What can we say about Tuscany, that hasn’t already been said? Tuscany is the region tourists flock to when they want to live the Italian dream—lofty, sprawling wine estates, acres of undulating vineyards, and ancient stone cities piled high like wedding cakes on every tall hill. Not that this isn’t Italy—it’s just a very well trod Italy.

In addition to being the capital of tourism, Tuscany is the center of Sangiovese, the spicy red grape that gives life to Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Tuscany claims some 40 appellations dedicated to winemaking; it is second only to Piedmont in number. Sangiovese is also a grape with many aliases, and, depending on its terroir, different personalities. In Montalcino, Sangiovese is known as “brunello,” or the “little brown one.” Brunello is often a darker, deeper, more muscular wine that benefits from time in the cellar. In Montepulciano, this red grape is called “prugnolo nobile,” and offers softer and rounder flavors in wine.

Chianti likes to call its grape simply Sangiovese, which imparts a bright acidity and fresh, cherry flavors to wine.  In the past, the name Chianti, unfortunately, was much maligned by over-zealous producers and clichéd bottles wrapped in a wicker basket. A handful of winemakers in the late 70s rebelled against lazy tradition, however, and wanted to create something truly “super.” Blending Sangiovese with French varietals Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, these winemakers started the “Super Tuscan” trend, wines that fell outside the Italian DOC system but captured the imagination and excited the taste buds of wine lovers around the world.  

Tuscany isn’t without its share of crisp white wines, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike in the many trattorias which line the medieval squares of Siena and San Gimignano. One of the most planted grapes in Italy, Trebbiano lends its crisp delicate nature to many bottles of enjoyable, light white wines. The hills surrounding the ancient city of San Gimignano are renowned in history as well as Dante’s epic poetry for its Vernaccia, a grape that is redolent of Asian pears and white peaches, with a refreshing acidity.