Tuscany

DOCG for dry red wine in the wine-growing region of Tuscany in Italy. The zone is located 15 kilometres north-west of Florence, and includes the two communes of Carmignano and Poggio a Caiano, located on the north-facing slopes of the Monte Albano mountain on the northern bank of the Arno river in the province of Prato. A red wine from this area was famous in the 14th century, and was praised at that time as “sparkling Carmignano“, it was described as one of the most renowned and most expensive wines of Florence. Archduke Cosimo III. (1642-1723), a member of the Medici family, awarded legal status to this wine in 1716, protecting its designation of origin. At that time it was regularly supplied to the English royal house in London. Cabernet Sauvignon (known here as Uva Francesca) vines had already been imported from France, and the grapes were added to the wine as early as the 18th century. The use of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes was officially permitted in the DOC regulations here for the first time in Tuscany, long berfore it was permitted in Chianti.
DOCG status was awarded in 1991. The wine is made from Sangiovese (minimum of 45-70%), Canaiolo Nero (10-20%), Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc (10-20%), the white varieties Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo Bianco and Malvasia del Chianti (maximum of 10%), as well as possibly from other permitted red varieties (maximum of 10%). The minimum alcohol level is 12,5% vol, the minimum maturation period prescribed is 20 months, of which 8 months in oak barrels. If matured for a minimum of three years, of which one year in barrel, it may be called Riserva. The most significant characteristic of the garnet-coloured velvety wine is an intense bouquet of almonds. It only opens up after a minimum of five years, and can be matured for up to 20 years. See also under Barco Reale di Carmignano.