2019 Vigna Toia

Colline San Biagio remains one of my favorite finds in Carmignano. While the style is polished and refined, there’s a tremendous amount of depth and character beneath the surface, along with the balance to mature gracefully. Today, the winery and vineyards are under the management of Gabriele Pocaterra, the third-generation winemaker of the family. All practices are organic throughout their 14 hectares, which run along the western hills of Carmignano between 200 to 280 meters in elevation. All vineyards are located contiguously around the winery, interplanted with fruit and olive trees. Touring the vines shows the forward-thinking of the winery today, using canopy management, but not trimming, to shield the grapes from the warmth of the sun. This is a practice often witnessed in Montalcino and Montepulciano, yet not often seen in Carmignano. It was amazing to observe the health of the vines and fruit on my trip last June, having been starved of water for many months prior to my arrival. Look to the freshly-styled Vigna Toia IGT, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot refined completely in stainless steel, for a glimpse into the house style or to the Sancti Blasii for their classic Carmignano, matured all in 1st- and 2nd-pass barrique. This house also excels with its Bordeaux varieties, which can be witnessed through the Merlot Quattordicisei, or the Firmae, a Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of Cabernet Franc.