The Wines of Tuscany
Tuscany's winemaking has on one of the most ancient traditions that predates the universally known Chianti wine.
Wild vines grew all over the sunny rolling hills of Tuscany since the Etruscan age.
The hilly soil and the weather conditions are ideal for grape growing and the various types of grapes grown gave rise to some rare and much loved varieties.
Actually , the most grown variety is the Sangiovese, which is often mixed with small amounts of locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and other grapes into marvellous blends such as the Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano, Carmignano which probably are the best known Italian wines in the world. Other grapes grown here are the Mammolo, Malvasia, Colorino, Raspirosso, Gamay, Grand Noir, Barbera, Moscatello, Aleatico and Vernaccia.
You can find in the region over thirty DOC and half a dozen DOCG of red wines and amazing white wines such as Bianco d'Elba, from the Elba Island, Bianco di Bolgheri, Vermentino, Bianco di Pitigliano and Bianco di Val di Nievole In addition to the great, well-known and appreciated Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Last but not least, we can't forget the famous Vin Santo, or “Holy Wine”, a dessert delicacy usually made from Trebbiano grapes that have been left to dry in an airy place until the start of Holy Week before being made into wine.