La Dolce Vita in a Glass
Tuscany is more than just a wine region – it is a way of life. Rolling hills, cypress trees, medieval villages and wines that rank among Italy's finest.
The Soul of Tuscany: Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the dominant grape variety and the heart of Tuscan wines:
- Aromas: Sour cherry, plum, violet, leather
- Structure: Lively acidity, firm tannins
- Character: Elegant, complex, long-lived
- Food-friendly: Made for Italian cuisine
The Great Wine Regions
Chianti Classico DOCG
The heartland of Tuscan wine culture between Florence and Siena.
- Grape variety: At least 80% Sangiovese
- Quality levels: Chianti Classico, Riserva, Gran Selezione
- Character: Cherry, herbs, lively acidity
"The black rooster (Gallo Nero) is the symbol of authentic Chianti Classico."
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
The king of Tuscan red wines:
- Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese (known locally as "Brunello")
- Ageing: At least 5 years (Riserva: 6 years)
- Character: Complex, powerful, incredibly long-lived
- Price: €40–500+
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
The "noble wine" from the town of Montepulciano:
- Grape variety: At least 70% Sangiovese ("Prugnolo Gentile")
- Character: Between Chianti and Brunello
- Value for money: Often excellent
Bolgheri DOC
The home of the Super Tuscans:
- Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Style: International, opulent, Bordeaux-like
- Legends: Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto
Super Tuscans: The Revolution
In the 1970s some winemakers rebelled against Italy's strict wine laws:
| Wine | Estate | Grape Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Sassicaia | Tenuta San Guido | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Tignanello | Antinori | Sangiovese, Cabernet |
| Ornellaia | Tenuta dell'Ornellaia | Bordeaux Blend |
| Solaia | Antinori | Cabernet, Sangiovese |
These wines were sold as simple "Vino da Tavola" – and yet became world-famous!
The Italian Classification System
- DOCG: Highest quality tier (controlled and guaranteed)
- DOC: Controlled designation of origin
- IGT: Country wine (often used for Super Tuscans)
- Vino: Simple table wine
Top Wineries
Biondi-Santi (Tenuta Greppo)
- Website: biondisanti.it
- Speciality: Brunello di Montalcino, 100% Sangiovese The Montalcino estate that invented Brunello di Montalcino and remains its most historic reference producer.
Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia)
- Website: tenutasanguido.com
- Speciality: Super Tuscan, Cabernet-based Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC The Bolgheri estate behind Sassicaia, the wine that launched the Super Tuscan movement and holds Italy's only single-estate DOC.
Marchesi Antinori
- Website: antinori.it
- Speciality: Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan (Tignanello, Solaia) A centuries-old Florentine family house whose Tignanello pioneered the modern Sangiovese-Cabernet blend in Chianti Classico.
Ornellaia (Tenuta dell'Ornellaia)
- Website: ornellaia.com
- Speciality: Bolgheri Superiore, Cabernet-Merlot Super Tuscan A leading Bolgheri estate producing the acclaimed Cabernet-Merlot blend Ornellaia and the Merlot icon Masseto.
Castello di Ama
- Website: castellodiama.com
- Speciality: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Sangiovese A celebrated Chianti Classico estate at Gaiole whose single-vineyard San Lorenzo and Vigneto Bellavista set a benchmark for the appellation.
Food Pairing
Tuscan wines and cuisine are perfectly matched:
- Chianti: Pasta al Ragù, Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Brunello: Wild boar, grilled beef
- Super Tuscan: Lamb, aged Pecorino
The Best Vintages
Outstanding: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019 Very good: 2012, 2013, 2018
Wine Tourism
Tuscany is a dream destination for wine lovers:
- Estates with accommodation (Agriturismo)
- Historic wineries
- Wine tastings with olive oil and Pecorino
- Best time to visit: September/October (harvest)