Tuscany is the most famous Italian wine region thanks to its glorious past, its stunning landscapes and its prestigious wines.
In Central Italy, flanked in the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany is surrounded in the east by the wine regions of Latium, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna and Liguria in the north. Tuscany is the oldest wine-growing Italian region, with viticulture dating back to the Etruscan civilization. The region is covered by hills, which is a key part of its terroirs. The Mediterranean influence affect the coast but the heart of the region has a more continental climate due to the Apennine.
Sangiovese reigns alone in Tuscany and is used to make the best wines.
The grape is highly acid and tannic. It brings a bouquet of fruity aromas and herbal notes.
Tuscany is worldwide known thanks to its appellations. Chianti DOCG takes the name Chianti Classico for the best Chianti wine made inside the historical area surrounding the towns of Gaiole, Greve, Radda and Castellina, between Florence and Sienna. The vineyards are elevated, between 200 and 500 meters above the sea level. They produce full-bodied wines with fruity perfumes and floral aromas.
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino is on an area, which can enjoy unique climate of oceanic and Alpine influences. The legislation orders the longest maturation process, inside barrels during at least five years. It is the only Tuscany wine made entirely of Sangiovese. The red wines are ripped, full-bodied, with strong black cherry, and plum flavors and complex herbal and spicy notes.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG settles in the east of Montalcino around the town of Montepulciano. The wine ages faster than the Brunello. It is a more tannic wine with distinctive earthy notes.
Super-Toscans
Tuscany is the home of the «Super Tuscans» which consist of wines made outside the strict rules of the region's appellations. They are top quality wines, which explain that they are more expansive than the DOCG wines. Many winemakers produce the exceptional wines using Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and many different blends. They are labelled IGT like the Italian country wines, the more famous Super Tuscans coming from the Bolgheri DOC.
Best producers in Tuscany
They are a lot of wine estates in Tuscany but the most interesting are Antinori, Castello di Fonterutoli, Fontodi et Felsina in Chianti DOCG; Castello Banfi, Lisini et Biondi-Santi who make Brunello di Montalcino DOCG; Poliziano produces an incredible Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG. In the Bolgheri DOC, the most famous Super Tuscans is the legendary estate of Tenuta San Guido de Sassicaia.
