The appellation of Carmignano, 15 kilometers northwest of Florence, earned Italy’s top DOCG status in 1990, joining many other prestigious Tuscan appellations.

As with much of Tuscany, sangiovese dominates, but blending with other grapes, including cabernet sauvignon, which has historical significance in these parts. Carmignano was the first Italian DOC to authorize blending cabernet sauvignon with sangiovese.

Mauro Vannucci and his daughter Silvia produce ambitious Carmignano from their estate Poggio a Caiano. Their approach includes the use of French barriques. The cuvée Il Sasso is always best drunk young due to its explosive fruit and silky tannins. The Carmignano Riserva, which is a product of extended barrel aging as per appellation laws, is built to age. Since 2009, the Vannuccis added another cuvée to their portfolio called Pietranera, which is made with grapes harvested from young sangiovese vines.