Piaggia

Piaggia Winery is a cool spot located in Poggio a Caiano, close to Prato, and about 14 kilometers west of Florence, Italy. It was kicked off in the mid-70s by Mauro Vannucci, who snagged some land in the DOC area near Piaggia. Mauro believed the sunny spots and the soil here, which is kind of dry and clay-like, were perfect for growing grapes that would make some top-notch Carmignano wine.

By 1991, Mauro had crafted the first Piaggia Carmignano Riserva DOCG, marking the start of his ever-growing passion for wine. He roped in his daughter, Silvia, into the winemaking biz, and she’s the boss of Piaggia winery now. They even expanded their turf by adding another 15 hectares in a prime spot of Carmignano, giving a killer view of Florence. All in all, they’ve got about 25 hectares, with 15 dedicated to vines.

The area where Piaggia’s vines chill is part of the Carmignano DOC, stretching over 40 square kilometers on the eastern side of the Montalbano hills. This spot is golden for grape growing because of the Apennine mountains that throw in some cooler temps, making the grapes happy. The soil is ace too, loaded with limestone and bits that help the grapes grow well and balance out, which is key for making quality wine.

Carmignano’s wine region is pretty legendary, thanks to its rich history and some big names like Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici who, back in 1716, decided this wine was so special it needed legal protection. Basically, he was setting up one of the world’s first official wine areas. But even before him, the area was known for mixing in grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc into their wines, a trick Catherine de’ Medici brought over from France in the 16th century.

Piaggia’s wines include the classic Carmignano DOCG and Barco Reale di Carmignano, among others. They’re big on using a mix of grape varieties, including Canaiolo Nero for that signature red color, and they even whip up some Vin Santo di Carmignano and Occhio di Pernice for those into sweeter sips. Their approach to winemaking has put them on the map, not just in Italy but as a standout in the Tuscan wines scene, rubbing shoulders with names like Super Tuscan and Chianti Classico.

So, if you’re into red wine that comes with a story and a half, Piaggia’s Carmignano and their other vinos are worth checking out. Plus, you’re getting a piece of wine history from Carmignano, Italy, and a taste of what makes DOC and DOCG status wines such a big deal.

Another cool thing about this winery is that sometimes folks mix up Piaggia wine with Piaggio wine, but just so we’re clear, it’s Piaggia we’re talking about – the one making waves with their Carmignano Italy wine. La Piaggia Winery has become a go-to name for those in the know, offering a sip of Italy’s wine-making heritage wrapped in a bottle of their finest. Whether you’re a hardcore wine lover or just curious, diving into a glass of their Carmignano wine is like taking a mini-trip to Italy without leaving your house. So next time you hear Piaggio, think scooters, but Piaggia? That’s all about some of the best wines Italy has to offer, right from the heart of Carmignano.