Famed all around the world for its red wines. From the cliché Fiaso (think bottle in a wicker basket) to Chianti Classico to Vernachia di San Gimignano to Brunello di Montalcino to Super Tuscans, there is a great diversity of wines styles on offer here.
Chianti
In the heart of Tuscany lives the classic wine region of Chianti Classico. This is the home of Sangiovese. Often blended with some native varietals in small portions such as Canaiolo and Colorino.
Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino
Brunello’s are the biggest, baddest wines of the region. Full, bold and super age-worthy. These wines are very structured and tannic. Built to last and pair with your Fiorentina steak curtesy of Dario at Antica Macelleria Cecchini butcher shop. Rosso di Montalcino is the more approachable version that can be drunk without all the aging.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Full bodied wines from the are in SE part of Tuscany called Montepulciano (the place not the grape). Comprised mostly of a Sangiovese variety known as Prugnolo Gentile and blended with the usual suspects. Aged at least two years.
What is a Super Tuscan?
These wines are typically made from the traditional Sangiovese, blended with French varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab France and Syrah. This style is more international and approachable to drinkers that like a lusher smooth wine. At first frowned upon by some locals, it became a legal style with legitimate producers making great wines. Go-to areas for these wines are Carmignano and Bolgheri.
Vernacchia di San Gimignano.
The white wines of Tuscany. This is a wine that’s been made in Tuscany for centuries, but has often been lackluster. However, there are some amazing examples out there, and is not to be overlooked. From simple and fruity to complex and textured.
Vin Santo
Amazing aged dessert wines from Tuscany typically made with white grapes but sometimes Sangiovese as well.
There’s way more to discover about Tuscany, but this outline should help!
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