Wine TrailsCarmignano Medici Wine Trail.
The Carmignano Medici Wine Trail meanders through an area which has been inhabited since ancient times and which is famous for its excellent wine. This wine was appreciated and purchased as far back as 1300 by Marco Datini, and was the first wine to be awarded the first Italian (Medici) DOC guarantee of quality.

An incredible variety of terrain, position, rain, temperature, humidity, ventilation and insulation all have their part to play in this little patch of land which is capable of producing superb wines. This magic formula is derived from an indefinably complex combination of happy circumstances that would be useless to try to analyse. One can only list a few of the favourable features at work, such as well-drained limy soil, the opening of the hills onto an extensive airy and sunny plain, winds from the nearby Appenine heights which ensure cool nights, as well as fairly rainy summers both of which react well with the heat of the day (not far above sea level) to cause an early ripening of grapes and, hence, an early harvest. "Carmignano DOC", a great wine which can be drunk young or aged, "Barco Reale", which takes its name from an old estate belonging to the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, and "Vin Ruspo" (Carmignano Rose' DOC) are produced here with the same varietal blend. This was, in fact, the first Tuscan wine to prescribe the Cabernet grape (up to 20%) alongside the San Giovese, as well as Canaiolo and other complementary species.

The "Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC", one of the most highly prized desert wines, is made from white grapes, while the "Vin Santo di Carmignano Occhio di Pernice" comes from red grapes. Nature and the vine itself are the main architects in the creation of the traditional qualities of these wines. An honest wine-grower has to admit that great wines come from great soils. Given this fact, what attributes are necessary to exploit such natural gifts? Care, imagination, modesty, objectivity, memory and, above all, an intense love for this difficult vocation. But the basis of all this is not man's invention - it is a gift of nature. To quote from the famous poem "Bacchus in Tuscany" written by Redi in 1673, "If I take a jar of sparkling Carmignano in hand, such gratefulness fills my breast that I have no envy of Jupiter with his ambrosia or nectar. This is gold which oozes from the brown grapes of rocky Tuscan vineyards…."

The wineries which produce these wines are happy to receive visitors on the Carmignano Wine Trail, although it is advisable to notify them of your arrival in advance to be sure of the best treatment, especially in the case of small wineries. The Trail does not lead only to vineyards and wineries. Carmignano is rich in works of art and architecture and is one of the most important places for archeological digs. Visitors can admire attractions such as Pontormo's masterpiece "The Visitation", Etruscan tombs and finds, Romanesque churches, and Medici villas. This area is also renowned for its craftsmanship, from wrought iron to ceramics, as well as for its gastronomic delights. Accommodation possibilities are endless as there are luxury hotels, accredited farmhouses and campsites as well as a range of restaurants to suit every pocket. For further details apply to: Ufficio Informazione della Strada Medicea dei Vini di Carmignano, P.zza Vittorio Emanuele 1, Carmignano (Tel: [0039] 055 8712468).