Tuscany is particularly famed for its rolling hills, so south-facing slopes are not difficult to find and flatlands almost non-exsistent. Hence entry entry level wines they leave to the Venetians.
Toscana
Grapes
Aleatico
Description
Probably Tusan in origin but found in most areas of Italy. Grown especially on the coast of Tuscany and on Elba. May have evolved from a seed where Muscat grapes wrere plentiful therefore developing its own characteristics. AKA Livatica, Liatica, it is a low yielding, non vigorous red variety and hence unpopular amoung growers but some call it a true Muscat but the gentlest of all the types. Most examples of wines are of the sweet (red) style.
Principle Wines
Val di Cornia, Sovana, Elba
Ansonica
Description
AKA Insolia in Sicily. A spicy, nutty nose is typical as is a juicy, lemony palate producing a more Southern European style white wine. On Elba it produces also sweet and sparkling wines
Principle Wines
Elba, Costa dell'Argentario, Isola del Grigio
Canaiolo Nero
Description
Vitis Vinifera Etrusca (as cited by Gallesi 1839), gives an idea of its pedigree although being reduced to a blending with Sangiovese in the last century. Its recent demise can be attributed to ill-suited rootstock and clonal selection in the post phyloxera age, implying that beforehand it was of a better quality and has a better potential for the future. Some producers are now turning their attention to this historic Tuscan variety, including it in their Chianti blends and abandoning the international element.
Principle Wines
Blends of Chianti, Chianti Classico, Montecarlo, San Gimignano
Ciliegiolo
Description
Ciliegia is Cherry in Italian – while many grapes have this aroma this is the only one with its namesake, perhaps for its berry appearance rather than perfume. Said to have been imported to Italy by a Pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela in the 19th Century. Usually found in blends, the varietal version, when found, can have a quintessential Tuscan character of bright cherry fruit, fresh and fruity for earlier drinking.
Principle Wines
Montecarlo, Montecucco
Colorino
Description
A variety whose Tuscan roots go far back in time and is said to still grow wild in the Valarno area upriver from Florence. It is small berried and has small bunches (different from Canaiolo which has bigger berries and more compact bunches). As the name suggests its skin is packed with Anthocyanins. Usual therefore as a blend to give colour to lesser clones of Sangiovese. It is becoming ever more preferred in modern blends to the internationals alternatives.
Principle Wines
In traditional Chianti blends
Malvasia Bianca
Description
Great confusion abounds with the origins and identity of this grape. Malvasia is a catch all name for a group of varieties whose scions perhaps originiated in the same Greek locality (the Peloponnesian port of Monemvasia). In truth, the Venetians in the middle ages transported various wines, sweet, dry, aromatic and non under the general name Malvasia – perhaps the reason for the disparity.
Principle Wines
Vin Santo
Malvasia Nera
Description
Soft, semi-aromatic variety, found mostly in Puglia (and Piemonte), presumably related to the vast array of other Malvasias around the world but this is not definitive. Used in small proportions in blends
Principle Wines
Principally found in the Occhio di Pernice ("red" vin santo) blend.
Mammolo
Description
Mammola means violet in Italian and is used to lift Sangiovese in some Tuscan blends. Has pretty good aromatic potential but is rare.
Principle Wines
Rare – in some central Tuscan blends and Montepulciano
Moscadello
Description
Tuscan (Montalcino version) of Moscato similar to the Moscato of Asti. And making a similar wine.
Principle Wines
Moscadello di Montalcino
Moscato Rosa
Description
See Alto Adige
Principle Wines
See Alto Adige
Sangiovese
Description
The Italian grape par excellence, blazing a trail for all of its brothers – tannic and acidic with bright sour cherry fruit. Comes from the latin
Principle Wines
Commonly found in many Tuscan blends and some Chianti Classico + and varietal IGTs
Trebbiano
Description
Ubiquitous in Tuscany making vast quantities of mediocre quality Pliny refered to Vinum Trebulanum in his Naturalis Historia (but located it near Capua, Campania). It is found widely in France as Ugni Blanc and is attributed to the medieval movement in the middle ages of popes artists. Trebbiano, found in various parts of the world is usually of Tuscan origin, being dependable and generous at harvest. The bunches are large and tend towards a bronze colour when ripe. Due to its history and popularity it has assumed various names in other territories: Trebbiano Fiorentino Bianco, Procanico, Biancone, Trebbianone, Bombino Bianco. It is also present (implicitly in most cases) in Soave, Valdadige, Trebbiano di Romagna, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Verdicchio, Orvieto, Frascati, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and many other DOCs (such as Alcamo in Sicily)
Principle Wines
Commonly found in Tuscan whites
Vermentino
Description
According to some Tuscan sources it originated in Southern Spain (Palomino? Although very different) arrived in Corsica (where it is named Malvasia Grossa in the North of the Island) and landed first in Liguria where it migrated south to Tuscany and westwards to France (Rolle). There is a different version in Sardinia. Noted for its oily texture and "good" mouthfeel and firmly lemony acidity when made well.
Principle Wines
Bolgheri Bianco, Bolgheri Vermentino, Candia dei Colli Apuiani, Colli dei Luni Bianco. + blended in various Western Tuscan DOCs.
Major Appellations DOCG/DOC
Bolgheri DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
On the Tuscan coast about half way up lies the “California” of the Italian wine dream. On the back of the Sassicaia phenomenon, much frenzied investment and plantings have taken place from the Italian great and good. Many wines from this area have chosen to opt out of DOC restrictions, favouring igt status and giving forth the notion of the Super Tuscan. However, the Super Tuscan is no longer perceived as that super so producers are resetting their wines, some under this appellation. Bianco – Blends of Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Sauvignon and other white varieties, local and international. Rosso – blends of Sangiovese with mostly French varieties of the Cabernets, Syrah, and Merlot. The style is distinctly international especially with use of French oak Varietal – Sauvignon,Vermentino Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years.
Principle Wines
Trebbiano toscano, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
Description
A "political" DOC made especially for the eponymous iconic wine whose previously life was an IGT and a VDT. The flagship wine from Tenuta San Guido, brainchild of the Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta (father of current owner Nicolo') whose wife (the sister of Piero Antinori's mother) inherited it as part of the Gherardesca estates (of Longobard origins). The wine later achieved iconic status by Mr. Parker givining the 1985 100 points – Italy's first. This was under direction of the then Antinori winemaker Giacomo Tachis.
Principle Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon 85%, Cabernet Franc 15%. 35 Hl/Ha
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Description
One of the grand Italian wines, developed in the 19th Century by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi from a clone of Sangiovese known as Sangiovese Grosso or locally Brunello. One of the first varietal Tuscan wines for ageing. Ageing is for 50 months for the normale and 62 months for the riserva. There is no real concept of sottozona or cru yet but this will no doubt emerge as vast new vineyards on new sites are planted. The main localities are: Montalcino, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Sant'Angelo in Colle, Tavernelle, Camigliano.
Principle Wines
Sangiovese
Carmignano DOCG
Description
Although a DOC in 1975, the wines from Carmignano have been officially regulated for 300 years: Duke Cosimo III de' Medici in 1714. This red wine, to the west of Florence, has a dinstinct international character with international grapes permitted but its 50% Sangiovese renders it quintessentially Tuscan.
Principle Wines
Sangiovese 50% Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo bianco, Malvasia del Chianti
Chianti Classico DOCG
Description
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Principle Wines
This is one of the most historic delimited wine areas originally enacted in law in the 18th Century by the Grand Duke Cosimo III.
Chianti DOCG
Description
One of Italy's most historical and famous wines. Although medieval in origin and the method delineated by Baron Ricasoli, the Consortium was founded in 1929 and in 1967 the DOCG was born. The rules governing grapes have changed through the decades according to fashion but now Sangiovese can be from 70% to 100% of the blend. White grapes not more than 10% and international grapes not more than 15%. Chianti is further classified into satellite areas where the Normal, Supeiore (higher abv) and Riserva (aged 24 months) versions exist for all: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Pisanesi, Montalbano, Rufina
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Cabernet Savignon and Cabernet Franc.
Elba DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Rosso/ Rosato – Sangiovese and other local varieties Bianco – Trebbiano Toscano aka Procanico Varietal – Ansonica, Aleatico, Moscato Vin Santo – Procanico, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. Island off the Tuscan coast with ancient winemaking history from the Etruscans and Romans – Pliny the Elder calling it Insula Vini Ferax.
Principle Wines
Sangiovese (Sangioveto), Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), Ansonica Bianca, Aleatico, Moscato Bianco, Malvasia Bianca Malvasia Nera
Montecarlo DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Bianco - Trebbiano toscano, Semillon, Pinot grigio, Pinot Bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Roussane. Rosso - Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Nera, Syrah Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Vin Santo - Trebbiano toscano, Semillon, Pinot grigio, Pinot bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Roussane Vin Santo Occhio di pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino. Around Lucca in the North West of Tuscany this is a source for rather offpiste whites, with varying elevage techniques usuing Tuscan, Rhone, Bordeaux varities. Plus the usual Tuscan mishmash of reds
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Nera, Syrah Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Trebbiano toscano, Semillon, Pinot grigio, Pinot bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Roussane
Montecucco DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Bianco - Predominately Trebbiano Toscano but a host of other white varieties. Rosso - Predominately Sangiovese but a host of other red varieties Varietal – Sangiovese, Vermentino This recent DOC is south of Montalcino towards the Tuscan coast.
Principle Wines
Predominately Sangiovese but a host of other red varieties, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino
Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Bianco - Toscano,Vermentino, Ansonica, Malvasia Bianca Rosso/ Rosato - Sangiovese Vermentino Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. An extended zone around Grosseto on the southern Tuscan coast.
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Trebbiano Toscano,Vermentino, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Ansonica.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
Description
From the so called southern Maremma - the southern Tuscan coast, south of Grosseto, where this red wine brims with sour cherry and fruity acidity. Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese. Sacnzano is the name of the town which has more history than its neighbours where of late there has been frenzied planting and speculation up and down the Maremma
Principle Wines
Sangiovese minimum 85%. Other red varities including local and international, including Grenache and Alicante.
Moscadello di Montalcino DOC
Description
Within the Montalcino appellation, there has been an ancient tradition of making sweet froathy wine from Muscat grapes rather similar to the Piedmontese version but here called Muscadello.
Principle Wines
Moscato d'Alessandria
Pomino DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Bianco - Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon + other locals Rosso - Sangiovese, Pinot nero, Merlot + other locals Varietal – Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero Vin Santo - Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon + other locals
Principle Wines
Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Pinot nero, Merlot
Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Description
Brunello's little brother is usually a lot livelier than its big brother with a nervy structure and sweet, sour cherry fruit. In good years it can truly be said to be a mini Brunello although it ages for only 10 months before release.
Principle Wines
Brunello aka Sangiovese Grosso
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
Description
Nobile wine declassed for higher yields, younger vines or lesser vineyard areas.
Principle Wines
Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Malvasia Nera plus Cabernet and Merlot
San Gimignano DOC
Description
Rosso/ Rosato – Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero Sangiovese Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. The red wine made in the same area as the Vernaccia di San Gimignano – the DOC was created recently.
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca
Sant'Antimo DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Bianco - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Rosso - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, this sweet red can age for many years. Taken from the name of the still working Romanesque Abbey near Castelnuovo dell’Abbate. Apart from the far North East of the appellation it covers the same area as Montaclino DOC and is designed to give growers ther flexibility of international varieties not provided for in the Brunello appellation.
Principle Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano Malvasia Bianca
Val di Cornia DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Description
Bianco - TrebbianoToscano, Vermentino Rosso/ Rosato - Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot Varietal – Ansonica (dry and passito), Vermentino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot Aleatico Passito – a red wine of the truly distinctive character being red and sweet. Usually in a distinctive dumpy bottle. Suvereto – a sottozona dedicated to this area making similar wines but with some outstanding producers This area south of Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast is an extension to the recent winegrowing phenomenon of Bolgeri, planting mostly international varieties and producing wines of an international syle but a definite Tuscan imprint.
Principle Wines
TrebbianoToscano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Aleatico, Ansonica
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Description
This is the white wine from Tuscany's predominantly red production, aound the picturesque town of San Gimignano, to the west of Siena. The origin of the grape's name, some say, has its roots in latin – vernaculus meaning local. It has a long medieval history and was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status. The Riserva is aged for at least 12 months before release.
Principle Wines
At least 90% Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC
Description
Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. In 1997, the DOC was created to salvage the remnants if its reputation, seriously damaged by cheap imitations which are now called Vino Liquoroso (made by fortification – adding almost pure alcohol). This naturally made wine where grapes are traditionally hung in a vinsantaria to dry before being pressed, are aged in caratelli (small wooden barrels) for many years. The resulting sweet elixir, has wonderfully complex, developed charaterstics but underpinned by a freshening acidity. The appellation also extends to the following subzones: Castellina, Gaiole, Radda and Greve in Chianti and some parts of Barberino Val d'Elsa, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Poggibonsi and Castelnuovo Berardenga
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Sangiovese, Maalvasia Nera, Canaiolo
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC
Description
Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. In 1997, the DOC was created to salvage the remnants if its reputation, seriously damaged by cheap imitations which are now called Vino Liquoroso (made by fortification – adding almost pure alcohol). This naturally made wine where grapes are traditionally hung in a vinsantaria to dry before being pressed, are aged in caratelli (small wooden barrels) for many years. The resulting sweet elixir, has wonderfully complex, developed charaterstics but underpinned by a freshening acidity. The appellation also extends to the following subzones: Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Pisanesi, Montalbano, Rufina
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Sangiovese, Maalvasia Nera, Canaiolo
Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC
Description
Vin Santo – Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - “the eye of the partridge” From Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo Nero this sweet red can age for many years. This naturally made wine where grapes are traditionally hung in a vinsantaria to dry before being pressed, are aged in caratelli (small wooden barrels) for many years. The resulting sweet elixir, has wonderfully complex, developed charaterstics but underpinned by a freshening acidity. The appellation extends to the area between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Grechetto (Pulcinculo) Sangiovese, Maalvasia Nera, Canaiolo
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Description
The town not the grape of Montepulciano, in Southern Eastern Tuscany, has a long history mentined even by Livy in his history of Rome – this is probably why the wine is noble. However, its inland position and higher altitude give this wine a higher acidity and tougher edge than its Chianti Classico and Montalcino cousins, finer, some may say. It is aged a minimum of 26 months before release; the riserva 36 months
Principle Wines
Sangiovese aka Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo Nero, with up to 20% other red varities local and international and 10% white varieties.
Other Appellations DOCG/DOC
Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC
Principle Wines
Ansonica
Bianco Pisano di San Torpé DOC
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano
Bianco dell'Empolese DOC
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano
Bianco della Valdinievole DOC
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Canaiolo Bianco, Vermentino
Bianco di Pitigliano DOC
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Greco, Malvasia Bianca Toscana , Verdello, Grechetto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Italico
Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC
Principle Wines
Vermentino, Albarola, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti
Capalbio DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
Carmignano and Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo Bianco, Malvasia
Colli dell'Etruria Centrale DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Canaiolo Nero
Colli di Luni DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Vermentino,Trebbiano Toscano, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Pollera Nera, Ciliegiolo Nero.
Colline Lucchesi DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Cannaiolo, Ciliegiolo,Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto , Vermentino Bianco, Malvasia del Chianti, Chardonnay, Sauvignon.
Cortona DOC
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero
Montescudaio DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Orcia DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Sangiovese
Parrina DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), Ansonica, Chardonnay
Pietraviva DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianca Lunga, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia bianca di Basilicata, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo
Sovana DOC
Principle Wines
Aleatico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese
Terratico di Bibbona DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino
Val d'Arbia DOC
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Chardonnay
Valdichiana DOC (a Multi DOC*)
Principle Wines
Trebbiano Toscano, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Grechetto, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Bianco Vergine - Toscano, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Grechetto, Pinot Grigio
IGT Appellations
Alta Valle della Greve
Colli della Toscana centrale
Maremma Toscana
Toscano or Toscana
Val di Magra
Colli della Toscana centrale
Maremma Toscana
Toscano or Toscana
Val di Magra
Zones/Crus/Subzones
Chianti Classico
Intro
- Since the early 15th Century the area “Chianti” was reserved for a zone that stretched from just south of Florence to just north of Siena, from Poggibonsi in the west to Gaiole in the East.
- -
- 1716 Cosimo III de ‘Medici gave the zone the exclusive right to be called Chianti. The first DOC, according to the chiantigiani.
- 1933 the term Chianti was vastly extended and the original area was called “Classico”.
- 1984 the first DOCG Chianti Classico was introduced allowing 10% international grapes.
- 1996 the option of 100% Sangiovese was introdced and international grapes increased to 15%.
- 2000 international grapes increased again to 20% of blend
- 2006 white grapes were excluded from blend originally prescribed by Baron Ricasoli. Previously up to 6% was allowed.
- 2008 the number of growers had inceased from the original 33 to more than 600 of which 350 are bottlers and the rest selling grapes.
- Max yields – 7500 Kg / Ha aka 75 quintals aka 52 Hl / Ha aka 3 Kg per plant
- Blends must contain 80% - 100% Sangiovese + varities Colorino, Canaiolo, Mammolo + internationals Cab, Merlot and Syrah.
- Two types of Chianti Classico: Normale – released 1st October following the harvest ; Riserva – at least 24 months in oak 3 months in barrel before being released.
- There are nine communes that can produce Chianti Classico: 4 in their entirety, 5 partially.
- 1716 Cosimo III de ‘Medici gave the zone the exclusive right to be called Chianti. The first DOC, according to the chiantigiani.
- 1933 the term Chianti was vastly extended and the original area was called “Classico”.
- 1984 the first DOCG Chianti Classico was introduced allowing 10% international grapes.
- 1996 the option of 100% Sangiovese was introdced and international grapes increased to 15%.
- 2000 international grapes increased again to 20% of blend
- 2006 white grapes were excluded from blend originally prescribed by Baron Ricasoli. Previously up to 6% was allowed.
- 2008 the number of growers had inceased from the original 33 to more than 600 of which 350 are bottlers and the rest selling grapes.
- Max yields – 7500 Kg / Ha aka 75 quintals aka 52 Hl / Ha aka 3 Kg per plant
- Blends must contain 80% - 100% Sangiovese + varities Colorino, Canaiolo, Mammolo + internationals Cab, Merlot and Syrah.
- Two types of Chianti Classico: Normale – released 1st October following the harvest ; Riserva – at least 24 months in oak 3 months in barrel before being released.
- There are nine communes that can produce Chianti Classico: 4 in their entirety, 5 partially.
San Casciano in Val di Pesa
- The North West corner of the zone and the commune nearest to Florence
- This commune is divided between Chianti Classico and non classico.
- This commune is divided between Chianti Classico and non classico.
Greve in Chianti
- Entirely in the bounds of Chianti Classico
- Includes the famous Chianti Classico town of Panzano with its equally famous south facing vineyard area the Conca d’Oro.
- Lamole, the historically famous quality Sangiovese is also in the Greve commune.
- Wines can vary in quality from the full spectrum from this large commune due to wide variations in soils, aspects, altitude and “bravura”.
- Includes the famous Chianti Classico town of Panzano with its equally famous south facing vineyard area the Conca d’Oro.
- Lamole, the historically famous quality Sangiovese is also in the Greve commune.
- Wines can vary in quality from the full spectrum from this large commune due to wide variations in soils, aspects, altitude and “bravura”.
Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa
- One of the smallest and less well known of the Chianti Classico producing communes and is only partially in the Classico zone in the east.
Barberino Val d’Esa
- Partially dedicated to Classico this is also in the east of the zone but boasts some top names.
- Wines are characterised with good fruit definition and firm tannins
- Wines are characterised with good fruit definition and firm tannins
Poggibonsi
- A small eclave in the furthest East of the zone. It is the smallest of the communes.
Radda in Chianti
- With Gaiole and Castellina, Radda claims to be of the original medieval Chianti zone.
- Wilder, rocker terrain with some high altitudes
- Wines tend to be elegant, perhaps lacking in power but making up for it with its perfume.
- The wines’ structure can also aid ageing though perhaps not on the same levels as Monti in Gaiole.
- Wilder, rocker terrain with some high altitudes
- Wines tend to be elegant, perhaps lacking in power but making up for it with its perfume.
- The wines’ structure can also aid ageing though perhaps not on the same levels as Monti in Gaiole.
Castellina in Chianti
- One of the original Chianti zones boasting some famous producers
- It is in the south west of the area
- Wines tend to be more elegant and nervous from higer areas and chunkier further down.
- It is in the south west of the area
- Wines tend to be more elegant and nervous from higer areas and chunkier further down.
Gaiole in Chianti
- Another of the original medieval Chianti designated areas.
- In the south west of the Chianti Classico area boasting some famous names
- One of the more famed “Crus” of Chianti Classico is in this zone – Monti where wines can age and achieve world class status
- In the south west of the Chianti Classico area boasting some famous names
- One of the more famed “Crus” of Chianti Classico is in this zone – Monti where wines can age and achieve world class status
Castelnuovo Berardenga
- The actual town of Castelnuovo Berardenga is just outside the area in the extreme south east.
- Wines are more prone to power from this area especially where calcareous soil and schistous rock predomintates.
- Wines are more prone to power from this area especially where calcareous soil and schistous rock predomintates.
The Maremma
Intro
- Srictly not a Cru or sotto zona area but included because of the status of some its producers. Found on the strip of coast in Tuscany’s extreme west. We can divide the area in 3 distict areas: Northern, Central, and Southern Maremma. Wild and rocky in its hinterland, cru areas such as Sassicaia (stones and pebbles) and Masseto (cooler clay) have been identified by individual growers perhaps obsessed with the Bordeaux paradigm.
Northern Maremma
- The Colline Lucchesi in the province of Pisa, although not strictly in the Maremma area owe more to their wine styles to Bolgheri than to Florence where international grapes and styles thrive, including Petit Verdot and Syrah.
Central Maremma
- Boasts one of the most famous winegrowing areas in Italy and the world in the commune of Castagneto Carducci – the little village of Bolgheri and the iconic Sassicaia. Since the phenomenon of Sassicaia other iconic estates have mushroomed such as Ornellaia, Michele Satta and the indomitable Angelo Gaia’s Ca Marcanda.
- Immediately south of Castegneto Carducci is the area of Val di Cornia and the town of Suvereto.
- Immediately south of Castegneto Carducci is the area of Val di Cornia and the town of Suvereto.
Southern Maremma
- Distinct from the other Maremmas, the focus is native Tuscan grapes – Sangiovese and perhaps, the father of Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo. Morellino di Scansano is also included (Morellino being the local name for the grape).Montecucco, a recent DOC, stretches up to Monte Amiata and Montalcino. Pitigliano is a famous white wine enclave on the Lazio border.