Mauro Vanucci founded Piaggia in the mid-1970s, and the property is located in Poggio a Caiano, close to the town of Carmignano, just 15 km west of Florence in Tuscany. Carmignano is also the name of one of Tuscany’s more unknown wine regions and, not least, the best red wines that acquired DOC status in 1975 and DOCG status in 1990. Carmignano has long been recognized as a favored growing area whose wine history can be traced back to the Etruscans. As early as the 1300s and 1700s, the wines from here were sought after and enjoyed the reputation of the Grand Dukes of Medici, arguably the most influential family in Renaissance Florence.
The Medici have probably helped to start the tradition of growing Cabernet Sauvignon in the area and mixing these grapes with the local Sangiovese. It is said that Catherine de Medici brought the grape to the site in the 16th century. Other sources point out that this practice became widespread as early as the 19th century and thus long before the emergence of the so-called Super Tuscans in the latter part of the 20th century. In any case – and more certainly – it is that a historically important Carmignano producer in the early 1970s planted Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings from Chateau Lafite on parts of his lands, and cuttings from here have since found their way into the fields of many other producers.
Mauro Vanucci produced his first Carmignano Riserva in 1991 and has since run the now 25 ha large vineyard, with 15 ha laid out for viticulture, forward in the absolute elite in the small cultivation area. The daughter Silvia Vannucci is the face to the outside world and is the person who has daily contact with importers etc. She best represents this excellent house with her colorful person and charming nature.