Tuscany is one of the most romantic and culturally vibrant wine regions in the world. After all, it was in Florence that the Renaissance was born and the place is still a haven for all sorts of artisans, from the sculpturer to the winemaker.
With no doubt Tuscany is one of those wine regions that give some of the most important reds in the world. It is a region full of tradition, but in continuous evolution since the introduction of international grape varietals and the use of the French barrels that became common in the seventies. Beginning in the 80's and through the 90's the new wines, Super Tuscans, were a peak for Tuscan wine producers growing wines with an international taste that gave a very good name to the area.
The appellation system was introduced in the sixties. The gradual modernization of the appellation system has now drawn our attention back to the traditional wines of the area made with the autochthon grape varietals and without excessive expression of the foreign oak barrels. Nowadays, the trend seems to be to go backwards to rediscover the indigenous grapes and more natural wine making methods.

Tuscany is not only the land of the great Brunello and the award winning Super Tuscan, often available only to wine collectors. It is a region that has a great many interesting wines (pure and blends) made with grape varietals particular and unique for a little area that has its own specific soil composition and microclimate.


Chianti
Chianti is produced in eight distinct zones and adjacent areas that cover a vast territory of central Tuscany around the original core of Chianti Classico. In those gorgeously rugged hills, variations in soil and climate contribute as much to the individuality of each authentic estate wine as do winemakers' quests for creative styles. Some Chianti is still fairly fresh, easy and affable, though a growing portion is full-bodied and elaborate and capable of becoming aristocratic with age. Much of Chianti is identified by its subzones, most prominently Classico, whose producers' consortium is symbolized by a black rooster. Many estates also emphasize the name of a special vineyard as a mark of distinction. What Chianti has in common with all of the traditional red wines of Tuscany is its major grape variety Sangiovese.
From good vintages, pure Sangiovese wines are rich in body and intricate in flavour with deep ruby-garnet colour. Some are smooth and round almost from the start, but others need years to develop the nuances of bouquet and flavour unique to well-aged Tuscan reds.


Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany's appellation of greatest stature is Brunello di Montalcino, a DOCG from a fortress town south of Siena where reds of legendary power and longevity have commanded lofty prices. Conceived by the Biondi Santi family a century ago, Brunello is now issued under some 200 labels, representing small farms, established estates and even international corporations. Brunello producers also make the DOCs of Rosso di Montalcino (a younger wine from Sangiovese), the sweet white Moscadello di Montalcino (from Moscato) and a range of wines that carry the appellation Sant'Antimo.


Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Vino Nobile of Montepulciano is made from a type of Sangiovese known as Prugnolo Gentile. The nobile entered the name centuries ago, apparently in homage to its status among the nobility. In the 17th century, the poet Francesco Redi described Montepulciano's red as "king of all wines." After a lapse of decades, Vino Nobile has made an impressive comeback under DOCG and is once again living up to its name. Producers may also produce the DOC Rosso di Montepulciano as a younger alternative to Vino Nobile.


Sassicaia
Sassicaia, the pure Cabernet that in the 1970s convinced the world that Italy could make modern reds of international appeal, now has a DOC of its own under the Bolgheri appellation.


Super Tuscans
The "Super Tuscans" rank among the most esteemed and expensive red wines of Italy. Though not classified as DOC/DOCG, most are entitled to the region wide Toscana IGT. Inspired by the success of Cabernet and Merlot in Bolgheri, wines from the coastal sector of Tuscany have risen rapidly in prestige to challenge the central hills for supremacy.


Morellino di Scansano
In the heart of the Maremma, as the coastal hills of southwestern Tuscany are known, lies the Morellino di Scansano zone, source of a red based on Sangiovese that is strongly on the rise.


Vin Santo
The pride of many Tuscan winemakers is the rich Vin Santo, which has become DOC in many zones around the region. Pressed from partly dried grapes and aged in small wooden barrels, Vin Santo can be an exquisite dessert or aperitif wine. Most Vin Santo is made from white varieties, mainly Malvasia and Trebbiano, though the type called Occhio di Pernice comes from red wine grapes.

Useful informations for visiting the wine areas

• English is often spoken, but you shouldn't expect it.
• Some wineries have small shops where you can just pop in and buy the estate's wine, as well as extra virgin olive oil. These are usually signed with the words: "Vendita Diretta".
• Wine tastings are either free (but then you are expected to buy) or offered at a fee which can vary from winery to winery. Wine tasting and visits are normally organized but a previous booking is requested. Often you can have crostini (toasted bread with toppings), local Pecorino cheeses and selected cured meats to accompany your wine glass.
• Very few wineries do not accept visitors, but bear in mind that this is possible and not because the winery is hostile to foreigners!
• If you don't have a lot of time to visit the wine country, a good idea might be to work out a tour with us. We will take care of the necessary appointments in the best wineries and save time and inconveniences.
• If you are coming to Tuscany, but you are not going into the wine regions for some reason, a good idea might be to visit one of the many Enoteca's (wine bars/shops) in the bigger towns. Many have wines by the glass to try and a wine expert (sommelier) available to explain the wines.