A wonderful example of the incredible wines that North Carolina is producing, Piccione Vineyards takes visitors on a tasting trip to Italy without having to leave NC soil. With 15 acres of vines, three whites and five reds are currently offered, and additional acreage of Petit Verdot is currently being added.
A little history of Piccione:
All wines are 100% estate grown. If you would like to experience NC vinifera wine, this is a great place to start. Dr. William Piccione is the grandson of Sicilian immigrants, who not only appreciated his family’s heritage but also decided to put it into practice. Tasting Room Manager Hailey Klepcyk shared that Piccione grew up making wine in Brooklyn and later became a sommelier.
In 2010, Piccione Vineyards was founded in the picturesque Swan Creek AVA of North Carolina to continue the Italian tradition of the Piccione family and to produce the finest wine possible. In wine is health – In vino, salute.
—Piccione Family History
As an extension of the NC Blogger Excursion in the Swan Creek AVA, we were able to join the NC Wine Guys, Triangle Around Town, and Wine Tourist Magazine in a tasting at Piccione.
Winding up the hills to the tasting room, a stone-lined path guided our way, framing the rows of vines. Although we were eager to try the Italian-style wines, the stunning views from the recently added pavilion held our attention.
Tasting Experience
Once at the tasting bar, our journey continued.
Take the flight and try their wines.
- 2014 Pinot Grigio — This is a bright wine with apple, pear and a loamy/mineral finish.
- 2014 Chardonnay — This oaked Chardonnay has a nice, subtle balance with notes of tropical fruit. Unoaked Chardonnay is coming soon.
- 2015 Vermentino — This more traditional wine is hard to find in NC. It was fermented in 100% stainless steel, which enhanced the light fruit and pepper aromatics.
- 2016 Rosato — Montepulciano was left on the skin for 24 hours, creating a beautiful Provence style Rosé. Strawberry, lemon, and lime dance on the palate with balanced acidity.
- 2014 Sangiovese — Having aged for two years in oak, vanilla is upfront on the nose and the palate. This softer, fruitier wine has nice cherry and red fruits that linger on the palate.
- 2015 Nero — Hailey explained that Piccione is the only vineyard that grows and produces this wine on the East Coast. It smells bolder than it drinks with pepper and clove.
- 2014 L’Ottimo — This is their super Tuscan blend with Sangiovese, Merlot, Montepulciano, and 80% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromatics on this wine is amazing.
- 2014 Montepulciano — This beautiful, earthy wine has balanced tannins and notes of both red fruits and coffee.
- 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon — This wine has a nice herbaceous quality with leather and a slight earthiness combined with a great fruit structure.
- 2014 Merlot — This is Piccione’s first vintage, and boy is it yummy. With a strong berry on the nose, incredible blackberry and raspberry jam finish on the palate.
Montepulciano Reserve, aka “Hailey’s blend,” was aged in French barrels and only produced 22 cases. Vanilla and caramel are smooth accompaniments to the red fruits. *This wine won Double Gold at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
What we brought home:
What we also wanted to take home:
We encourage you to visit Piccione Vineyards and experience all they have to offer. Check out their events page for bonus fun. Our friends, The Wine Mouths, offered an informative Italian Grapes and Wine Class, which we hope they repeat. Today, Piccione held a “Grow a Grapevine” experience that allowed guests to plant their own Petit Verdot. If you were at either event, we’d love to see your pictures and hear about your experience!
Until our next glass…
Go Local. Drink Carolinas. 🍷
Wine Carolinas 
Piccione: One of the good up and coming vienyards.
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