Best Tuscan Wine Destinations

Experience the Richness of Tuscan Wine Country

Visiting Tuscany presents a cornucopia of activities. Touring quaint Tuscan towns, uncovering ancient ruins, and marveling at historical monuments is only the beginning. A quintessential element of any Tuscan visit combines Italy’s pride in its culinary legacy: food and wine. Thankfully, numerous destinations across Tuscany cater to the wine enthusiast, promising to fulfill the fantasies of red and white wine connoisseurs alike.

Savor the Reds: Top Destinations for Wine Lovers

So where are the best Tuscan destinations for wine tourism? The iconic Tuscan wine tour from Florence to the Chianti region is a must.  Chianti region,  a stone’s throw from the illustrious city of Florence, beckons travelers with its plethora of vineyards strewn across the rolling hillsides. Here is where you will find the Sangiovese grape The Sangiovese grape reigns supreme here, accompanied by red varietals like Canaiolo and Colorino, along with international types. Notable communes within the Chianti Classico belt include Radda, Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, and Gaiole, each offering their own unique vignette of the Tuscan wine experience.

Beyond Chianti: Montalcino and Montepulciano’s Elixir

Yet, Tuscany’s wine narrative extends beyond Chianti. The prestigious wines of Montalcino and Montepulciano, south of Siena, offer a distinct expression of the Sangiovese grape. The Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, cultivated in these revered territories, owe their distinction to specific clones, terroir, and aging processes. Adherence to stringent DOCG regulations is why these wines stand out as extraordinary symbols of the region’s winemaking prowess.

Bolgheri: Coastal Vines and Super Tuscan Pioneers

For lovers of the sea and Tuscany’s coastline you will want to venture to the Bolgheri wine region in the Maremma just south of Livorno. Bolgheri is the home of the first Super Tuscan wine produced under the famous Antinori family with their prestigious Tignanello. Super Tuscans are wines produced primarily from Sangiovese with other international varieties blended in whether it is either Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Cabernet Franc. Today you can find  being grown all over Tuscany.

Maremma: A Sangiovese Sanctuary

Also within the Maremma you will find other Sangiovese based wines including those of Morellino di Scansano. In this case Morellino is a clone of Sangiovese with Scansano being the town from where it is grown. This area has unique soils rich in marine fossils and volcanic matter. A warmer climate than its more northern Tuscan neighbors, you will find fruit-forward wines with soft elegance and good acidity.

A White Wine Haven in Tuscany

So you might be saying to yourself that everything we have mentioned are red wines. Does Tuscany produce white wines? Absolutely! The medieval tower filled town of San Gimignano in the heart of Tuscany produces the popular Vernaccia di San Gimignano. You will also discover Vermentino, Trebbiano typically used in blending, and in the Maremma you will discover Bianco di Pitigliano.

Conclusion: Your Tuscan Wine Journey Awaits

As you can see Tuscany has plenty of red wines, white wines and even some dessert wines with the intriguing Vinsanto that are awaiting your exploration and consumption. As you chart your next Italian getaway, include a Florence Wine Tour in your itinerary and immerse yourself in the diverse and sumptuous wine regions of Tuscany.