Tuscany is a region in central Italy known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and, most importantly, its fantastic wines. Tuscan wines are renowned worldwide for their quality, taste, and prestige.

Wines from Tuscany have a long history and a rich cultural heritage. The region has been producing wine for over 2000 years, and wine production is an integral part of the region's culture and economy. Tuscany is especially known for its red wines, traditionally made from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes. However, over time, international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah have also gained prominence.

Climate and Terroir

The region's climate and terroir play a significant role in the quality and flavor expression of the wines. The climate is warm and dry, with significant temperature variations between day and night. This is due, in part, to the hilly terrain of most of Tuscany, which places many vineyards at slightly higher altitudes, creating a cooler microclimate. This creates ideal conditions for grape cultivation, as the grapes mature slowly and develop a high concentration of flavor and aroma.

The terroir is also unique and varies from area to area. Some areas have calcareous soils, while others have more clayey soil. This affects the taste and structure of the wines and contributes to the complexity among Tuscan wines.

Famous Tuscan Wine Types

Wines from Tuscany are among the most beloved and sought-after in the world. Some of the most well-known types of wine from Tuscany include:

Chianti - An Iconic Tuscan Wine
Chianti is synonymous with both the wine region and the wine itself, which is among the most iconic in all of Italy. Chianti is divided into different subzones, with the most famous being Chianti Classico, featuring the small black rooster as its symbol. Wines from Chianti are mainly produced from the Sangiovese grape using traditional methods, including barrel aging. This gives Chianti wines a characteristic flavor profile with notes of red and black cherries, cherry stones, spices, and forest undertones.
Brunello di Montalcino - A King Among Wines
Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most prestigious wine types from Tuscany. This red wine is made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, specifically Sangiovese Grosso, which originates here. The wines are known for their depth, complexity, and ability to age beautifully. The climate here is slightly warmer than in Chianti, influencing the flavor more towards black cherries, plums, dried spices, liqueur, and often with both animal, vegetable, and medicinal elements at play. The rich and intense wines of Brunello di Montalcino are among the world's finest and are highly recommended to explore further.
Supertuscans - A Modern Innovation
Supertuscan wines are a concept born in Tuscany for wines that experimented with being entirely or partially based on international grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Historically, these wines broke with the traditional rules of Tuscan classifications that prescribe a high proportion, if not exclusively, of Sangiovese. Over the years, these Supertuscans have become extremely popular, and several wineries have become famous for their achievements with international grape varieties. Take, for example, Tenuta San Guido with their wine Sassicaia, which earned a perfect 100 point score from the renowned wine critic Robert Parker as early as 1985.
Sassicaia has since become a great success and inspired other wine producers to experiment with new grape varieties and techniques. Just like the wine's creator, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, did back in 1968 when he chose to include Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which were otherwise not allowed according to Tuscany's wine regulations at the time. As a result, the wine had to be released under the lower IGT classification, which was a bold move that caught the attention of many winemakers.

Fast-forward in time and looking at the biggest and most prestigious Supertuscans, there are now several remarkable wine producers that stand out. These producers have gained international recognition for their exceptional quality. Here are some of the most significant producers whose wines you can also find for sale on ShareWine:

Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia): Tenuta San Guido, located in Bolgheri, remains a leading producer of Supertuscan wine and is most famous for their iconic wine, Sassicaia. This wine has been a pioneer in the category and is widely recognized as one of the world's finest wines. However, the estate's second wine Guidalberto, is also highly acclaimed.
Antinori Family (Tignanello, Solaia, Guado al Tasso): The Antinori family has a long history in winemaking and is one of Italy's most respected. Their wines, Tignanello and Solaia, are among the most prestigious Tuscan wines on the market, known for their complexity and elegance.
Solder (Case Basse): The winemaker Soldera, located in the picturesque Tuscany region, specifically Montalcino, has achieved an impressive status through a combination of deep passion, dedication to quality, and a unique approach to winemaking.
Ornellaia: Ornellaia is another significant producer in the category, also located in Bolgheri. Their wines have achieved broad recognition and are known for their depth, structure, and finesse.

These wineries are just a few examples of the many excellent producers of the so called Supertuscans. Each of these producers have contributed to establishing the category as one of the most prestigious, rather than an "underdog" in the world of wine.

Whether you prefer the classic charm of Chianti, the refined quality of Brunello di Montalcino, or the bold innovation of Supertuscans, there are plenty of great wine experiences you can acquire here on the marketplace. Explore the opportunities for high quality purchases and rare cult wines for sale right now.

Popular Wineries

Tuscany has many famous wineries that attract thousands of wine enthusiasts every year. These places are not only renowned for their wines but also for their beautiful landscapes and historical significance. Some of the most popular wineries in Tuscany include:

Castello Banfi: Castello Banfi is a large winery located in the Montalcino area. It produces some of Tuscany's most famous wines, including Brunello di Montalcino.
Antinori: Antinori is one of the oldest and most respected wineries - and today, wine estate owners - in Tuscany. It has a long history and is known for its Chianti Classico wines and Supertuscans.
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is an exclusive winery located in the Bolgheri area.

These wineries are known not only for their wines but also for their impressive architecture and history. They attract visitors from all over the world who want to experience Tuscany's wine production and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wine from Tuscany

Which grapes are used to make wine from Tuscany?

Tuscany's red wines are typically made from Sangiovese, but other local grape varieties such as Montepulciano, among others, are also used, as well as international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

Which food pairs best with Tuscan wines?

Many people love Tuscan wines because they pair so well with Italian cuisine. For example, Chianti is a perfect companion for classic Tuscan meat dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina, while Brunello di Montalcino is ideal for red meat and game. Additionally, Sangiovese generally pairs well with grilled meat, pasta dishes with tomato sauce, dishes with cheese and herbs. Supertuscans are also known as excellent food wines. Their complexity and intensity can balance and enhance the flavor of many different dishes and can be an excellent companion to red meat and game.

What are the benefits of buying wines from Tuscany on auction?

There are many benefits to buying wine from Tuscany on auction. When you buy wine on auction, you have the opportunity to find rare and sought after wines that may be difficult to find elsewhere. You can bid on wines that may be produced in limited quantities or have been stored for many years by other collectors, thus finding ready-to-drink wines. This is ideal if you want to build a collection or try Tuscan wines from different vintages to compare and experience the variation in the wine's taste and character.

How long can wines from Tuscany be stored?

Wines from Tuscany can generally be stored for many years and will often improve with age. The Sangiovese grape, in particular, has good aging potential as it contains both high acidity and tannins. However, it's worth noting, as with all wines, that the aging potential is always linked to the quality of the specific wine. How long wines from Tuscany can age can vary from a few years to several decades, depending on factors such as the age of the vines and the production method.