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Leo constellation concept derived from the shape of a Tuscan vineyard

Corte di Leo Brand Identity, Naming and Packaging System

A celestial brand system mapped from a Tuscan vineyard

Corte di Leo is a complete brand identity, naming and packaging system developed from the resemblance between a Tuscan vineyard and the Leo constellation.

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The project began with an unusual observation: seen from above, the actual shape of the vineyard recalls the constellation of Leo. Rather than treating this resemblance as a decorative reference, it became the strategic foundation for the brand name, its visual identity and a family of distinct product names.

The result is a coherent celestial universe in which every wine has its own character, while remaining recognisably part of Corte di Leo.

A brand written in the landscape

The name Corte di Leo was created from the relationship between the estate and the geometry of its land. The vineyard provided something more valuable than an invented symbol: a genuine point of origin that could structure the entire identity.

The Leo constellation became the basis of the brand mark, while its stars, astronomical names and symbolic associations created a flexible language for naming and differentiating the products.

This transformed a geographical feature into a system capable of supporting the estate as it evolved—from its first wine to rosé, reserve wine, olive oil and digital communication.

One constellation, a family of distinct products

The naming architecture was designed to give every product an individual voice without separating it from the master brand.

Primo di Leo represents the estate’s beginning. Leonessa introduces a more feminine and sensorial expression. Rosso di Leo Riserva explores time, material and ageing. Olio di Leo demonstrates how the same identity can extend naturally beyond wine.

The products do not rely on identical labels. Their connection comes from a shared origin, a consistent visual language and different interpretations of the same constellation.

Leonessa — quiet power revealed through the wine

Leonessa rosé label with a die-cut lioness symbol revealing the wine colour

Leonessa developed the Leo symbolism in a more fluid and feminine direction.

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The astrological sign was rotated and reinterpreted to form the figure of a lioness. Its circular element became the head, completed by a small crown, while the descending curve suggested the movement of a tail.

The symbol was die-cut from the label, allowing the natural colour of the rosé to appear through the opening. The wine therefore becomes part of the identity itself: as its colour changes with light and context, the lioness subtly changes with it.

Rather than placing an image on the bottle, the packaging uses the product to complete the image.

Primo di Leo — the first light

Primo di Leo wine packaging inspired by Regulus and the Leo constellation

Primo di Leo was the first wine released by the estate. Its name—literally “the first of Leo”—marks both the beginning of the product range and the first expression of the Corte di Leo identity.

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The concept also refers to Regulus, the brightest star in the Leo constellation. Traditionally known as the “Little King”, Regulus provided a precise symbolic reference for a wine introducing a new estate.

A restrained black label evokes the night sky, while the blue-white star and constellation symbol identify the wine through a minimal composition. Instead of illustrating Tuscany conventionally, the design communicates origin through the specific celestial geometry found in the vineyard.

Rosso di Leo Riserva — a label that ages with the wine

Rosso di Leo Riserva label made with real drops of wine
Detail of wine drops applied to cotton paper for Rosso di Leo Riserva

For Rosso di Leo Riserva, the identity moved from astronomical symbolism to material transformation.

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Real drops of wine were applied to a premium cotton paper with a visible cross-fibre structure. Because the liquid interacts differently with each sheet, no two labels are exactly alike.

A natural antioxidant derived from Italian lemons was used to slow the oxidation of the wine marks. Their colour can therefore evolve gradually over time, creating a surface that records ageing instead of merely describing it.

The reserve label does not simply communicate the passage of time; it participates in it.

This approach gives the limited edition a physical individuality appropriate to the product. Each bottle carries a unique trace of the wine it contains.

Olio di Leo — extending the identity beyond wine

Olio di Leo olive oil packaging extending the Corte di Leo identity

The system was also applied to Olio di Leo, the estate’s olive oil.

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Its name and visual language connect it immediately to Corte di Leo without making it appear to be another wine. The constellation provides continuity, while the packaging adapts the system to a different product category.

This extension demonstrates that the identity was conceived as a long-term brand platform rather than as a collection of unrelated labels.

From packaging to digital experience

Original Corte di Leo website and digital brand presentation

The original project also extended into website design, photography and the digital presentation of the estate.

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The aim was to translate the same restrained celestial atmosphere into a digital environment: clear information, strong product imagery and a visual rhythm consistent with the packaging.

This allowed Corte di Leo to communicate as one brand across naming, bottles, printed materials and its original online presence.

A system capable of growing

Corte di Leo shows how an identity can emerge from something already present but previously unseen.

A distinctive feature of the land became a name. The name became a constellation of products. Each product received its own narrative, material expression and visual character, while the complete range remained connected to one authentic source.

The result is not simply a series of wine labels, but an expandable brand system written in the landscape.

Role and scope

Brand strategy and positioning
Master brand naming
Product naming and brand architecture
Visual identity
Wine and olive oil packaging
Concept development
Art direction and photography
Original website design and digital direction
Print and production coordination

Fattoria Casenuove Riserva black wine label with tonal estate illustration and gold typography

Fattoria Casenuove Wine Label and Packaging Design

The work for Fattoria Casenuove explores how a Tuscan winery can preserve the authority of Chianti tradition while giving each wine its own distinct voice. Across Riserva, Chianti Classico and Il Codibugnolo, inherited imagery is edited, repositioned or reduced according to the character of the wine rather than repeated as decoration.

Riserva — tradition revealed through light

Riserva represents the estate’s most serious and prestigious expression of Sangiovese. Instead of displaying the historical imagery openly, the design embeds it as a subtle tonal layer across the near-black label. The architecture of the estate becomes visible only as light moves across the bottle.

Gold typography establishes the hierarchy, while a restrained red accent identifies the Riserva. The result preserves a connection with the winery’s history while giving the wine a darker, more contemporary presence.

Chianti Classico — heritage given new weight

For the Chianti Classico, recognisable elements from the historical label—including the estate and its coat of arms—were retained but reorganised within a stronger and more substantial composition.

The redesign preserves continuity with the winery’s past while improving hierarchy, clarity and shelf presence. Tradition remains visible, but it is treated as an active part of the new identity rather than as nostalgic decoration.

Fattoria Casenuove Chianti Classico bottle with redesigned black label and historic estate illustration

Il Codibugnolo — a lighter expression of the estate

Il Codibugnolo is the lightest and most playful wine in the range. The starting point was the owner’s wish to feature the long-tailed tit from which the wine takes its name. The challenge was to prevent a complex bird illustration from making the label feel overly decorative or heavy.

The final design reduces the bird to a delicate golden gesture and combines it with fluid calligraphic lettering and generous white space. The result gives the wine an individual, approachable character while remaining connected to the quality of the estate.

Il Codibugnolo wine label detail with gold long-tailed tit illustration and calligraphic lettering
Amantis winery website homepage featuring original vineyard photography

Amantis Winery Website Design and Photography

Amantis is a family-run winery shaped by a close relationship with the Tuscan landscape. duskodesign created the website and original photography, developing a clear digital presentation that connects the story of the estate, its vineyards and individual wines. Expansive landscape imagery establishes a strong sense of place, while the restrained interface gives the content and products space to communicate with clarity.

Amantis winery website wine page presenting the Birbanera bottle

“Dream Hunter”: A Tribute to Modern Artistry

“Dream Hunter” is dedicated to a contemporary artist and their masterpiece, the Dream Hunter statue. This label is designed for a young, modern wine that captures the spirit of creativity and the pursuit of dreams.

As a Pinot Grigio, “Dream Hunter” embodies the vibrant and refreshing qualities of this varietal. Its crisp acidity and light, fruity notes make it the perfect companion for those who chase their dreams and embrace modern elegance.

Raise a glass to inspiration and creativity!

Sizzilla

Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon: A Fusion of Sicily’s Dual Souls

Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon come together to create a wine that embodies the two souls of Sicily. This region is renowned for its exceptional native grapes like Nero d’Avola and has also embraced international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon with great success.

“Anfiteatro” Vecchie Terre di Montefili

“Anfiteatro” stands as one of Panzano, Chianti’s most esteemed wines, steeped in tradition and significance. The redesign endeavours to simplify while maintaining the well-known traditional imagery, striking a delicate balance among its various elements.

Experience the essence of tradition and innovation, cheers to heritage and refined craftsmanship!