Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.

Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — a month ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Nice Chianti. A bit feral at first - 45 mins in the decanter and a slight chill bring things into more balance. Obviously could take more time in bottle but expressing pretty well overall even at this point. Has that great Radda lifting acid finish. Nice pairing with chicken scarpariello. — 5 months ago

Pooneet K

9.0

Solid 2021 Chianti from Radda. Decanted an hour and gave a slight chill which helped. Excellent with kinderhook pork chops with tutto porchetta seasoning. Great acid and finish. — a year ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Quite nice, even on cork pop. Doesn’t have quite the refined minerality of some of the wines from Radda that we have enjoyed, but still hits all the right notes for a seamless Sangiovese with great fruit, earth, and acid. Had at the site of production - Il Borro in Tuscany. — 11 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Good through throughout, but probably best on Day 1. The 2022 pours a ruby color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and loads of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of Morello cherry, red flowers, red rope licorice, fresh basil and dried green herbs, dried gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and mineral laden. This is a delicious and winsome Chianti Classico from Radda. Day 1, it reminded me a little of Montevertine “Pian del Ciampolo”. Drink now through 2042.  — 2 months ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.4

Elegant and juicy Cab Franc. Yummy! — 9 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Best on Day 2. The 2020 Riserva pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe Morello cherry, red rope licorice, dried red flowers, saltwater taffy, Twin Bing, dried green herbs, cedar box and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Really freaking good. Drink now with patience and through 2040. — 2 months ago

Mike Miller

9.5

Breezy and pleasant and absolutely a wonderful #opentuesday wine on a Tuesday — 4 months ago

with Jason

Anthony De Blasi

9.3

Enjoyed this over the weeks with Coravin. Good but I remember that I liked previous bottles more — 7 months ago

Pooneet K

9.0

Nice radda Chianti riserva but at this point at least not worth the $45+ price point over things like Istine or Tenuta Carleone at ~half the price or Boncie il Cinque at about the same price. Maybe in several years if it evens out? Gave it 3+ hours of air. Really a wonderful nose but the fruit doesn’t express that well and the tannins are a bit muddled. Nice refreshing acid on the finish though. — a year ago