Winery: Piaggia
Region: Toscana
Locale: Poggio a Caiano
Appellation: Carmignano
Designation: DOCG

In a few words: A modern classic. Lovely texture and fantastic purity in this elegant single-vineyard expression of Carmignano. The goal is to produce a wine that is an expression of this special vineyard. 

Site: From the vineyard of the same name, Il Sasso. The vineyard covers about 2.5 hectares (6 acres). Soils clay and galestro (marl), yields are very low (42 HL/hectare - quite a bit lower than the 48 HL/Ha required by the discipline).

Grapes: 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Hand picked in small containers.

Fermentation and Aging: Like all the red wines produced at Piaggia, fermentation with the natural yeast to preserve the vineyard's terroir, for 18-20 days. Racked to French barriques for the ML fermentation and aging, with a couple of rackings over a period of at least 12 months. Portion of new wood is at most 10%. After bottling, at least 6 months of rest in the bottle before release.

Notes: In a normal vintage, about 30K bottles. This is a serious bottle of wine, with body and structure and elegance; one senses the presence of greatness. Pairs with aged cheese, red meats, and game. Try it with a bistecca fiorentina (Florentine beefsteak from Chianina cattle roasted over an open fire, mammoth-sized) the size of your entire head, like I did on a recent visit to the winery. Miraculous and unforgettable.