How Piccini is matching Renaissance opulence with modern tastes

Piccini’s Collezione Privata Toscana IGT range blends the grandeur of the Tuscan Renaissance with generations of winemaking know-how and the demands of international cuisine.

Often, the most intriguing concepts are inspired by history and the elegance of the past, evoking nostalgia and a sense of splendour. When paired with skilled craftsmanship, a true sense of terroir and a commitment to family values, the result is undoubtedly a creation to be savoured.

For more than 140 years, the Piccini family has been one of the most established names in Italian winemaking, embodying the essence of their land in central Italy. Under the guidance of fifth-generation family member, Mario Piccini, the company has continued to pursue its guiding principles, balancing deep respect for tradition with the courage to innovate, with family at the heart of its identity.

With the Collezione Privata label, Piccini invites connoisseurs to explore its private collection. This selection, comprising red, white, and rosé Toscana IGT wines, is a tribute to the opulent style of the Tuscan Renaissance, a period notable for Florence’s wealth and grandeur, and the collection has been meticulously crafted by Mario Piccini himself. “With Collezione Privata, I wanted to open the doors of my cellar and share something truly personal,” says Piccini. “The name itself says it all: Private Collection is an invitation to discover a selection of wines that reflects our family’s passion, experience and Tuscan roots.

“For five generations, we have been making wine with great care, and this collection brings together wines that, to me, express the character and beauty of Tuscany in a special way. Each bottle carries my signature as a personal promise of quality, and an invitation to enjoy a piece of the world my family and I have built over the years.”

The creation of Collezione Privata draws inspiration from the culinary delights of the historic era, particularly the famous stracotto dish of Caterina de’ Medici, which significantly influenced culinary culture in royal courts across Europe. The original stracotto recipe called for the slow cooking of beef in Tuscan red wine for more than three hours. It also involved enriching the sauce with ingredients such as chilli pepper, pine nuts, almonds and dried raisins. The Collezione Privata Toscana IGT pays tribute to an ancient tradition by harmoniously blending Tuscan heritage with international cuisine. Its extended cooking times, the interplay of sweet and savoury flavours, and the indulgence in rich, succulent dishes perfectly complement the wines’ opulent character, making for an impeccable pairing for special-occasion meals.

Gastronomic delights

Piccini’s private collection is designed not only to enhance the culinary experience, but also to encourage sharing. It embodies the concept of inclusion, where “diverse elements come together to create memorable moments”, says the brand.

In line with this philosophy, Collezione Privata wines blend local grape varieties with international ones, producing wines that are truly worth sharing beyond the winery’s cellar.

The collection’s white wine is an excellent choice for light appetisers, mixed salads and vegetable dishes. This wine is beautifully crafted to showcase the best of Tuscany’s terroir.

On the nose, it offers vibrant aromas of ripe citrus fruits, complemented by hints of tropical pineapple and delicate floral notes. The palate is marked by crisp acidity and balanced flavours of zesty lemon and ripe peach, with subtle herbal undertones. A lingering, refreshingly mineral finish leaves a lasting impression and is ideal for the second course.

The Collezione Privata Toscana IGT red wine invites diners to visit new realms with a deep red hue reminiscent of “luxurious brocade”. This wine owes its colour and flavour to the grapes used and 12 months of ageing in a selection of different casks.

The wine’s bouquet presents a rich character, with hints of spice, chocolate, ripe plums and blackberries. This gives way to a subtle sweetness when sipped, leading to a full-bodied experience, with liquorice, resin and ripe fruits dancing on the palate, and supple tannins lending a velvety texture. This red wine is an ideal companion to long-cooked meat dishes such as braised meats, stews, boar and game in general.

For lighter pairings, Collezione Privata Toscana IGT rosé brings nuance to fresh seafood, vibrant salads, grilled poultry and light pasta dishes. This rosé captures the essence of Tuscan winemaking, highlighting elegance, vitality and charm of the final blend.

The wine has a delicate pink hue and enticing aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries and subtle floral notes. On the palate, vibrant red-fruit flavours are complemented by zesty acidity and herbal complexity, creating a beautifully refreshing experience. The finish is crisp, leaving a memorable impression of summer fruits; a perfect wine with which to linger over a decadent dessert with good friends.

Recently launched in the UK market, all three wines are proving to be an incredibly popular choice in the Morrisons range.