The borders of the appellation are still today the same ones set by the decree of the Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1716. The altitude of the hills where the vineyards stand is not great, between 80 and 200-250 meters above sea level, but it is a very protected zone with a very particular microclimate. In fact the mountain range of Montalbano, that extends between the provinces of Prato, Pistoia and Florence, protects this area and shields it from frosts and hail and from excessive heat in the summer. The harvest period here is generally earlier than in the neighbouring Chianti area so that rain is often avoided. Therefore, it often happened that the harvest was good in Carmignano when vintages were difficult in other areas of Tuscany.