TOSCANA

Location

Tuscany is particularly famed for its rolling hills, so south-facing slopes are not difficult to find and flatlands almost non-exsistent. Hence entry entry level wines they leave to the Venetians.

Climate

In the East, at higher altitudes it is virtually continental with warm summers and cold winters. Further west, towards the sea, it is distinctly Mediterranean.

Topography

The Appennine ridge runs right through Eastern Tuscany and heavily influences the style of Tuscan wines from the higher altitudes of the East (Eg. Rufina) towards near sea level on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Eg. Bolgheri) – wines having riper tannins, lower acidity and more generous fruit but perhaps less finesse or elegance.

Soils

Very mixed but the Tuscan galestro, a crumbly schistous rock, provides the ideal structure for perfect drainage. Albarese is also widespread which is made up of an argillous (clay) – calcareous mix. Towards the coast the soil becomes more gravely – hence the name of that famous wine Sassicaia – sasso means stone.

THE WINE CONSULTANT

A major development that has had a big impact on the whole Italian wine scene. Tuscany has attracted many investors to its historical estates with little expertise and therefore the necessity of employing outside help. Franco Bernabei, Maurizio Castelli, Stefano Chioccioli, Riccardo Cotarella, Carlo Ferrini, Vittorio Fiore, Attilio Pagli, Roberto Cipresso, Luca d'Atoma, Gabriella Tani to name but a few.

cHIANTI CLASSICO 2000

The project of replanting Sangiovese according to quality not quantity. The widespread use of the R10 clone in the 1950s and 60s was gradually replaced by F 9-48, R 24, 19 T, R 5 and R 23. Experiments also with rootstocks, density and training methods has led to significantly different, quality fruit to that of 20 years ago.

Production

2.656.000 HL

 
                                                                                                                                                                                              Abruzzo        Basilicata        Calabria        Campania        Emilia-Romagna        Friuli-VeneziaGiulia        Lazio        Liguria        Lombardia        Marche        Molise        Piemonte        Puglia        Sardegna        Sicilia        Toscana        Trentino-AltoAdige        Umbria        Valled'Aosta        Veneto                                     

Grapes

  • Description

    Probably Tusan in origin but found in most areas of Italy. Grown especially on the coast of Tuscany and on Elba. May have evolved from a seed where Muscat grapes wrere plentiful therefore developing its own characteristics. AKA Livatica, Liatica, it is a low yielding, non vigorous red variety and hence unpopular among growers but some call it a true Muscat but the gentlest of all the types. Most examples of wines are of the sweet (red) style.

    Principle Wines

    Val di Cornia, Sovana, Elba

  • Description

    AKA Insolia in Sicily. A spicy, nutty nose is typical as is a juicy, lemony palate producing a more Southern European style white wine. On Elba it produces also sweet and sparkling wines

    Principle Wines

    Elba, Costa dell'Argentario, Isola del Grigio

  • Description

    Vitis Vinifera Etrusca (as cited by Gallesi 1839), gives an idea of its pedigree although being reduced to a blending with Sangiovese in the last century. Its recent demise can be attributed to ill-suited rootstock and clonal selection in the post phyloxera age, implying that beforehand it was of a better quality and has a better potential for the future. Some producers are now turning their attention to this historic Tuscan variety, including it in their Chianti blends and abandoning the international element.

    Principle Wines

    Blends of Chianti, Chianti Classico, Montecarlo, San Gimignano

  • Description

    Ciliegia is Cherry in Italian – while many grapes have this aroma this is the only one with its namesake, perhaps for its berry appearance rather than perfume. Said to have been imported to Italy by a Pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela in the 19th Century. Usually found in blends, the varietal version, when found, can have a quintessential Tuscan character of bright cherry fruit, fresh and fruity for earlier drinking.

    Principle Wines

    Montecarlo, Montecucco

  • Description

    A variety whose Tuscan roots go far back in time and is said to still grow wild in the Valarno area upriver from Florence. It is small berried and has small bunches (different from Canaiolo which has bigger berries and more compact bunches). As the name suggests its skin is packed with Anthocyanins. Usual therefore as a blend to give colour to lesser clones of Sangiovese. It is becoming ever more preferred in modern blends to the internationals alternatives.

    Principle Wines

    In traditional Chianti blends

  • Description

    Great confusion abounds with the origins and identity of this grape. Malvasia is a catch all name for a group of varieties whose scions perhaps originated in the same Greek locality (the Peloponnesian port of Monemvasia). In truth, the Venetians in the middle ages transported various wines, sweet, dry, aromatic and non under the general name Malvasia – perhaps the reason for the disparity.

    Principle Wines

    Vin Santo

  • Description

    Soft, semi-aromatic variety, found mostly in Puglia (and Piemonte), presumably related to the vast array of other Malvasias around the world but this is not definitive. Used in small proportions in blends

    Principle Wines

    Principally found in the Occhio di Pernice ("red" vin santo) blend.

  • Description

    Mammola means violet in Italian and is used to lift Sangiovese in some Tuscan blends. Has pretty good aromatic potential but is rare.

    Principle Wines

    Rare – in some central Tuscan blends and Montepulciano

  • Description

    Tuscan (Montalcino version) of Moscato similar to the Moscato of Asti. And making a similar wine.

    Principle Wines

    Moscadello di Montalcino

  • Description

    See Alto Adige

    Principle Wines

    See Alto Adige

  • Description

    The Italian grape par excellence, blazing a trail for all of its brothers – tannic and acidic with bright sour cherry fruit. Comes from the Latin

    Principle Wines

    Commonly found in many Tuscan blends and some Chianti Classico + and varietal IGTs

  • Description

    Ubiquitous in Tuscany making vast quantities of mediocre quality Pliny referred to Vinum Trebulanum in his Naturalis Historia (but located it near Capua, Campania). It is found widely in France as Ugni Blanc and is attributed to the medieval movement in the middle ages of popes artists. Trebbiano, found in various parts of the world is usually of Tuscan origin, being dependable and generous at harvest. The bunches are large and tend towards a bronze colour when ripe. Due to its history and popularity it has assumed various names in other territories: Trebbiano Fiorentino Bianco, Procanico, Biancone, Trebbianone, Bombino Bianco. It is also present (implicitly in most cases) in Soave, Valdadige, Trebbiano di Romagna, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Verdicchio, Orvieto, Frascati, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and many other DOCs (such as Alcamo in Sicily)

    Principle Wines

    Commonly found in Tuscan whites

  • Description

    According to some Tuscan sources it originated in Southern Spain (Palomino? Although very different) arrived in Corsica (where it is named Malvasia Grossa in the North of the Island) and landed first in Liguria where it migrated south to Tuscany and westwards to France (Rolle). There is a different version in Sardinia. Noted for its oily texture and "good" mouthfeel and firmly lemony acidity when made well.

    Principle Wines

    Bolgheri Bianco, Bolgheri Vermentino, Candia dei Colli Apuiani, Colli dei Luni Bianco. + blended in various Western Tuscan DOCs.

Major Appellations DOCG/DOC

  • Description

    On the Tuscan coast about half way up lies the “California” of the Italian wine dream. On the back of the Sassicaia phenomenon, much frenzied investment and plantings have taken place from the Italian great and good. Many wines from this area have chosen to opt out of DOC restrictions, favouring IGT status and giving forth the notion of the Super Tuscan. However, the Super Tuscan is no longer perceived as that super so producers are resetting their wines, some under this appellation. Bianco – Blends of Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Sauvignon and other white varieties, local and international. Rosso – blends of Sangiovese with mostly French varieties of the Cabernets, Syrah, and Merlot. The style is distinctly international especially with use of French oak Varietal – Sauvignon, Vermentino, Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years.

    Principle Wines

    Trebbiano toscano, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera

  • Description

    A "political" DOC made especially for the eponymous iconic wine whose previously life was an IGT and a VDT. The flagship wine from Tenuta San Guido, brainchild of the Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta (father of current owner Nicolo') whose wife (the sister of Piero Antinori's mother) inherited it as part of the Gherardesca estates (of Longobard origins). The wine later achieved iconic status by Mr. Parker givining the 1985 100 points – Italy's first. This was under direction of the then Antinori winemaker Giacomo Tachis.

    Principle Wines

    Cabernet Sauvignon 85%, Cabernet Franc 15%. 35 Hl/Ha

  • Description

    One of the grand Italian wines, developed in the 19th Century by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi from a clone of Sangiovese known as Sangiovese Grosso or locally Brunello. One of the first varietal Tuscan wines for ageing. Ageing is for 50 months for the normale and 62 months for the riserva. There is no real concept of sottozona or cru yet but this will no doubt emerge as vast new vineyards on new sites are planted. The main localities are: Montalcino, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Sant'Angelo in Colle, Tavernelle, Camigliano.

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese

  • Description

    Although a DOC in 1975, the wines from Carmignano have been officially regulated for 300 years: Duke Cosimo III de' Medici in 1714. This red wine, to the west of Florence, has a distinct international character with international grapes permitted but its 50% Sangiovese renders it quintessentially Tuscan.

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese 50% Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo bianco, Malvasia del Chianti

  • Description

    Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

    Principle Wines

    This is one of the most historic delimited wine areas originally enacted in law in the 18th Century by the Grand Duke Cosimo III.

  • Description

    One of Italy's most historical and famous wines. Although medieval in origin and the method delineated by Baron Ricasoli, the Consortium was founded in 1929 and in 1967 the DOCG was born. The rules governing grapes have changed through the decades according to fashion but now Sangiovese can be from 70% to 100% of the blend. White grapes not more than 10% and international grapes not more than 15%. Chianti is further classified into satellite areas where the Normal, Supeiore (higher abv) and Riserva (aged 24 months) versions exist for all: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Pisanesi, Montalbano, Rufina

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Cabernet Savignon and Cabernet Franc.

  • Description

    Rosso/ Rosato – Sangiovese and other local varieties Bianco – Trebbiano Toscano aka Procanico Varietal – Ansonica, Aleatico, Moscato Vin Santo – Procanico, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. Island off the Tuscan coast with ancient winemaking history from the Etruscans and Romans – Pliny the Elder calling it Insula Vini Ferax.

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese (Sangioveto), Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), Ansonica Bianca, Aleatico, Moscato Bianco, Malvasia Bianca Malvasia Nera

  • Description

    Bianco - Trebbiano toscano, Semillon, Pinot grigio, Pinot Bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Roussane. Rosso - Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Nera, Syrah Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Vin Santo - Trebbiano toscano, Semillon, Pinot grigio, Pinot bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Roussane Vin Santo Occhio di pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino. Around Lucca in the North West of Tuscany this is a source for rather offpiste whites, with varying elevage techniques usuing Tuscan, Rhone, Bordeaux varities. Plus the usual Tuscan mishmash of reds

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Nera, Syrah Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Trebbiano toscano, Semillon, Pinot grigio, Pinot bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Roussane

  • Description

    Bianco - Predominately Trebbiano Toscano but a host of other white varieties. Rosso - Predominately Sangiovese but a host of other red varieties Varietal – Sangiovese, Vermentino This recent DOC is south of Montalcino towards the Tuscan coast.

    Principle Wines

    Predominately Sangiovese but a host of other red varieties, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino

  • Description

    Bianco - Toscano,Vermentino, Ansonica, Malvasia Bianca Rosso/ Rosato - Sangiovese Vermentino Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. An extended zone around Grosseto on the southern Tuscan coast.

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Trebbiano Toscano,Vermentino, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Ansonica.

  • Description

    From the so called southern Maremma - the southern Tuscan coast, south of Grosseto, where this red wine brims with sour cherry and fruity acidity. Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese. Sacnzano is the name of the town which has more history than its neighbours where of late there has been frenzied planting and speculation up and down the Maremma

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese minimum 85%. Other red verities including local and international, including Grenache and Alicante.

  • Description

    Within the Montalcino appellation, there has been an ancient tradition of making sweet frothy wine from Muscat grapes rather similar to the Piedmontese version but here called Muscadello.

    Principle Wines

    Moscato d'Alessandria

  • Description

    Bianco - Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon + other locals Rosso - Sangiovese, Pinot nero, Merlot + other locals Varietal – Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero Vin Santo - Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon + other locals

    Principle Wines

    Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Pinot nero, Merlot

  • Description

    Brunello's little brother is usually a lot livelier than its big brother with a nervy structure and sweet, sour cherry fruit. In good years it can truly be said to be a mini Brunello although it ages for only 10 months before release.

    Principle Wines

    Brunello aka Sangiovese Grosso

  • Description

    Nobile wine declassed for higher yields, younger vines or lesser vineyard areas.

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Malvasia Nera plus Cabernet and Merlot

  • Description

    Rosso/ Rosato – Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero Sangiovese Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. The red wine made in the same area as the Vernaccia di San Gimignano – the DOC was created recently.

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca

  • Description

    Bianco - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Rosso - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. Taken from the name of the still working Romanesque Abbey near Castelnuovo dell’Abbate. Apart from the far North East of the appellation it covers the same area as Montaclino DOC and is designed to give growers the flexibility of international varieties not provided for in the Brunello appellation.

    Principle Wines

    Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano Malvasia Bianca

  • Description

    Bianco - Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino Rosso/ Rosato - Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot Varietal – Ansonica (dry and passito), Vermentino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot Aleatico Passito – a red wine of the truly distinctive character being red and sweet. Usually in a distinctive dumpy bottle. Suvereto – a sottozona dedicated to this area making similar wines but with some outstanding producers This area south of Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast is an extension to the recent winegrowing phenomenon of Bolgeri, planting mostly international varieties and producing wines of an international style but a definite Tuscan imprint.

    Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Aleatico, Ansonica

  • Description

    This is the white wine from Tuscany's predominantly red production, aound the picturesque town of San Gimignano, to the west of Siena. The origin of the grape's name, some say, has its roots in latin – vernaculus meaning local. It has a long medieval history and was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status. The Riserva is aged for at least 12 months before release.

    Principle Wines

    At least 90% Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

  • Description

    Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. In 1997, the DOC was created to salvage the remnants if its reputation, seriously damaged by cheap imitations which are now called Vino Liquoroso (made by fortification – adding almost pure alcohol). This naturally made wine where grapes are traditionally hung in a vinsantaria to dry before being pressed, are aged in caratelli (small wooden barrels) for many years. The resulting sweet elixir, has wonderfully complex, developed characteristics but underpinned by a freshening acidity. The appellation also extends to the following subzones: Castellina, Gaiole, Radda and Greve in Chianti and some parts of Barberino Val d'Elsa, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Poggibonsi and Castelnuovo Berardenga

    Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo

  • Description

    Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. This naturally made wine where grapes are traditionally hung in a vinsantaria to dry before being pressed, are aged in caratelli (small wooden barrels) for many years. The resulting sweet elixir, has wonderfully complex, developed charaterstics but underpinned by a freshening acidity. The appellation extends to the area between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana

    Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Grechetto (Pulcinculo) Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo

  • Description

    The town not the grape of Montepulciano, in Southern Eastern Tuscany, has a long history mentioned even by Livy in his history of Rome – this is probably why the wine is noble. However, its inland position and higher altitude give this wine a higher acidity and tougher edge than its Chianti Classico and Montalcino cousins, finer, some may say. It is aged a minimum of 26 months before release; the riserva 36 months

    Principle Wines

    Sangiovese aka Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo Nero, with up to 20% other red varities local and international and 10% white varieties.

Sub Appellations DOCG/DOC

  • Principle Wines

    Ansonica

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Canaiolo Bianco, Vermentino

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Greco, Malvasia Bianca Toscana , Verdello, Grechetto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Italico

  • Principle Wines

    Vermentino, Albarola, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo Bianco, Malvasia

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Canaiolo Nero

  • Principle Wines

    Vermentino,Trebbiano Toscano, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Pollera Nera, Ciliegiolo Nero.

  • Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Cannaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto , Vermentino Bianco, Malvasia del Chianti, Chardonnay, Sauvignon.

  • Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Sangiovese

  • Principle Wines

    Sangiovese, Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), Ansonica, Chardonnay

  • Principle Wines

    Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianca Lunga, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia bianca di Basilicata, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo

  • Principle Wines

    Aleatico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese

  • Principle Wines

    Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Chardonnay

  • Principle Wines

    Trebbiano Toscano, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Grechetto, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Bianco Vergine - Toscano, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Grechetto, Pinot Grigio

  • Alta Valle della Greve
    Colli della Toscana centrale
    Maremma Toscana
    Toscano or Toscana
    Val di Magra