Ah, Tuscany—where the rolling hills are just as intoxicating as the wine!
Wine in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans, an ancient civilization known for their skilled viticulture as early as the 8th century BC. By the time the Romans arrived, wine was not just a commodity but an integral part of the region's identity. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and Tuscany’s monasteries were at the forefront of wine production, cultivating vines that would lay the groundwork for what we sip today. The 18th century brought the first legal wine appellations, thanks to the visionary Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici, making Tuscany one of the first regions to codify quality wine production.
The 20th century saw a revolution with the rise of the “Super Tuscans,” a rebellious movement where winemakers broke traditional DOC rules to create bold blends using non-native grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon. This maverick streak helped redefine Tuscany as a global powerhouse of fine wine.
Tuscany's landscape is dominated by rolling hills, with vineyards thriving at elevations reaching up to 550 meters above sea level. Of the region's nearly 23,000 square kilometers, approximately 57,942 hectares are dedicated to vineyards, showcasing its deep-rooted commitment to winemaking.
Tuscany has many different sub-districts (villages) that are important. We would like to highlight the most influential villages in the region.
- Chianti - Famous for Sangiovese, with classifications such as Chianti Classico, Superiore and Riserva
- Montalcino - The noble village in the region, known for Brunello di Montalcino (Aged a minimum of 5 years and Rosso di Montalcino (fresh younger wine)
- Bolgheri - The home of 'Super Tuscans' wines, where Bordeaux grape varieties are frequently used
- Montepulciano - The village known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and sweet Vin Santo
The World of Wine considers these wines some of the Icons of Tuscany.
- Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino
- Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia
- Antinori Tignanello
- Soldera
For collectors, Tuscany offers a journey through centuries of winemaking tradition, a variety of styles to suit every palate and wine that promise to age gracefully.
