Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2007 Carmignano Riserva Piaggia is rich, sensual and totally convincing. Silky tannins frame a core of expressive red fruit. Sweet, floral aromatics appear later, followed by mocha, licorice and new leather. This is a marvelously complete, textured Piaggia. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.

 Piaggia is one of the most exciting wineries in Tuscany. In particular, the Carmignano Riserva Piaggia, stellar again in 2007, is one of the region’s top reds." Aug 2011

"The Carmignano Riserva is “simply the best of the appellation.” -- The Wine Advocate, #152 (Apr 2004)

Winery:  "Limpid ruby, almost impenetrable, very consistent.  Scents of mature fruit, cassis and raspberry, impressions of elegant tobacco scents, chocolate and sweet spice. At the same time it expresses a powerful structure but also a measured balance, with round and mature tannins. The closing long and is yielded. Serving suggestions: large plates of red meat and seasoned game, aged cheeses and cured meats."

Wired For Wine:  Trust us, with all the revelry going on these days,  this Piaggia Carmignano Riserva is just what you need.  Antonio Galloni refers to it as "rich, sensual and marvelously complete".  Need we say more? Approachable now, and even better down the road, make sure you get a few to take advantage of its beautiful ageability.  There has to be a special Valenbirthersary coming up in the next decade or so, right?  If it's now, open your first dense, full-bodied bottle and offer it with grilled pizza bites of spicy Italian sausage tossed with garlic, rosemary and balsamico.  Veramente spettacolare.  Moving on in the meal, the spice and floral notes, big, rich and ripe dark fruit, chocolate and new leather, and impressive body and structure of this Piaggia will work gorgeously with many meats, hearty pastas, tomato sauces and more.  We say choose the classic bistecca fiorentina (steak cooked the Florentine way) with the traditional salad of arugala, lemon juice, garlic and Parmesan on the side.  Your taste buds will delight and you might just imagine a chorus of angelic cherubim singing.  The gently earthy side of this Carmignano will go terrifically with braised lamb shanks served alongside creamy polenta.   Or, pancetta-wrapped pork with breadcrumb filling and tomatoes.  The salt of the pancetta and the sweetness of the cooked tomatoes will be perfect opposite the ripe dark fruit in this Tuscan treasure.  Don't disappoint your diners; open another bottle.  Fill your glasses again and enjoy them with an Italian Fontina cheese.  It's earthy, mushroomy and woody, in other words: perfect for this Piaggia Riserva.  FA LA LA Baby!

Bottle:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol:  @14.5%
Ageing:   24 months in French Allier oak; 6 months in bottle
Region:   Carmignano, Tuscany, Italy
Limited production: 2,500 dozen made