Wine in Tuscany

Tuscany, with its undulating hills and Mediterranean climate, boasts an illustrious history of winemaking. The region’s terroir provides the quintessential conditions for cultivating exceptional wines. Renowned predominantly for its red wines, Tuscany relies heavily on the Sangiovese grape, yielding wines that are spicy, well-acidic, smooth in texture, and medium-bodied.

Among Tuscany’s Sangiovese gems, the illustrious Brunello di Montalcino stands out. Hailing from a fortified town south of Siena, this wine is one of Italy’s priciest, crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. The Brunello di Montalcino must be stored for at least four years, 2 of which are in wooden barrels. Furthermore, the wine can only bear a Riserva label if it has been stored for five years, six months of which in the bottle. In Montalcino, there are about 250 producers.

Other notable Sangiovese-based wines include Chianti and Chianti Classico, which typically incorporate a blend of Cannaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, albeit in small proportions, no more than 20%.

Chianti Classico originates from vineyards nestled between Florence and Siena, with Greve, Radda, and Castellina forming the core of the Chianti wine region. Authentic Chianti Classico wines are part of the Classico’s marketing consortium and are identifiable by the Gallo Nero symbol—a black rooster. These wines are categorized into Chianti Classico, Chianti Riserva and Gran Selezione types. Standard Chianti Classico features a red-bordered Gallo Nero label, while the Riserva, aged for at least 24 months for a richer flavour, boasts a gold-bordered label. The Gran Selezione aged for at least 30 months.

All Chianti wines proudly bear the DOC/DOCG designation (Denominazione di Origine Controllata/Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), an Italian quality assurance introduced in 1963 and updated in 1992 by EU law. This status ensures the wines are produced within a specific region using prescribed methods and meeting stringent quality standards.

Since the 1970s, Tuscany has embraced modern winemaking techniques, giving rise to the Super Tuscans. These avant-garde wines, crafted from international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often aged in French barriques, initially bore the humble label of Vini da Tavola, or table wine, as they didn’t fit DOC/DOCG criteria but IGT (indicazione geografica tipica). However, these wines have since earned acclaim as some of Italy’s finest, with prices far exceeding those of typical table wines.

Lastly, Grappa deserves a mention. This potent pomace brandy, made from grape seeds, stalks, and stems left over from winemaking, contains between 37.5% and 60% alcohol. Traditionally enjoyed on its own or added as a shot to espresso, Grappa is a classic Italian digestif.

What type of wine is Tuscany famous for?

Tuscany is famed for its red wines, particularly those made from Sangiovese grapes, such as Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino. The region also produces Super Tuscans, which are modern blends of Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Is Tuscany wine good?

Tuscany wines are celebrated for their quality and distinctive flavours. The region's meticulous winemaking traditions and ideal growing conditions produce some of the world’s most revered wines.

What is the most popular wine in Tuscany?

The most popular wine in Tuscany is Chianti, especially Chianti Classico. Recognizable by the Gallo Nero symbol, it remains a staple of the Tuscany wine region.

Is Tuscany wine cheap or expensive?

Tuscany wines range from affordable to high-end. While some, like Chianti, can be relatively inexpensive, others, such as Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscans, are among Italy's most expensive wines.

What is a Super Tuscan wine?

A Super Tuscan wine is a modern style of wine originating from Tuscany, Italy. These wines are typically blends that include non-traditional grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, alongside Sangiovese. Super Tuscans gained fame for their high quality and innovation, though initially, they were labeled as Vini da Tavola, or table wines, due to their departure from traditional Italian wine regulations.

What is the most popular wine region in Tuscany?

The most popular wine region in Tuscany is the Chianti wine region. Located between Florence and Siena, it is renowned for producing Chianti and Chianti Classico wines, which are among the most celebrated wines in Italy and around the world.

Tuscany's wineries offer an exceptional experience for guests looking to explore the region's world-renowned wine production, and even sample the finished product straight from the source. The region's wineries are a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and make lasting memories during their time in Tuscany. Every winery is slightly different so you can choose the one that best fits what you are looking for – from independent, family-run vineyards to large, luxury estates, distributing globally. Whichever you choose, expect picturesque vineyards, guided tours, and wine tastings featuring celebrated varieties such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Located in Gaiole in Chianti, Castello di Brolio, owned by the Ricasoli family, is the most representative wine producer in the Chianti Classico wine area. The property covers 1,200 hectares, including almost 240 hectares of vineyards and 26 hectares of olive groves. Over the centuries, the castle has suffered attacks and deconstruction, leading to reconstruction and modification, witnessed in the different colours and marks of the castle's structure. 

At the foot of the castle lies the cellars of Barone Ricasoli, separated from the main body of the winery and used exclusively for winemaking. Below the castle, you will also find The Barone Ricasoli wine shop, home to the renovated old parts of the cellar, welcoming 50,000 visitors throughout the year and where the winery's tasting experience takes place. 

Visitors to the castle can discover the history of this magnificent estate through a guided tour of Brolio castle and the wines of Ricasoli. Wine tastings can be booked for small or large groups, offering an exciting way to learn and appreciate the Chianti area through its most famous wines. Why not even bring a part of the Chianti home and buy a bottle from the shop before you leave?    

Book a tour and wine tasting here: https://visit.ricasoli.com/en/61f80358d6ef8a0cd8588f51?lang=en

For wine tasting: +39 0577 730220


Address: Barone Ricasoli Spa Società Agricola Loc. Madonna a Brolio, 53013 Gaiole in Chianti (SI)
Tel: + 39 0577 7301
Web: https://www.ricasoli.com/en/

Castello di Ama dates back to 1976 when four families from Rome set out to restore a prestigious wine estate. Originally consisting of 55 hectares, the property has since grown to manage 75 hectares of vineyards and 40 hectares of olive groves located in Gaiole in Chianti. The valleys from which Castello di Ama wines come are within 1.5km of the winemaking cellar, annually producing about 320,000 bottles of wines, mostly under the denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita "Chianti Classico". Ama is also well-known for its art installations, a project that began in 2000, with installation occurring annually across the property's estate. 

Visitors to the estate can book a guided tour and tasting. Each visit begins with a walk in the village of Ama, home of the recently completed 'Arca', the building chosen to house the property's heritage and act as the new reception point for the castle. The second part of the experience is the tasting held in the Enotecta, which is open to the public to purchase from a selection of Castello di Amas great wines.


Address: Castello di Ama, Localita ama 53013 – Gaiole in Chianti (Siena)
Tel: +39 0577 746069
Web: https://castellodiama.com/en/

Tuscany, renowned for its wine production, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the region's wine culture with its vibrant wine festivals. Typically taking place in the autumn months, when the grape harvest occurs, towns across the Chianti bring wine producers, locals and tourists together to celebrate all things wine. 

In addition to wine tastings, these festivals often feature local cuisines, music, and cultural activities, emphasising the experience of Tuscan tradition. If you are visiting the region and based near a festival, we highly recommend going and immersing yourself in Tuscany's celebrated wine history and culture.

Radda nel Bicchiere is an initiative of the Proloco of Radda in Chianti, which brings the whole village to life, offering visitors and wine tourists a unique tasting experience of the wine produced in this charming Chianti village. More than 30 Raddese producers come to the festival to showcase their best labels for tasting.  

There is no reservation or online pre-sale needed to attend the event. Visitors can make their way to the dedicated wine glass sale points where, for €25, you will receive a wine glass and can taste more than 80 wines at the stands and a booklet containing the names of the participating producers and the wines available for tasting.

Restaurants and wine bars in the village also participate in the event, offering special menus for the occasion, detailed in the booklet.

*To take part in the guided seminar "Barbaresco in Radda: shared elegance" and tasting "Radda Vintage" this must be booked in advance.

Location: Radda in Chianti
Date: 25th – 26th May 2024
Web: https://www.raddanelbicchiere.net/en/

The Expo del Chianti Classico, organised by the Municipality of Greve in Chianti, brings together the producers of all the Municipalities of the Chianti Classico in one square. The event makes for a perfect opportunity to learn about the world-renowned wines of the area with a programme filled with artistic and cultural events, with the chance to meet winemakers, their vineyards and cellars.  

There is no need to book in advance and no online presales.  

On the event day, you can purchase a branded glass and glass holder strap for €15, including a tasting booklet. Inside, you will find seven tasting tickets, of which a maximum of four can be used at the producer's stands. The festival is also the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional Tuscan cuisine, with many restaurants and wine bars in the town and food stands in the Piazza Terra Madre.  

*To take part in the paid guided tasting this must be booked in advance 

Location: Greve in Chianti
Date: 5th – 8th September 2024
Web: https://www.expochianticlassico.com/

Vino al Vino has been running since 1995, bringing together the winemakers of Panzano and visitors who come to the town to discover the old and new vintages of Chianti Classico and all IGTs produced by companies in the Union. The Panzano Winemakers Union, containing 22 independent wineries in the Panzano area, was founded in 1995.  

The festival has always taken place in the Piazza Bucciarelli, where visitors can learn about the companies, their history, philosophy and products. Branded wine glasses and glass holder straps can be purchased for the whole three-day event for €30, with tastings taking place all day.  

Location: Panzano in Chianti
Date: Third weekend of September –13th to 15th September 2024
Web: https://viticoltoripanzano.com/vino-al-vino/

Festa dell'uva in Impruneta, founded in 1928, is held each year at the end of September in the Piazza Buondelmonti. Originally organised to promote the produce of the most important farms of the town, artisans and those called for the occasion to bring oxcarts decorated with white and black grapes. Since then, the event has grown, evolving into a spectacle that Italians and tourists attend annually.  

Today floats transform the town, depicting scenes that move and rotate, bringing the festival alive with colour. Whilst the event has transformed over the years, the foundations have not changed, emphasising sociality and solidarity. As well as the parade on the last Sunday of September, Impruneta comes alive throughout the month with events and initiatives linked to the grape festival.

Location: Impruneta, Florence
Date: Last Sunday of September – 29th September 2024
Web: https://festadelluvaimpruneta.it/