi's stunning debut of his modern drappellone at the Palio in 2007, the Consorzio enlisted him to design the 2008 tile. If you are curious to see the banner in person and are in Siena, you can head to the Museum of La Oca (the goose), the contrada who won the July Palio that year. To see Grazi’s art in Montalcino, you can head over to the Land Art walk at the estate of Cinelli Colombini, where Grazi has three playful elves greeting you as you start your walk.