Carmignano, a small DOCG located just northwest of Florence, is the only DOCG that requires the blending of Cabernet (either Sauvignon or Franc) with Sangiovese. The practice originated with Catherine de’ Medici, who brought Cabernet Franc back from France in the 16th century and planted it in Carmignano where it was – as still is – called Uva Francesca (the French grape). These days Capezzana, like most producers, use Cabernet Sauvignon. Tenuta di Capezzana, arguably, the top producer in Carmignano, made a stunning Carmignano in 2021, a glorious vintage. This youthful beauty displays fine, firm – not hard – tannins appropriate for a great young wine. Nonetheless, it is remarkably approachable, displaying a splendid array of cherry-like fruitiness seamlessly integrated with a dark minerality. It would be a fine choice tonight with a steak, but my experience with Capezzana’s Carmignano tells me this will develop even suaveness and complexity in another few years, so there’s no rush.
94 Michael Apstein – March 11, 2026