Winemaker Notes
La Carraia was founded in 1976 by the Gialletti and Cotarella families. Riccardo Cotarella, respected throughout Italy and abroad as a leading authority in the production and marketing of Italian wines, is the winemaker at this estate. La Carraia began producing bulk wines for top of the line estates such as Ruffino and Rocca delle Macie. Today the winery owns a total of 198 acres located in the heart of the Orvieto Classico production area. 172 acres are dedicated to the production of Orvieto Classico, the remainder to Merlot. 1995 marked the first production of Poggio Calvelli, a joint venture between La Carraia and Winebow in which a new style of Orvieto Classico aged in small oak barrels was developed.
Professional Ratings
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.