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Carmignano DOCG Riserva Grumarello

• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• District: Carmingnano
• Varietals: 65% Sangiovese blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Canaiolo and 5% Mammolo
• Varietals: Single vineyard and vintage
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Aging: Minimum 3 years in French allier barriques and refined 6 months in bottle
• Bottle: 750ml
• Limited Annual Production and Domestic Availability

Winemaker: Fattoria Artimino

Wine Notes:

One of the six prestigious DOCG red wines of Italy rated 90 points by Wine Spectator in the October 31, 2007 issue.

The first citations of this wine go back to the 14th century, and documents drawn up in 1369 show that Carmignano wines cost four times as much as any other wine in that period and one of the most valuable commodities in all of Europe.

Some years ago the grape growers of Carmignano, in the province of Florence, decided to give up the Chianti denomination for their wine and obtain their own designation of Carmignano. The request for the new denomination was approved in 1975 and the revised regulations took effect the same year. The first citations of a Carmignano wine go back to the 14th century. A document drawn up in 1369 shows that Carmignano cost four times as much as any other wine in commerce in that period. In 1716, the Grand Duke of Tuscany; Cosimo III de Medici issued a decree in which he established production standards and controls over sales, to be applied, that were intended to prevent fraud. The edict clearly represents the first Italian wine discipline.

Two and a half centuries later, the edict's terms were reapplied in setting the boundaries of the new Carmignano and re–establishing the Congregation. The organization has the supervision and promotion of the ancient Carmignano denomination of origin with the area first delimited by the edict of 1716. The statutes of the Congregation, containing 35 articles, place special importance on controls to be applied in planting vines and on quality checks to be made on the grapes at harvest time and the musts and wines in the wineries before bottling.

Winemaker Notes:

By Carmignano law, to classified a riserva, the wine must spend a minimum of 3 years in French Allier barriques, which give this wine its wonderful character and balance. At sight a bright, deep ruby red color with maroon highlights. The nose is wide and full with a persistent bouquet of violets and wild red berries that are accentuated by the barriques. The taste is dry, sapid, soft, smooth, and warm, with a long, well balanced, flavorful finish.

This wine becomes more refined for 5 to 8 years or longer.

Decanting Highly Recommended.

Pairing:

An excellent wine to enjoy with wild game, roasted or grilled meats, pork, poultry, and pasta.