Piaggia, Carmignano Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2020

 Carmignano was perhaps the original “Super Tuscan” wine.  Producers here in the Montalbano hills northwest of Florence have been blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon for centuries.  Carmignano has been recognized as a high-quality region for all that time, at least by the locals.  With wines like Piaggia’s Carmignano now offered, the world at large may begin to take note.  The Piaggia 2020 Carmignano Riserva is a lovely example of the beauty of Sangiovese given added texture and complexity by the Cabernet grapes.  The nose shows pure red cherry and plum tones with hints of blackberry, violets, cocoa, herbs and subtle baking spices.  Layers of red and black cherry fruits dominate the palate and are underscored by subtle herbal, earth, cocoa and spice tones.  This is exemplary Sangiovese, with purity, complexity and a rich texture.  The vivid red cherry fruit carries through the long finish.  Delicious now, it can be cellared for another decade.