Tuscany: Wine diversity from Central Italy

When it comes to red wines from Italy, Tuscany wines are still at the forefront. This is partly due to the history of the growing region. But also to the different wine styles, some of which are world-famous. First and foremost Chianti Classico and Chianti, but also Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, all of which rely mainly or even exclusively on the Sangiovese grape variety. The red grape thrives in various varieties on an incredible 68% of the 63,600 hectares of vineyards. This is exactly what makes Tuscany the epicenter of Sangiovese in Italy. International styles also play a very important role due to the so-called Super Tuscans. This shows that Tuscany is very close to its homeland, but also cosmopolitan at the same time.

This has also grown historically. With its capital Florence, Tuscany was already a central financial and trading center in Europe in the Middle Ages. The Medici family shaped the region, as did noble families such as the Antinoris, who are still an integral part of the Tuscan wine market today. In addition, Cosimo III de' Medici created the world's first protected designation of origin, Chianti, in 1716. But let's now delve into Tuscan wines to get a thorough overview.

Tuscany wine: Good to know

Tuscany wine: geography and climate

In principle, Tuscany is quickly piped. The central Italian growing area borders Liguria and Emilia-Romagna to the north, Umbria to the east and Lazio to the south. Tuscany stretches along the entire west coast of central Italy. The climate here is mainly shaped by Mediterranean influences. In the east, Tuscany is shielded from the Adriatic Sea by the Apennine mountain range. The climate here is generally more continental. Since the summers can be very hot, the best vineyards are found on the typical Tuscan hills, where the temperatures are significantly lower at night. This means that the acidity and freshness in the grapes can be preserved.

In general, Tuscany can be roughly divided into three areas. In the north is the very large area with Chianti and Chianti Classico with the often striking mountains. The south is characterized by gentle hills and valleys. Here you will find the two DOCGs Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The west includes the entire coastal area - the Maremma. Wine-growing does not have as long a tradition here as in the north and south, but this does not change the fact that Tuscan wine from the Maremma is enjoying increasing popularity.

Tuscany: Protected designations of origin at a glance

Overall, Tuscany wines are divided into 6 IGP, 41 DOC and 11 DOCG areas. While Chianti, Brunello, Vino Nobile and Bolgheri are among the best-known designations of origin in Tuscany, DOCs such as Bianco di Pitigliano, Montescudaio and Moscadello di Montalcino are almost unknown outside of Italy. In order to give all protected designations of origin equal attention, you can now find them all here in an alphabetical overview:

Tuscany wine styles

84% of all Tuscan wines are red wines. Nevertheless, there are also renowned white and sweet wines from Tuscany. Below we list the most well-known wine styles sorted by color - and also provide the typical taste profile. This makes it easier for you to decide which Tuscan wines are relevant for your customers.

Red wines

• Bolgheri: Here we are dealing with the center of the so-called Super Tuscans. In other words, red wines that are primarily committed to the Bordeaux style. Accordingly, the two star grape varieties here are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In general, the wines cannot be tarred with the same brush in terms of style. However, they all have a strong body, lots of tannin, a gentle fruit and often a clear barrel note and herbal spice. Super Tuscans have long since established themselves and continue to enjoy great popularity with customers.
• Brunello di Montalcino: Only Sangiovese grapes may be used for a Brunello di Montalcino. The wines generally have a lot of tannin, a complex depth and shine with hints of black cherries and wild strawberries. The acidity is balanced. When young, the wine can still be a bit wild and stormy on the palate. Additional bottle aging is recommended.
• Chianti: Probably the best-selling Tuscan wine par excellence. The qualities range from the simple Annata to the Riserva version and the Gran Selezione. Here too, Sangiovese plays the main role, but other grape varieties are permitted. The wines range from fruity, fresh representatives with a present acidity to very balanced, profound and harmonious wines.
• Chianti Classico: Since 1996, Chianti Classico has officially no longer been part of the Chianti Greater Zone. In 2006, the production rules were also tightened - and since 2021, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione has also been allowed to indicate a location on the label if the grapes come exclusively from that location. 100% Sangiovese is possible, but not necessarily the rule. A Chianti Classico is usually a little more expensive than a Chianti. Perhaps a little more serious in terms of taste, but otherwise black cherries, strawberries and a lively acidity dominate here too.
• Rosso di Montalcino: The cheaper option if your customers cannot or do not want to afford a Brunello di Montalcino. As a rule, winemakers use Sangiovese grapes from their young vineyards. A Rosso is slimmer and fruitier than a Brunello and does not have nearly the same aging potential. However, it is a charming accompaniment to pizza, pasta, etc., and can be recommended to customers as an entry-level wine.
• Rosso di Montepulciano: Similar to Rosso di Montalcino, Rossi di Montepulciano is the "little brother" of Vino Nobile. Here, too, Sangiovese plays the main role. The winemakers also like to use grapes from the younger vineyards. The wine is great for beginners and is just as excellent a food accompaniment as Rosso di Montalcino. However, the wines are generally a little darker, more voluminous and even more balanced.
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: The “noble wine” from the south of Tuscany. Here 100% Sangiovese is a must. The wines have a higher alcohol content than, for example, a Chianti, are dark and have fine tannins. They are very balanced and harmonious wines that shine with dark and red fruits. These wines can also be stored very well.

White wines

• Vernaccia di San Gimignano: This is the only Tuscan white wine that has DOCG status. The main grape variety is Vernaccia, but the wine can also contain up to 15% other grape varieties such as Traminer, Muscat or Müller-Thurgau. The wine shines with charming fruity notes that develop a mineral touch as it matures. It is characterized by almond notes on the finish and the harmonious balance. The alcohol content is higher in the Riserva variant.
• Bianco dell’Empolese: This white wine consists of at least 60% Trebbiano. The wine appears in the glass in an intense straw yellow, but the smell and taste are very delicate and fine. A wine that is an insider tip and is ideal as a summer wine.
• Bolgheri: The Bolgheri Bianco is also a white wine from the Super Tuscan region. Vermentino makes up up to 70% of the cuvée - complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Trebbiano. The wines smell of citrus fruits and white flowers. Fresh and round on the palate, often with a hint of honey or herbs. As the wine matures, it also develops mineral notes.
• Maremma Toscano Bianco: The wines can be produced both as a cuvée and as a single variety. Trebbiano and Vermentino are required for the Bianco blend. Ansonica and the international grapes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are also used for the varietal wines. There is therefore no uniform taste profile.

Rosé and sparkling wines

Tuscany wines in detail

Tuscany: Economic factor wine

At the beginning of 2024, the Italian statistics office ISTAT announced that the export of Tuscan wines had fallen. By up to 15% - depending on the style of wine. This report is not unusual. This phenomenon repeats itself regularly. In the 1960s, wines from Tuscany did indeed have a hard time on the international markets - and also in their own country. The quality was quite low. With the emergence of the Super Tuscans, which took the international wine world by storm, an unprecedented quality offensive began in Tuscany in the 1970s. Above all with Chianti and Chianti Classico. But also with all other wines.

Wine quality has been stable since 1996 - with further boosts in 2006 and 2021. The fact that export volumes keep varying is due to the well-known yo-yo effect: producers increase the prices of their wines at regular intervals. Up to a certain point, retailers go along with this - and then simply stop ordering wine. The wineries then reduce their prices again - and importers line up again. This yo-yo effect has now become a tradition. Demand from consumers, however, has been relatively constant for many decades. Wines from Tuscany are therefore a reliable bet for every wine merchant.

Your selling points for Tuscan wines

• Due to the great reputation, the majority of the red wines do not need any explanation
• Some of them have a very good price-performance ratio
• Every quality level is served
• Broad taste spectrum in the red wines
• Fantastic food accompaniment