Tuscany is famous for many things: stunning scenery, famous landmarks, architectural gems, world-class iconic artworks, charming historic cities and towns, delicious food, and incredible wine. When it comes to the last item on that list – the remarkable wines of the region – there are endless places to go to sample, savour, study, and purchase outstanding examples. Pretty much wherever you go in Tuscany, you will find great wine – in bars and restaurants, at wineries, in shops, and more. In fact, you won’t really have to go looking at all. However, if you are a bit more of a wine-lover with a particular interest in wine then you might want to be somewhat more discerning or you might want to go on a proper wine-tasting voyage all across the region while you enjoy your time in one of our Tuscany Villas. So, in order to help you maximise your wine experience of Tuscany and to aid you in planning your itinerary for your time the region, we have put together a guide to the main wine areas of Tuscany. If you are keen to try the main and most important and famous wines of Tuscany, then these are the places that you need to make a point to visit during a holiday in Tuscany...
Chianti
Tuscany’s most famous wine region and wine, Chianti is by far the largest, is home to several sub-areas, and produces the greatest volume of wine (an average of about eight million cases of wine per year). It stretches across a large tract of land that encompasses the western reaches of the province of Pisa along the Tyrrhenian Sea, over the hills to the north of the province of Florence, to the east and the province of Arezzo, and over the hills of Siena to the south. Some of the vineyards in this vast area also actually overlap with some of the other wine areas that we will mention below but, generally, this is what is referred to as the Chianti wine region.
Most well-known for its red wines, the region does produce a variety of wines including red and white and Vin Santo. All, however, must adhere to certain rules. Since 1996, all Chianti and Chianti Classico (the wines that come from an area that covers approximately 100 square miles (260 km2) at the heart of the region and is partially made up of the original historic wine area that was dictated by the edict of Cosimo III de’ Medici) wines must be made up of a blend of 75–100% Sangiovese grapes. Then they can also include up to 10% Canaiolo and up to 20% of any other approved red grape variety such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. White grape varieties such as Malvasia and Trebbiano, meanwhile, have been banned from use in Chianti Classico wines. Combining a respect for tradition with a passion for innovation, the wines of the Chianti region are made with intense care and a long list of requirements. The variety in grapes and usage also means that Chianti wines can be quite different from producer to producer but the wines of the region are generally described as medium-bodied with dry tannins and with cherry, nutty, and floral notes.
We have a wide range of villas in Chianti to choose from as this is such a large area of Tuscany so it is easy to plan a wine-lover’s vacation in Tuscany and base yourself out of the wine-making heart of the region. Furthermore, you will find a long list of articles about different wineries in Chianti over on our blog including the picturesque Renaissance villa and lovely grounds at Villa Spoiano, the ancient vines and pretty surroundings at Montecalvi Winery, and the sustainable gem that is Castello Di Verrazzano.
Montalcino
This wine area of Tuscany, meanwhile, is a much smaller and more contained part of the region. Producing the Brunello di Montalcino wine and located in and around the town of Montalcino (around 80km south of Florence, in the province of Siena), this wine area is located south of the Chianti Classico zone and is largely spread over hillsides leading towards Monte Amiata, which shields the area from southeastern winds and results in a drier and warmer microclimate. The Montalcino wine area dates back to the 19th century and is today home to about 200 growers and produces around 333,000 cases per year. Generally richer and more intense than Chianti wines, the wines of Montalcino are some of the best-known and most expensive Tuscan wines. Made of 100% Sangiovese grapes, the wines are traditionally aged three years or more, though not all contemporary Brunello wines go through this process. Deep in colour, the Brunello di Montalcino is full-bodied with balanced tannins.
With a good selection of vacation rentals in Montalcino and near the town available, it is easy to discover this more boutique wine area of Tuscany by booking with us. Furthermore, if you are looking to plan your time in the area, we have previously put together a guide to the lovely town of Montalcino and have written about various wineries in this charming part of the world including the innovative Podere Le Ripi and the historic yet innovative Fattoria Dei Barbi.
Montepulciano
Another big and well-known name when it comes to Tuscan wines, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine of the medieval hilltop town and comune of Montepulciano in the province of Siena. Officially given its DOCG status in 1980, shortly after Brunello di Montalcino, references to wine-making in the area date all the way back to the 8th century. The Brunello itself was in existence and named by the 17th century. With its long history and the word, “nobile,” in its name, it is perhaps no surprise, therefore, to note that it is a wine that was once greatly favoured by Tuscan nobility. Not to be confused with the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape from Abruzzo, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is another southern wine and wine area influenced by its geographic setting and the microclimate found therein. It has smooth tannins, a rich body and intensity, and plummy fruit and almond notes. Made of at least 70% Sangiovese grapes blended with Canaiolo Nero and small quantities of other local varieties, Vino Nobile di Montepulicano is aged for 2 years and for at least a year of this in oak barrels. If it is a riserva, it must be aged for a minimum of three years.
Browse our villas in Montepulciano and in the surrounding area to plan a trip to this wonderful wine region or find a holiday rental in Siena and easily access both Montalcino and Montepulciano. For information on some of the wineries and wine-related activities you can indulge in while in this wine area of Tuscany, check out our article on the Contucci Winery, the winery at Avignonesi, and the unique annual wine barrel race called the Bravio delle Botti.
While this is a guide to some of the main and most famous and must-see wine-areas, there are lots of other little wine areas located all throughout the region Tuscany. If you are a proper wine-lover and you are considering a vacation in Tuscany then this is a great place to start but there is a whole world of wine that is just waiting to be explored!
