The Original Super Tuscan: Silvia Vannucci on Piaggia & the Secret History of Carmignano

Send us Fan MailLong before "Super Tuscan" became a marketing term, the winemakers of Carmignano were already blending Cabernet into their Sangiovese — a tradition that reportedly dates back to Caterina de' Medici in the 16th century. In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we sit down with Silvia Vannucci, proprietor of Piaggia in Poggio a Caiano, Tuscany, alongside John Fodera of Tuscan Vines, to explore one of Italy's smallest and most historic wine appellations.Silvia shares the story of how her father, Mauro Vannucci, bought land in 1975 simply to build a house — and ended up founding one of Carmignano's benchmark estates. We walk through the full Piaggia lineup, from the flagship Carmignano Riserva to the standout Cabernet Franc bottling Poggio de' Colli, talk terroir, evolving winemaking styles, and why Carmignano remains better known abroad than in its own backyard.Whether you're a longtime Tuscan wine collector or completely new to Carmignano, this conversation is your primer on a region with roots stretching back to the Etruscans — and a 1716 legal decree from Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici to prove it.In this episode:The accidental origins of PiaggiaWhy Carmignano may be the original "Super Tuscan"A walkthrough of the Piaggia wine portfolioTerroir, tradition, and reducing oak in modern winemakingFood pairings and Silvia's life as Piaggia's global ambassador🍷 Guests: Silvia Vannucci (Piaggia) & John Fodera (Tuscan Vines) 🎙️ Bottles & Bites Without Borders🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show