Tuscany wines
Bibi Graetz, Colore2020
Tuscany, Italy
$159.71
Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia2020
Tuscany, Italy
$315.21
Tenuta di Biserno, Tenuta di Biserno Lodovico2019
Tuscany, Italy
$373.00
Masseto2016
Tuscany, Italy
$877.33
Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino2017
Tuscany, Italy
$178.62
Marchesi Antinori, Solaia2020
Tuscany, Italy
$320.46
Your guide to Tuscany
History of wines from Tuscany
The history of Tuscan wines dates back to the Etruscan civilization, which settled in the region around 800 BCE. The Etruscans were among the first to cultivate grapevines and produce wine in Tuscany, trading their wine throughout the Mediterranean. After the Etruscans, the Romans continued and expanded viticultural practices, introducing advanced techniques that spread Tuscan wines throughout the Roman Empire.
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, winemaking in Tuscany experienced a decline but never disappeared. Monasteries played a crucial role in preserving viticultural knowledge and practices. The Church's influence ensured that wine production continued, primarily for sacramental purposes. During the Renaissance, wealthy families like the Medicis invested in the land, improving agricultural practices and establishing many of the vineyards that are still renowned today.
In the late 19th century, the phylloxera epidemic devastated European vineyards, including some areas in Tuscany. The region recovered by grafting European vines onto resistant American rootstocks. The 20th century saw the introduction of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in 1963 and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) in 1980, which helped standardize and protect the quality of Tuscan wines. The emergence of Super Tuscans in the 1970s, using non-traditional grape varieties and blends, further elevated Tuscan winemaking to international acclaim.
Terroir of Tuscany
The terroir of Tuscany's wines is deeply influenced by the region's climate, soil, and terrain. A warmer climate with less rainfall, typical of Tuscany, produces wines with higher alcohol content and fruitier flavors, as seen in many Chianti wines. The soil varies from sandy to rocky, impacting the complexity and structure of the wines. For example, sandy soils produce delicate wines, while clay-based soils yield bolder wines. The elevation and slope of the land also play a role, with Sangiovese grapes thriving on sunny hillsides in Chianti.
The tradition of winemaking in Tuscany further enhances the terroir. Techniques like pruning and using oak barrels can significantly influence the final product. The unique combination of these environmental factors results in distinctive wines across different sub-zones of Chianti. For instance, the Chianti Classico area is known for its clay and limestone soils, which contribute to the region's signature wines. This blend of natural and traditional elements makes Tuscany's terroir one of the most recognizable in the world of wine.
Top grapes in Tuscany
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the quintessential Tuscan grape variety, forming the backbone of the region's most prestigious wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. This grape is prized for its high acidity and tannin content, which contribute to the wine's aging potential. Sangiovese typically exhibits flavors of sour cherry, earth, and herbs, making it a perfect match for the rich and hearty cuisine of Tuscany. Its adaptability to different terroirs in Tuscany allows for a wide range of expressions, from robust and structured to elegant and aromatic.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Although originally from Bordeaux, France, Cabernet Sauvignon has found a successful home in Tuscany, where it is often blended with Sangiovese to create the renowned 'Super Tuscan' wines. These blends are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and longevity. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and a backbone of tannins to the wines, along with flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco, and sometimes green pepper. The grape thrives in the warmer, drier parts of Tuscany, benefiting from the ample sunshine to fully ripen, which enhances its flavor concentration and aging potential.
Merlot
Merlot is another Bordeaux variety that has adapted well to the Tuscan climate, often used in blends with Sangiovese and other local varieties. In Tuscany, Merlot contributes softness and roundness to the wines, balancing the more astringent characteristics of Sangiovese. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, providing reliability in cooler vintages. The grape typically brings plush textures and flavors of ripe plums, black cherries, and chocolate, making it a favorite among those who prefer a smoother, more approachable wine. Its versatility makes it suitable for both early drinking and aging.