Bolgheri Sassicaia

The Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 2015 was considered the best wine of the year by Wine Spectator in 2018. It is produced using 85% French grapes, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc, in a region where Sangiovese is the main grape variety. This wine is the result of a remarkable intuition by the Marquis Incisa della Rocchetta, who planted Bordeaux grapes in rocky soil. In fact, “Sassicaia” means rocks or stones in Italian. It is the only Italian wine to have its own DOC classification for a single vineyard. Before receiving the DOC classification, the wine was labeled as an IGT and referred to as a Super Tuscan by an American journalist.

Brunello di Montalcino

The wine known as Brunello, derived from the Italian word for brown, is produced in Montalcino. Its name originates from the wine’s distinct red-brown color. Brunello is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes and undergoes a minimum aging period of 3 years, although it reaches its peak after 6 or 7 years. In 1980, Brunello became the first wine in Italy to be awarded the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status. The establishment of Brunello di Montalcino can be attributed to the Biondi Santi family. During a lunch with Queen Elizabeth, the Italian president served a Brunello from 1955. The Brunello Riserva from 1955 was honored by Wine Spectator as one of the 12 best wines of the century, specifically among Italian wines.

Tignanello

Tignanello is another renowned Super Tuscan wine that has received numerous awards from the prestigious magazine, Wine Spectator. Unlike Sassicaia, which is exclusively crafted using French grapes, Tignanello incorporates the Sangiovese grape, the most widely grown grape variety in Italy. It was the pioneer Sangiovese wine to undergo aging in barrique barrels. Additionally, Tignanello broke new ground in the Chianti area by deviating from the traditional inclusion of white grapes and opting for international grape varieties instead. The name “Tignanello” is believed to have originated from “Tinia,” the Etruscan counterpart of the god Jupiter.

Chianti Classico

Chianti is probably the most famous red wine from Italy. It originates from the hilly region situated between Florence and Siena. The earliest documented mention of the Chianti wine region dates back to 1716. Presently, Chianti is divided into seven subregions. The wine produced in the original area is referred to as Chianti Classico and can be recognized by the iconic symbol of the black rooster (or gallo nero in Italian) on its label. Chianti Classico holds the distinction of being one of the first wines to be regulated, with production guidelines established as early as the 18th century. The traditional bottle associated with Chianti wine is the “Fiasco.”

Nobile di Montepulciano

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is recognized as one of the oldest wines in Italy. Its name, Nobile di Montepulciano, has been documented since 789 AD. This wine is primarily produced using the Sangiovese grape variety, which is referred to as Prugnolo Gentile in the Montepulciano region, and blended with other local grape varieties found in the area.

Morellino di Scansano

Morellino di Scansano is produced in the Maremma region, specifically in the area of Scansano. The term “Morellino” is the local name given to the Sangiovese grape, derived from the grape’s dark color. Morellino di Scansano holds the distinction of being the most recent wine in Tuscany to be granted DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status. It boasts a rounded flavor profile with comparatively lower tannin levels when compared to wines like Brunello or Nobile di Montepulciano. This is due to its shorter aging period in barrels.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a white wine produced in the region of San Gimignano, situated between Siena, Florence, and Pisa. San Gimignano, a real jewel of the Middle Ages, can be likened to a modern-day New York with its towering structures that bear resemblance to contemporary skyscrapers. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is known for its pronounced acidity and a bouquet with hints of yellow fruits.

Vin Santo

Vin Santo is a dessert wine made from dried grapes. These grapes are vinified during the Easter week, which is possibly the reason behind its name, “Vin Santo” meaning Holy Wine. Another legend suggests that during the Middle Ages, a monk would offer this sacred wine to victims of the plague, hence the name. The third legend relates to a monk who mentioned that the wine came from Xantum, an ancient Greek city. However, the people misunderstood “Santo” instead of “Xantum,” leading to the wine’s name. In Tuscany, it is common for many families to enjoy Vin Santo along with Cantucci, which are almond biscuits, after a meal.

Most famous Wines Tuscany

Most famous Wines Tuscany

Most famous Wines Tuscany