Toscana (Tuscany)

Toscana is one of the most iconic and celebrated wine regions in the world. It is located in central Italy and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, historic cities, and exceptional wines.

Toscana has a rich winemaking tradition that dates back centuries where the wine culture is deeply intertwined with its history, art, and cuisine.

The region attracts wine enthusiasts and tourists alike with its picturesque vineyards, historic wine estates, and charming villages.

Wine tours and tastings are popular activities for visitors exploring Toscana, tasting wines that reflect the region's diverse terroirs and graps.

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Toscana Grapes

Sangiovese is the primary grape in many Tuscan wines. It is the most important and most widely planted grape in Toscana.

The French grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also widely cultivated, especially in the so-called Super Tuscan wines, a copy of the Bordeaux Blend, where winemakers blend Sangiovese with these French grapes.

Toscana's Red Wines

Toscana is best known for Sangiovese based red wines:

• Chianti Classico
• Brunello di Montalcino
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Chianti Classico

This sub-region in Toscana is famous for its Chianti wines.

Chianti Classico is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes and must adhere to specific production regulations.

The wines are known for their bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and floral notes.

Brunello di Montalcino

Produced in the town of Montalcino, this wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, known locally as Brunello.

Brunello di Montalcino is aged for an extended period, resulting in a complex, full-bodied wine with rich red fruit flavors and a great potential for aging.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Despite its name, this wine is not made from the Montepulciano grape but from Sangiovese. The wine is produced in the town of Montepulciano and is characterized by its elegance, firm structure, and aging potential.

Super Tuscans

Coined in the late 20th century, Super Tuscans are high-quality wines that deviate from traditional Tuscan winemaking practices. They often include non-indigenous grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. These wines gained international acclaim for their bold and innovative approach to winemaking.

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Toscana's White Wines

Vermentino is the best known white wine from Toscana's coastline, and Vernaccia is an internationally recognised white wine from the medieval town of San Gimignano.

Vermentino

Vermentino is a white wine grape from the island of Sardinia (Sardegna). It is also well known on the Ligurian and Tuscan coast.

Salinity, Lime, and Green Apple are typical Vermentino flavors. With delicate hints of Pine Nuts, Basil, and Minerals. The bitter aftertaste reminds of the white peel in a Grapefruit.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Toscana also produces notable white wines, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano is one of them. Grown in the hills around the town of San Gimignano.

It is made from the Vernaccia grape and known for its crisp acidity.

Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit and Apple are typical Vernaccia flavors, with a slightly bitter Almond finish.

Vin Santo

On the sweet side, Vin Santo ("Holy Wine") is the national drink in Toscana.

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Toscana Appelations

Toscana has 11 DOCGs and 41 DOCs. Below is a list of the DOCGs.

Sangiovese:

Chianti DOCG (70% Sangiovese)
Chianti Classico DOCG (80% Sangiovese)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (100% Sangiovese)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG (70% Sangiovese)
Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (90% Sangiovese)
Morellino di Scansano DOCG (85% Sangiovese)

Super Tuscan:

Carmignano DOCG (Sangiovese, Cab Sauvignon/Franc, Merlot)
Suvereto Rosso DOCG (Cab Sauvignon, Merlot)
Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG (Sangiovese, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot)

White:

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG (85% Vernatcha)

Passito:

Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG (100% Aleatico)

Sangiovese:

• Chianti DOCG (70% Sangiovese)
• Chianti Classico DOCG (80% Sangiovese)
• Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (100% Sangiovese)
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG (70% Sangiovese)
• Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (90% Sangiovese)
• Morellino di Scansano DOCG (85% Sangiovese)

Super Tuscan:

• Carmignano DOCG (Sangiovese, Cab Sauvignon/Franc, Merlot)
• Suvereto DOCG (Cab Sauvignon, Merlot)
• Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG (Sangiovese, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot)

White:

• Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG (85% Vernatcha)

Passito:

• Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG (100% Aleatico)

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Maremma Soil

Maremma soil refers to the soil found in the Maremma region of Tuscany, Italy.

The diversity of soil types in the Maremma region makes it an exciting area for viticulture, as different vineyards can produce wines with distinct characteristics, even within the same general location.

The unique combination of soil, climate, and topography in Maremma gives the wines from this area a distinctive identity within Tuscany. The soils in the Maremma vineyards are typically a mix of the following:

• Clay and Silt
  Clay and silt soils retain moisture and can help vines endure the hot Mediterranean climate.

• Sandstone and Limestone
  Parts of the Maremma region feature soils rich in sandstone and limestone. Limestone, in particular, is associated with producing higher-quality wines.

• Volcanic Influence
  Some areas of Maremma have volcanic soil influences, especially in regions closer to the ancient volcanic zones.

• Alluvial Soils
  Near river valleys and coastal plains, you’ll find alluvial soils, which are nutrient-rich and often composed of loam, sand, and gravel.