Fabrizio Pratesi Wines, Presenting the Excellence of Carmignano in Tuscany

Fabrizio Pratesi is the result of a wine and oil making activity of the Pratesi family for five generations. The vineyards and winery are located in Lolocco, in the heart of Carmignano which has bought by Pietro Pratesi in 1875. Carmignano, about 15 kilometers southwest of Florence, is one of the lesser-known DOCG wine regions that's located in the Tuscany region and centered on the town of Carmignano. It is located in front and far from the peaks of Monte Albano which guarantees perfect sun exposure, sitting on a hilly area and with the best altitudes of 150 to 230 meters above sea level. The soil is dominantly stony with the presence of clay makes the wines complex with great structure and elegance. 

Carmignano has been noted for the high quality of its wines since the Middle Ages and a document in 1369 demonstrated that the Carmignano wines were four times more expensive than any other wines of that time. Cosimo III de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany granted special legal protection of the wine producing area in 1716 for the superior quality of the wines they produce. During that time, the producers in the area were traditionally blending Sangiovese grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon, which was long before the Super Tuscan blends came out in the 20th century.  That's because Sangiovese finds its maximum expression here blended with the international varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, cultivated in the same soil. In 1975, it was granted the DOC status and in 1990, the DOCG status was finally designated to Carmignano.

The Barco Reale di Carmignano instead is a separate DOC within the Carmignano area which is a more youthful version of the robust Carmignano DOCG. The name is derived from the Medici family's 16th century hunting estate that started the production of wine in 1716.


Having grown up in a family of wine producers, Fabrizio's childhood recollections are connected with the activities in the fields and in the cellar. Only in the year 2000 did he  fall in love with wine making and started to produce wines. Fourteen years later, he dedicated his full time and energy in making the best wines his land can produce with tradition foremost in his philosophy. From the starting phase of 20,000 annual bottle production, he now produces around 100,000 bottles annually. From the starting phase of 20,000 annual bottle production, he now produces around 100,000 bottles annually which he exports to a number of countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Currently, he is also the President of the Carmignano Consortium.

Fabrizio Pratesi has 5 kinds of wines in production that are all based of Sangiovese for the reds and rosè: Locobianco, Locorosato, Locorosso Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC, Carmione Carmignano DOCG, and Il Circo Rosso Carmignano Riserva DOCG.

Locobianco is made with 100% Chardonnay, fermented and aged in stainless steel and bottles. When you want a refreshing fruity and floral white wine with a good balance of acidity and sapidity. It goes perfectly well with simply cooked seafood and salads.

Locorosato is a rosè wine made with 100% Sangiovese, another refreshing wine with  strawberries and notes of roses in the nose and palate with good persistence. Another wine that hints summer, aperitif and fresh cheeses.

Locorosso Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in stainless steel and bottles, Sangiovese is expressed quite well in this wine with the pronounced freshness and floral and fruity aromas of violet, mature cherries and berries. Intense ruby red in color with a good structure and tannic. 

Carmione Carmignano DOCG is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Aged in French oak barrique for 12 months then another 6 months in bottle. The color is deep ruby red with highlights of garnet. Full-bodied and rich, ample complexities in the nose and in the palate, notes of very mature to confetures of black stone fruits, vanilla, spices, dried tea leaves. The tannins have softened and it has a velvety texture. A beautiful wine that should get even better as it ages.

Il Circo Rosso Carmignano Riserva DOCG is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Aged in French oak barrique for 24 months then another 12 months in bottle. Aged twice longer than the Carmione, the characteristics of this wine is excellent with more persistence in the palate and intensity in the nose. Ample complexities of all varietal, secondary and tertiary characteristics with prominence on black stone fruit jam, chocolate, and sweet spices. If you like the Carmione, this harmonious wine will win you all over. 


At the winery, it is also possible to book lunches and dinners in the glass-enclosed dining room with the fireplace. Fabrizio's wife, Cristina, prepares the meals with great care using well-selected ingredients. She focuses more on traditional dishes, hams and cheeses of Prato while Fabrizio himself grills the meat to the right tenderness in the fire. It is definitely one of the best meals you will have in the area, surrounded by the vineyards. Tasting of 5 wines with light lunch is €35. Price can change without notice so book straight at the Fabrizio Pratesi site.

Fabrizio Pratesi Winery

Via Rizzelli, 10

59015 Seano - Carmignano, Italy

Tel: +39 055 8704108

Email: info@fabriziopratesi.it

Website: http://www.fabriziopratesi.it/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabriziopratesi.it