Tell anyone you are visiting Monte Carlo, and naturally the glamorous casino town on the French Riviera comes to mind. But Tuscany’s Montecarlo DOC and its medieval fortress-capped village by the same name are a world apart. Located in the northwest province of Lucca, DOC Montecarlo is a hilly region with soils of clay, limestone and sandstone, blessed with diurnal temperature swings that are ideal for cultivating grapes to make wine. In the distance are the Apuan Alps.
Vineyards with a view at Azienda Agricola Enzo Carmignani
The DOC Montecarlo was established in 1969. It is best known for its white wines—often blends of Trebbiano Toscano with French varietals like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Bianco—and for its robust reds, including Sangiovese-based blends. The DOC also produces distinctive dessert wines such as Vin Santo and Occhio di Pernice. We visited one winery in the area.
Azienda Agricola Enzo Carmignani – A Steward of the Land Since 1386
In DOC Montecarlo, the Enzo Carmignani family has owned their land since 1386. Elena Carmignani is the current family proprietor. An energetic woman who drove us around her vineyard sites scattered through the area, Elena told us she had to fight for the right to run the estate. Her father felt women could not do the job and preferred Elena’s brother. In the end, Elena persevered and made her father proud.
Elena Carmignani
The Enzo Carmignani farm is located southwest of Montecarlo village. In addition to vineyards, the estate is an agritourism and offered various tasting experiences. When we arrived, there were visitors seated on the small patio tasting wines. We spent a night in one of the simply decorated, well-equipped two bedroom apartments with a kitchen, living room and full bath.
We enjoyed a full dinner prepared by Elena served with Carmignani’s house made olive oil, A standout dish was ravioli filled with ricotta, pear and Pecorino. All of the Enzo Carmignani wines are well-made. Here is what we tasted:
Tentazione Bianco 2024 IGT Toscana, a blend of Chardonnay (90%) and Pinot Gris (10%). A delicate white with notes of white plum and lemon.
Urano Sauvignon Blanc 2025 IGT Toscana. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This wine was named Best Sauvignon Blanc in Italy. Notes of tomato leaf and lime.
CE (Carmignani Enzo) Montecarlo Bianco. A blend of seven white grapes: Trebbiano (40%) and 10% each of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia Bianco, Roussanne, Semillon and Vermentino and a burst of fruit from pear and lemon to white peaches and wild strawberries.
Kapogiro Rosato 2025 IGT Toscana, A dusky pink blend of Sangiovese (35%), Syrah (35%) and Merlot (30%). This pink wine is dedicated to Elena’s daughter and hit all the right rose marks on the palate: crisp, fruity and quenching.
Intrigo Chardonnay 2024 IGT Toscana, 100% Chardonnay aged eight months in oak. This wine had a buttery lemon scone character. We enjoyed it paired with the pear, ricotta, and Pecorino-filled ravioli.
Passione. The same blend as the Rosato but made in the metodo classico. It is a new sparkling wine for this estate and dedicated to Elena’s son.
CE (Carmignani Enzo) 2023 Montecarlo Rosso DOC is a blend of Sangiovese (50%) and 10% each of Canaiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Ciliegiolo and Malvasia Rosso. Notes of dark cherry, anise, violets and tree bark. Served with a simple local ancient grains spaghetti arrabiata.
Theoremia 2022 IGT Toscana is a red blend of Sangiovese (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah (30% each). All are vinified separately and then blended and aged in oak for six months.
Carmignani Montecarlo 2020 Vin Santo DOC, a sweet wine made from Trebbiano (90%) and Columbine (10%) is aged four years in caratello. Lovely caramel and sweet almond notes.
Elena Carmignani with the selections of her wines we tasted.
The next morning before we departed, Elena made us a hearty breakfast that included farm-fresh eggs, yogurts and local DOP artisan breads. She also made a flourless raisin flan that was firm and not too sweet. Elena’s grandmother made this dish during the war based on what ingredients were available at that time, a good example of povera cucina.
Breakfast at Fattoria Carmignani
Tastings at Fattoria Carmignani are by appointment with several options available from 20 to 55 euros per person. www.fattoriacarmignani.com
Allow time to visit the hilltop village of Montecarlo which is surrounded by medieval walls. The ancient fortress atop the village is known as Rocca del Cerruglio. Built in the fourteenth century, this fortress held a strategic position during the wars between Lucca, Pisa and Florence. Decommissioned in 177http://Home – La Fortezza di Montecarlo5 it is now under the stewardship of a private family who lives onsite and oversees the structure’s preservation. Our guide was a family owner who grew up playing on the grounds of the fortress.
Information on Tuscan Wine and Food Trails in this region can be found at these websites: