Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello

The rolling hills of Italian vineyards, the fine swirl of wine in a glass, and... a car? Yes, a car. The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello, the perfect blend of electrifying luxury on four wheels, made its grand European entrance at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event. And what a debut it was! It’s not every day you get to witness a vehicle inspired by wine, but leave it to the masters at Maserati and the ancient winemaking geniuses of Marchesi Antinori to make it happen.

Imagine this: You’re at the Domaine du Château de Chantilly, an opulent French estate dripping with history and grandeur, and suddenly—bam! A sleek, powerful, 100% electric cabriolet rolls onto the stage. Not only does it scream innovation, but it also has a backstory as rich as the finest vintage. This is the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello—a machine that makes the term “car” seem woefully inadequate.

Now, if you’re wondering, "Did I just read that right? A car inspired by a bottle of wine?" Yes, you did! This isn’t your usual 'car show' material. The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello was born from the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme, a literal dream factory for anyone who wants to create a vehicle tailored to their wildest fantasies. And what better way to celebrate 50 years of the legendary Tignanello wine than by crafting a car that embodies all of its sophistication, character, and let’s face it—its ability to make anyone look cooler just by association.

Before making its way to Chantilly, this cabriolet even went on a star-studded trip to the US, where it stole the spotlight at the Arts for All Gala during the Festival Napa Valley. I mean, where else would a wine-inspired car feel more at home than in the heart of California wine country? After a (likely) red-carpet-style farewell from the gala, it zoomed across the pond to France, where it left the attendees of Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille positively breathless.

Maserati made sure to do things in style. Of course, it wasn’t just about showing off the car. No, Maserati had its own VIP terrace decked out by Giorgetti, the Italian master of design. A few Giorgetti outdoor pieces casually sprinkled around? Why not? After all, luxury loves company. But the real star of the show? That Tignanello-inspired beast of a vehicle sitting pretty in the middle of it all, luring in onlookers like it was a piece of fine art.

Speaking of art, there’s more to the GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello than just sleek lines and an eco-friendly electric engine. Maserati partnered with Marchesi Antinori—Italy's wine-making royalty, who’ve been perfecting their craft since the 14th century. This collaboration fuses the rich tradition of wine-making with the cutting-edge engineering Maserati is known for. The result is an ultra-luxurious, tailor-made ride that doesn’t just turn heads—it stops traffic (not just metaphorically, because let’s face it, everyone’s going to want a closer look).

Of course, being at Chantilly wasn’t just about sipping wine and looking at fast cars. Attendees were treated to a driving session of Maserati’s latest toys—GranTurismo, GranCabrio Trofeo, and Grecale Folgore, to name a few. And, in true Italian fashion, there was also wine tasting! After all, what’s a wine-inspired car without a little vino to sip while you admire it?

And, as if all this weren’t enough to make the entire event feel like the epitome of the high life, the Concours d'Etat stepped in to give guests a peek at over 100 rare and jaw-dropping cars from some of the world’s greatest collectors. Maserati’s classics strutted their stuff too, with models like the A6G54 and the iconic Quattroporte taking part. These weren't just any vintage cars—they were automotive royalty, representing Maserati’s history and the evolution of its relentless pursuit of perfection.

Giovanni Perosino, Maserati’s Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, could hardly contain his excitement, and honestly, who could blame him? The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is the embodiment of craftsmanship, tradition, and forward-thinking design. It’s a glimpse into Maserati’s soul, one that’s filled with innovation, luxury, and a dash of Italian flair.

So, what’s the takeaway from this wild ride through French elegance, Italian design, and a hint of California cool? Simple: Maserati create experiences, weave stories, and with the GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello, they’ve uncorked something truly special. Cheers to that!