Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.

Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — 10 days ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.8

Took 3 hours and was unforgiving when initially opened but then at 3 hours it was heavenly. Just classy beyond belief and a pillow on your palate with incredible fruit. Elite finesse and had that X factor. It was better than an 08 Roumier Les Cras that I had a sip of. I think I’d wait 2-3 more years on these or decant for 3 hours. — 3 years ago

Angila Hutchinson

9.2

Angila had this 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2021 vintage. Last tasted 1.9.25 (9.3). Did indeed pick up extra for the resto and down to 1-2 bottles left. PNP. Still beyond solid for the price. It you find this vintage retail and it is $50 or below, you'd better pick it up or I'll call the federales/gendarmes/polizia/po po myself. — 2 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.1

4 bottles within a week. Corks are in trouble they all seeped. Their top bottling in 2009 one barrel made / 60 year old vines / clone no idea? Still quite tannic. Needs 1 hour to open up before that flat/dull. Raspberries, tart cherry, red currant, chalky. Less complicated compared to 5 years ago some bottle variation. My strong advice - drink now (I re-corked 2 for 2029 for science). But honestly this is beyond its prime! OK gains significant elegance and pose after 2 hours of air. So yes still good but tough to figure out - and recommendation still the same drink up! May be folks luck out on the upside. — 2 months ago

Michelle Beer

8.9

Zin with a nice spice — 4 years ago

Adam Hoogeveen

9.3

Figs, balsamic, and pepper on the nose. Depth and character on the palate that goes beyond the initial impressions. Let it open a bit. — 5 years ago

with Micaela

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Interesting blend of mostly Chardonnay adding Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, medium vibrant lemon yellow color, with aromas of complex fruits, nutty and floral notes. On the palate flavors of pineapple, apricot and citrus with cinnamon, honey and floral spice. Long finish ending creamy with juicy fruit, almonds, citrus and mineral notes. Will age a bit, but nice now! — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Always finish the tasting with something older. This works.

It has hit just beyond its precipice. Older, not quite stewy; blackberries, black cherries, plum, sandalwood, dry twig-leaves, nice acidity-roundness and well balanced finish. — 3 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Reddish in color with light intensity.

Nice and elegant nose of red fruits with chocolate notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with cherries, red currants, earth, light wood, spices and coffee.

Medium plus on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This young, 4 year old Barolo, is already drinking nicely, even by itself.
Well balanced and elegant.

This 2020 vintage was great for Barolo, and is very approachable right now. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years and beyond.

I've had the 2015 vintage a few years ago, and this vintage is drinking better. Complex with a soft mouthfeel.

Good right out of the bottle and better with some airtime. A good sipping wine, and will pair nicely with food too.

A blend from three different Nebbiolo Vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. Aged in large oak barrels for 2 years.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$60. — 2 years ago