Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano

A tiny wine region with a big history.

The Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano is 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Cabernet Franc from Carmignano, Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged in Allier French oak barrels for 6 months and another 3 months in bottle before release.

SRP of $15 and available for as low as $11. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. Imported by MW Imports. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

This wine is made from traditional Carmignano grapes (Sangiovese, Cabernet, Canaiolo) produced by the Conti Contini Bonacossi at Capezzana, in Carmignano. The vines grow in the ancient Medici estate, the “Barco Reale” or “Royal property” mentioned in Cosimo de Medici’s “Decreto Motu Proprio” in 1716. With this decrete, which is the pride of Tuscany Grand Duke Cosimo III set Italy’s first laws establishing boundaries and production standards for quality wines.

13.5% Alcohol

The Carmignano region, which lies in Tuscany next to the Chianti district, is Tuscany’s smallest and oldest DOCG (controlled designation of origin guaranteed). Until the rise of Super Tuscan wines which allowed producers to break all the normal winemaking rules, Carmignano went about 450 years as the only red wine in Italy that was allowed to use Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend.

The regions largest winery is Tenuta di Capezzana, which accounts for over 70% of DOCG Carmignano produced. This historic wine estate can trace its wine production all the way back to 804, with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon being made in the 16th century. The Barco Reale di Carmignano wines, like we are tasting today, are basically the little brother of the full fledged Carmignano reds with the primary difference being that they don’t have the same lengthy ageing requirements.

The 2014 Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano begins with a wonderful aroma of black cherry, blackberry, plum, spice and lots of succulent dried herbs. This is a really tasty, smooth and rustic wine featuring similar flavors to the nose with lots of sour juicy fruit, a little smoked meat and lots more dried herbs. Soft tannins lead into the really dry, really long finish that highlights more sour dark fruit, herbs and a touch of oak. Highly recommended!

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