20 Years of the Carapace: Tenute Lunelli Celebrate Arnaldo Pomodoro’s Vision
Twenty years after the concept was born, the Carapace—the winery-sculpture created in Umbria by Arnaldo Pomodoro for the Lunelli family—stands as a unique fusion of architecture, sculpture, and wine, and a benchmark for wine and cultural tourism.
It has been two decades since Arnaldo Pomodoro, in 2005, envisioned the Carapace: the world’s first winery-sculpture, designed for Tenute Lunelli in the heart of Umbria. Today, that vision endures as a singular creation that celebrates a story of beauty and passion, and it has become a destination for those in search of authentic experiences where art, nature, and Italian craftsmanship come together in harmony.
The project took shape in the early 2000s, when the Lunelli family fell in love with Sagrantino and its land, acquiring historic vineyards in Montefalco and Bevagna. It was 2001, and just two years later, in 2003, the first vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino was produced. The Lunelli family then decided to entrust the design of the winery to Arnaldo Pomodoro, with whom they shared a long-standing friendship and previous collaborations. Upon visiting the estate, the Maestro immediately conceived the idea of a work that could blend with nature and celebrate the ancient spirit of the land. “I envisioned the Carapace as an element emerging from the earth, like a large dome evoking the strength and power of nature. A place where wine is born inside a sculpture,” said Pomodoro.
From that insight in 2005 to its realization: the Carapace was inaugurated in 2012. Its shape evokes the shell of a turtle—a symbol of longevity, which links the structure to Montefalco Sagrantino, a wine that embodies the territory and is renowned for its remarkable aging potential. The cracks across the copper dome recall the furrows of the Umbrian soil, symbolizing time and its effect on wine. A vivid red sculptural dart embedded into the ground adds even more dramatic strength to the piece within the landscape. The result is a truly unique creation—the first sculpture in the world that one can live and work in.
Soon after its inauguration, the Carapace received the UNESCO “La Fabbrica nel Paesaggio” Award and was featured at the Venice Biennale in the “Architectures of Made in Italy” section. Since then, it has become a must-see for art and wine lovers alike. Among the most recent international accolades is its inclusion in the World’s Best Vineyards 2024, ranking 25th and receiving the prestigious title of “Highest New Entry.”
The bond between the Lunelli family and Arnaldo Pomodoro dates back to 1984, when Gino Lunelli first met the Maestro. This encounter sparked a cultural and human partnership that led to the creation of significant works: from the commemorative disc for Ferrari Trento’s 90th anniversary (1992), to the monumental Centenarium spiral at the entrance of the Ferrari Winery (2002), and ultimately the Carapace. This relationship continues today, expanding into a broader commitment to culture and corporate social responsibility through Tenute Lunelli’s support of the Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation, where Matteo Lunelli serves on the Board of Directors.
The Carapace’s artistic and cultural journey centers around the wines produced there—wines that express the character of the Umbrian land while remaining faithful to the Tenute Lunelli winemaking style, which prioritizes elegance above all. Year after year, the Montefalco Sagrantino Carapace, the Montefalco Rosso Lampante and Ziggurat, and, since the 2015 vintage, Carapace Lunga Attesa, have earned top accolades from Italian wine guides and international critics.
The 20th anniversary of the Carapace is an opportunity to reaffirm the value of a winemaking and cultural project founded on excellence and sustainability—one that enhances and promotes the territory through the pursuit of beauty and goodness.
< BACK TO NEWS