2021 Piaggia - Carmignano DOCG Il Sasso (750ml)

Piaggia came about almost by chance. In 1975 Mauro Vannucci bought a plot of land in Poggio a Caiano that happened to include an existing vineyard, and for several years he simply leased it out to a local farmer. It wasn't until 1991, driven by childhood memories of family harvests, that Vannucci decided to try making wine of his own, a hobby that grew into one of Carmignano's most respected estates. The winery remains family run today, now guided by the next generation, and continues to farm roughly fifteen hectares around the property.

Il Sasso comes from the vineyard of the same name in Santa Cristina a Mezzana, one of the more distinctive corners of the Carmignano appellation. The blend leans on Sangiovese, rounded out with smaller portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, all fermented with natural yeasts before an extended maceration on the skins lasting around three weeks. The wine then ages in French oak barriques for roughly fifteen months, followed by additional time resting in bottle, an approach meant to bring out the vineyard's particular depth while keeping a sense of freshness intact.

The 2021 offers a rich bouquet of crushed plum, sage, and balsamic spice, opening into a palate that is silky and energetic, layered with crisp wild berry fruit and a touch of tangerine. Fine, structured tannins carry through to a long finish marked by violet and blackberry notes. This wine pairs well with roasted duck, grilled venison, or a hearty plate of wild boar pasta.