Wines of the region : Tuscany
Chianti
DOCG since the 1st november of 1984.
The Chianti, has long been distinguished as a symbol of fine Italian wine, a respected product of Tuscan wine culture. Chianti wine is produced on eight vast territories, at the heart of this region lies the origins of the Classico wine variety. Each bottle is named after these sub-regions, the most prestigious being the Chianti Classico. The Association of Chianti Classico producers take pride in their black rooster emblem found on every bottle and guarantees its authenticity. The biggest similarity of Chianti wines to other traditional Tuscan red wines is they are produced from Sangiovese grapes. In the past, grape varieties were often mixed, but today they put an accent on Sangiovese or Sangioveto, which deserve to be classified among one of the most noble vines of Italy and the world.
The Chianti, has long been distinguished as a symbol of fine Italian wine, a respected product of Tuscan wine culture. Chianti wine is produced on eight vast territories, at the heart of this region lies the origins of the Classico wine variety. Each bottle is named after these sub-regions, the most prestigious being the Chianti Classico. The Association of Chianti Classico producers take pride in their black rooster emblem found on every bottle and guarantees its authenticity. The biggest similarity of Chianti wines to other traditional Tuscan red wines is they are produced from Sangiovese grapes. In the past, grape varieties were often mixed, but today they put an accent on Sangiovese or Sangioveto, which deserve to be classified among one of the most noble vines of Italy and the world.
Brunello di Montalcino
DOCG since 15 november 1980.
The first bottles of Brunello di Montalcino were put on sale from January 1st, 1985. The DOCG "Brunello di Montalcino" is reserved from red wine obtained from Sangiovese grapes harvested in the Montalcino municipality in the province of Siena. Brunello producers also make wines under DOC: the Rosso di Montalcino - a younger wine from Sangiovese grapes, and the Moscadello di Montalcino - a sweet white wine from Moscato, including a whole range of wines under the Sant' Antimo label.
The first bottles of Brunello di Montalcino were put on sale from January 1st, 1985. The DOCG "Brunello di Montalcino" is reserved from red wine obtained from Sangiovese grapes harvested in the Montalcino municipality in the province of Siena. Brunello producers also make wines under DOC: the Rosso di Montalcino - a younger wine from Sangiovese grapes, and the Moscadello di Montalcino - a sweet white wine from Moscato, including a whole range of wines under the Sant' Antimo label.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
DOCG since 1980.
Developed from a type of Sangiovese called Prugnolo Gentile, Vino Nobile was named several centuries ago as homage to its status among the nobles. Forgotten for decades, Vino Nobile made an impressive come-back as a DOCG reinstating honor to its name. This regions wine growers also produce DOC Rosso di Montepulciano, a younger sexier alternative to Vino Nobile.
Developed from a type of Sangiovese called Prugnolo Gentile, Vino Nobile was named several centuries ago as homage to its status among the nobles. Forgotten for decades, Vino Nobile made an impressive come-back as a DOCG reinstating honor to its name. This regions wine growers also produce DOC Rosso di Montepulciano, a younger sexier alternative to Vino Nobile.
Carmignano
The Carmignano merits special attention because it received a "decree of protection" by the Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1716. Today this rare red stemming from Sangiovese and Cabernet was propelled up
wine ranks to be listed as a DOCG, while the red Barco Reale and other Carmignano wines remained DOC.
Pomino
Quoted in the decree of 1716, Pomino is an altitude DOC and red wine blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, add to that a special white blend with elements of Chardonnay and Pinot. Among
different varieties of red DOC wine, the Morellino di Scansano, produced on the coastal windswept hills of Maremma is rising.
The production of top range alternative wines started trending in the 1970s, later becaming an essential factor in the revolution and development of red wines in Tuscany. These cult wines, which are known as super-Tuscans, continue to prosper.
The production of top range alternative wines started trending in the 1970s, later becaming an essential factor in the revolution and development of red wines in Tuscany. These cult wines, which are known as super-Tuscans, continue to prosper.
Sassicaia
Made from Cabernet, Sassicaia convinced the world in the 1970s that Italy could make modern red wines. It is now listed as a DOC under the name Bolgheri. The blend of Sangiovese Cabernet de
Tignanello stood as a model of new Tuscan style of red wines aged in small oak barrels rather than in conventional old barrels, consequently red wines stemming from Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir
were born.