This classic, dry and savory Tuscan red comes from a charming historic wine region that's often overlooked because of its small size. Located just outside of Florence, Carmignano became one of the world's first officially regulated wine regions in 1716 in a decree by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III de Medici! Like most of Tuscany's traditional reds, the Sangiovese variety plays the lead role here. But since the French varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc had been introduced to the area in 1700, these continue to play an important role in the style of Carmignano to this day. You'll also typically see a dash of other native varieties, like the Canaiolo, Pugnitello and Foglia Tonda in our featured wine.
Fattoria Ambra's 2022 'Santa Cristina in Pilli' Carmignano is savory-edged, with aromas reminiscent of sour cherry, blue fruits, cooling and Mediterranean herbs, dusty earth and blue flowers (lavender, violet). Thanks to the warm climate around Florence, it has a fleshy, rounded body, accompanied by hints of rich nuttiness and spice from the year in oak. But this is classic Tuscan, so that's all countered by an energetic structure of bright, inner acidity and finely grippy, mineral-like tannins that caress and coat the palate. The dry, clean finish displays echoes of the earthy, floral-drenched, ripe sour cherry fruit and herbs. This is some serious wine for the price! Give it a brief breather in the glass and watch it resonate with tomato-based pasta dishes, hearty pizzas, and roasted meats & vegetables.
Fattoria Ambra is one of the small-but-iconic producers in Carmignano, having been founded by the Romei-Rigoli family in 1890. Today they continue the family tradition with organically farmed vineyards and single-vineyard bottlings, like the 'Santa Cristina in Pilli' bottling, which comes from vines near the 1000-year-old church of the same name.
