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Carmignano, Wine

Carmignano wine is enjoyed for its elegant flavour, ruby red colour and delicate yet complex taste

THE TERRITORY

The hills around Carmignano, which have been home to Etruscans and the Medici, are full of vineyards. This area has been much loved by wine makers for centuries as the soil always produces a fine yield.

The terrain, position, rain, temperature, humidity, ventilation and insolation are differ even within a few kilometres. It is an equation with a great number of uncertainties, a magic formula that we will never discover.

We can only name a few of the favourable characteristics: the well-drained, limestone terrains, the opening of the hills on the large plain that allows ventilation and a good insolation; the winds that come from the nearby High Apennines that ensure cool nights.

WINE TYPES

The grapes grown here are mainly Sangiovese, Cabernet and Canaiolo. Carmignano wines go particularly well with game and mature cheeses. Barco Reale is also grown and produces a wine which is the perfect accompaniment for pasta dishes, delicate meats and side dishes.

Vin Ruspo is produced here from the same grapes but using a different pressing method.

Here they produce Carmignano DOCG, a great, aging wine that is also pleasant when young, the Barco Reale that takes its name from the ancient grand-ducal property, the Vin Ruspo (Rosé of Carmignano DOC), all with the same assorted base: this is the first denomination of Tuscan origin that prescribes, along with the Sangiovese, Cabernet (up to 20%), as well as the Canaiolo and other complementary vines.

VIN SANTO

Finally, the area’s Vin Santo is made from dried white grapes and is left to age for some time. It is the perfect accompaniment to desserts and cheeses.

From white grapes they produce the Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC, one of the most appreciated ever. From red grapes the Vin Santo di Carmignano Occhio di Pernice DOC. The nature and the vineyards are the main creators of the type and quality of the wines. From the famous eulogy “Bacchus in Tuscany”, written by Redi in 1673, we quote: “But if a jar I take of brilliant Carmignano, such gratefulness pours in my heart, that ambrosia and nectar I envy not of Jove. Now this that oozes from the dusky grapes Of such stony Tuscan vines....”

LOCAL FAVOURITES

Barco Reale di Carmignano, Rosato di Carmignano, Vin Santo di Carmignano e Vin Santo di Carmignano Occhio di Pernice DOC: these are the wines that have made the territories of Carmignano and Poggio a Caiano famous the world over. They are both areas that are located under 400 metres in altitude.

History and Landscape - The DOC designation was given in 1994 and it is part of the 'waterfall' designations that allows producers to produce different wines with different designations (a practice that has been successful in other DOCG areas). Carmignano, whose red wine is very esteemed today, sought to promote its lesser-known wines that are made in the territory. Indded, the famous Barco Reale hunting estate is located here. Today, Barco Reale is a name that distinguishes the area's red wine for its high-quality. High-quality rose' wines and vinsanto are also produced in the area.

The grapes - Barco Reale and Rose': Sangiovese (minimum 50%), Canaiolo nero (up to 20%), Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (10-20%), Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo bianco and Malvasia (up to 10%); other vines of red grape are allowed up to 10%.Vin Santo: Trebbiano toscano and Malvasia bianca lunga (at least 75%); other vines of white grape are allowed up to 25%. Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice: Sangiovese (minimum 50%); other vines of red or white grape are allowed up to 50%. Each hectare produces a maximum of 100 quintals of grapes.

Organoleptic characteristics - Barco Reale di Carmignano: it has a lively and brilliant red colour; a vinous, intense and fruity scent; a dry, fresh and harmonious taste; minimum alcohol level 11º. Rosato di Carmignano: it has a more or less dar red colour, with lighter accents; an intense and characteristic scent; a dry, fresh and harmonious taste, with distinct body; alcohol level 11º. Vin Santo di Carmignano: it has a yellowy, golden colour; a vinous, intense and fruity scent; a velvety and harmonious taste, with distinct body; minimum alcohol level 16º. Vin Santo di Carmignano Occhio di Pernice: a red, intense colour that changes to pink; a warm, intense scent; a sweet, soft and velvety taste with body; alcohol level 16º.

Cuisine Pairings - Barco Reale is a wine for pastas, especially recommended for meat-based pastas. The rose' is recommended as an aperitif, with traditional Tuscan starters and flans. The Vin Santo is recommended for all kinds of desserts. The Occhio di Pernice wine is recommended for 'meditation' but it can be paired with fruit pies and biscotti from Prato.