Psst… Operative!

Have you been followed? Is this a secure line? Meet us at next paragraph alley for a secret that will change your palate and blow your mind…

Still here? Good. We’re gonna let you in on the ORIGINAL Super-Tuscan secret for just $25 a pop. You heard that right. Don’t you pay up dearly, like ten times for an -aia this or an -ello that. We’ve got you covered!

We’re in Carmignano Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita folks. If you want to perfect the pronunciation for that mouthful of a name, we suggest you first load that locker up and then come back to read further, as by the time you sound like a tour guide in Florence it may be long gone.

Before we dive into the glass or explore the glowing press on this gem of a find, let’s take a quick ride to Carmignano to see what all this ancient fuss is all about. A recent Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate feature celebrating the 300th birthday of this “young” region wrote, “Located just 20 kilometers from the city center of Florence, this petite region enjoyed an important connection to Florentine nobility as a summertime destination and flourished under the Medici…”

And here’s the key part, “It has often been said that Carmignano was making so-called super Tuscan blends way before super Tuscans would gain such worldwide popularity. This is a true reflection. It has always been somewhat of a mystery to me that Carmignano was unable to claim the phenomenon as its own. History tells us that this region is indeed the true precursor to the super Tuscan wine movement, because it showed a natural intuition for the blending potential for darkly colored and structured Cabernet Sauvignon with fruity and acidic Sangiovese.”

Which is EXACTLY what we have here, in front of you and in our glasses…

Deep cherry red with garnet glitters as it swirls in satiny gloss. Evocative red cherries, plum, cassis, fresh herbs, and spices peek through the expressive, textbook Tuscan nose. Entering juicy on the palate, with fine-grained chalky tannins, bright berry tones, and mild meatiness, leading into a seamless finish, with a terrific, bold mouthfeel, resonating long with pedigree. Ideal pairings include Bistecca alla Fiorentina, for a locally and naturally one, or wood-fired pizzas to your heart’s desire.

Stunning complexity? Check. A hefty dose of Cabernet from Château Lafite cuttings? Check. Organically grown? Check. Big press? Check, check, and check.

Grab much as you can, you will not regret it.

95 Points – Decanter

“Mostly Sangiovese. Has an enticing nose with ripe red and black fruits and a floral perfume. Firm tannins but a lovely texture and understated oak. Plenty of future. Drinking window 2019-2027.”

93 Points – James Suckling

“Fascinating aromas of blueberries, orange peel and watermelon following through to a full body. Round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots of toasted oak showing now, but it should come out beautifully with bottle age. Made from organically grown grapes. Try in 2020.”