Tuscany - Italy

Tuscany, or Toscana in Italian, holds a revered place in the world of winemaking. Situated in central Italy with its western border kissing the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany's picturesque landscape is dotted with rolling hills, olive groves, and cypress-lined paths, embodying the quintessence of Italian pastoral beauty. This idyllic setting serves as the cradle for some of Italy's most prestigious wines, where tradition and innovation intertwine to produce expressions of terroir that are sought after globally.

The history of winemaking in Tuscany stretches back to the Etruscans, who cultivated vines in the region over two millennia ago. The Romans continued this vinous heritage, but it was during the Renaissance that Tuscany began to emerge as a beacon of high-quality winemaking. The region's vintners have since honed their craft over centuries, navigating the phylloxera epidemic, World War disruptions, and the modern era's demand for quality and innovation.

Tuscany's terroir:

Tuscany's terroir is a kaleidoscope of microclimates and soils, including the calcareous clay known as alberese, and galestro, a schistous marl, which contribute significantly to the character and quality of its wines. This diverse terroir, coupled with the region's warm summers and cool nights, creates the perfect conditions for viticulture, resulting in wines with a harmonious balance of acidity, tannins, and fruit.

Sangiovese is the most prominent grape in Tuscany, a versatile variety that serves as the backbone for many of the region's celebrated wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. In addition to Sangiovese, Tuscany grows international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, which are often blended with local grapes to produce Supertuscan wines.

The super Tuscans, a must-know for wine collectors:

Tuscany boasts a variety of wine styles, from the light and approachable Chianti to the bold and age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino. Supertuscan wines, such as Tignanello, Ornellaia, and Sassicaia, have also gained international acclaim. These wines, often made with non-traditional grape blends and innovative winemaking practices, have played a pivotal role in elevating the status of Italian wines on the world stage.

Tignanello, produced by Marchesi Antinori, is a pioneering Supertuscan that blends Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, offering complexity and a capacity for ageing. Ornellaia and Sassicaia, from Bolgheri, are predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and showcase the excellence achievable in Tuscany with Bordeaux varieties. These wineries have set benchmarks for quality, showcasing the potential of Tuscany’s terroir.

The region's sub-zones, such as Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico, are also worth noting. Brunello di Montalcino, crafted exclusively from Sangiovese, is known for its robust structure and depth, requiring extensive ageing to achieve its full potential. Chianti Classico, located between Florence and Siena, represents the heart of the Chianti region, producing wines that range from vibrant and fruity to complex and age-worthy.