Tuscany, or Toscana, is the quintessential Italian wine region, a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, cypress trees, and ancient vineyards. It is the spiritual home of the Sangiovese grape, which is the heart and soul of its most famous wines, including Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Renowned for its savory, food-friendly red wines, Tuscany is a region where tradition and innovation meet, producing some of the most iconic and age-worthy wines in the world.
Region Type DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), DOC, IGT
Famous For Sangiovese-based red wines, Super Tuscans
Red Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
White Vermentino, Trebbiano, Vernaccia
Climate Mediterranean, with warm days and cool nights
Soil Types Galestro (friable clay schist), Albarese (clay-limestone), clay, sand
Geography & Climate
Located in central Italy, Tuscany is a hilly region with a long coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Apennine Mountains to the east provide a barrier from continental weather, while coastal breezes moderate the summer heat.
This classic Mediterranean climate, combined with the region’s rolling hills, provides a multitude of microclimates and elevations. The famous “Galestro” and “Albarese” soils are key to the structure and aromatic profile of its Sangiovese-based wines.
Tuscan winemaking dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC and was later expanded by the Romans. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, wine became a cornerstone of Tuscan culture and commerce, with noble families like the Antinori and Frescobaldi establishing winemaking dynasties that continue to this day.
The modern era was defined by the establishment of the Chianti Classico zone in 1716 and, in the 1970s, the “Super Tuscan” movement, where rebellious producers defied DOC rules by blending Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a new category of world-class Italian wine.
The historic heartland of the Chianti region, known for producing the highest quality Sangiovese-based wines.
A small, prestigious zone around the town of Montalcino, producing powerful, 100% Sangiovese wines that must be aged for a minimum of four years.
A coastal region famous for its Bordeaux-style blends (Super Tuscans) made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
A historic appellation producing elegant, Sangiovese-based reds (known locally as Prugnolo Gentile).
Sangiovese is the star, producing wines with high acidity, firm tannins, and savory flavors of cherry, leather, tomato leaf, and earth. Chianti Classico is the benchmark, known for its vibrant and food-friendly character. Brunello di Montalcino is a more powerful, 100% Sangiovese wine built for long aging, while Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers a plush and aromatic expression. Super Tuscans are bold red blends, often mixing Sangiovese with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah.
While less famous, Tuscany produces crisp and refreshing white wines. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is the most notable, a crisp, mineral-driven white with almond notes. Coastal Vermentino is also popular, offering zesty, aromatic wines.
One of the world's oldest family-owned wine companies, producers of the iconic Super Tuscans Tignanello and Solaia.
The estate credited with inventing Brunello di Montalcino, known for incredibly long-lived, traditional wines.
The producer of Sassicaia, the original Super Tuscan that ignited the Bolgheri wine revolution.
A historic Florentine noble family with estates across Tuscany's top appellations.
A benchmark organic producer in the heart of Chianti Classico, known for its pure and powerful Sangiovese.
Italy 
0Grape Varieties