The Wines of Tuscany

The region of Tuscany sits along the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy. The history of Chianti dates back to the 8th century B.C. Remnants of amphorae show that wine was made then and exported to Southern Italy and Gaul. Some of the most-loved wines in the world come from this region of Italy. Sangiovese is the predominant grape grown in Tuscany, where this grape grows well in the direct sunlight on the hilly slopes.

CHIANTI

Probably the best known of all wine regions is Chianti. Chianti became very popular because it was food friendly; it is the most popular Italian wine in America. Chianti originally came in straw baskets called fiasco. Today very few producers use fiasco, but anyone seeing wine in this bottle certainly knows its origin. The traditional blend for Chianti was 70 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Canaiolo, and 15 percent Malvasia bianca. Regulations have changed and today Chianti can be made with 100 percent Sangiovese. It must be at least 80 percent Sangiovese to be labeled Chianti.

CASTELLO MONSANTO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA

An elegant red wine, with flavors of black currant, cherry, and spice. This a more traditional style of Chianti. Best to drink 2018-28.

FELSINA BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO

A very firm and rich Chianti, with cherry tannins and bright black cherry characters. Fantastic wine! Drink or hold.

SUPER TUSCAN

In the 1990s, Chianti wines were declining in popularity, and some producers felt they could make better wines by using grapes that were not indigenous to the region. This was not allowed by law, so these wines were no longer able to be called Chianti. Many producers claim to be the first to add non-indigenous grapes, which started an unofficial category of new wines referred to as Super Tuscan. Some believe the idea started with Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at his estate, Tenuta San Guido. This wine later became known as Sassicaia. In 1971, Piero Antinori also made a Chianti-styled wine but did not use the local white varietals, and added Cabernet Sauvignon. This became the famous wine called Tignanello. A new designation was finally given to these wines: IGT.

TENUTE SAN GIUDO GUIDOALBERTO IGT

This is Tenuta San Guido’s middle wine after Sassicaia. The blend is 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Merlot. Dark cherry and blackberry segue to spice tar and sweet fruit at the end. The mouthfeel is elegant silky and nuanced. This might well be the best vintage of Guidalberto I’ve yet to taste!

SAPAIO VOLPOLO Bolgheri Rosso

Composed of 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 percent Merlot, 15 percent Petit Verdot. This is a full-bodied wine with plenty of ripe fruit and silky tannins. The finish is long and rich.

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

Brunello is the name given to the local variety of Sangiovese that is grown in the village of Montalcino. One of the first records of Brunello was a red wine made in the 14th century. By the end of World War ll, Bruenello had a reputation as one of Italy’ rarest wines. Today there are about 200 Brunello growers. Brunello wines must age at least four years before they are released. The current vintage is 2013.

COLLOSORBO BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO

Beautiful aromas of black cherry and apricot. Full-bodied exotic and intense. A wealth of fruit, yet remains vibrant and firm. Extremely focused. Long finish. Great follow to the 2012.

MOCALI BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO

Mocali vineyards are owned by the Ciacci family. This is a big, rich Brunello, with aromas of raspberry and cherry followed by notes of mint, spice, and chocolate. It has the perfect mix of sweet fruits and ripe tannins.

ROSSO di MONTELCINO

Rosso di Montalcino wines are made in the same area as Brunello. They are often called “Baby Brunello” because they are the same grape varietal, made in the same style but not aged for as long. These wines are lighter and much more approachable. They also cost considerably less money.

CIACCI PICCOLOMINI d’ARAGONA ROSSO di MONTALCiNO

Ciacci’s Rosso di Montalcino is organically farmed from its famous Montalcino estate. It is a rich, round wine with intense berry fruit along with graphite and tobacco flavors. Drink now through 2023.

LISINI ROSSO di MONTALCINO

This beautiful medium-bodied wine has aromatics of cherry and plum. It is beautifully balanced with a silky texture. It is drinkable now but should age well for another decade. This Rosso delivers the quality of a well-made Brunello.

VERNACCIA di SAN GIMIGNANO

Although 80 percent of the wine produced in Tuscany is red, there is one white wine from Tuscany with DOCG status and a long history. Vernaccia di San Gimignano has a history dating back to 1276. It is one of Italy’s most noble white wines. Vernaccia is grown around the town of San Gimignano, and is known for its light style, with crisp acidity, and characteristic bitter finish.

FONTALEONI VERNACCIA di SAN GIMIGNANO

This is a fresh and flavorful wine with floral and fruity notes of green apple. Pair this wine with fish, rice and vegetables, or soup.

The beautiful romantic region of Tuscany has wines to please any palate from light, fresh and drinkable to big, bold and age-worthy.

Please drink responsibly!