Collection: Tuscany

Tuscany in central Italy is home to, among others, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Our Tuscan selection ranges from Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino through Chianti Classico to Toscana IGT, white Vernaccia di San Gimignano, rosato and the dessert wine Moscadello di Montalcino. You will also find olive oil and grappa from some of the same producers.

Which wine comes from Tuscany?

The vineyards lie both on the hills of Chianti, by the coast and in valleys such as Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana, and the region has a long list of protected designations. Among the red DOCGs are Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano and Morellino di Scansano, and Sangiovese is part of almost all the region's DOC wines. Tuscany also makes white wine. Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the region's first white DOCG, and Vermentino has spread across the coastal hills. In addition there are dessert wines such as Vin Santo, which is made from partly dried Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, and Moscadello di Montalcino.

What is the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?

They are two separate DOCGs. Chianti Classico comes from the historic area between Florence and Siena and is recognised by the black rooster, Gallo Nero. The wine must have at least 80 percent Sangiovese and age for at least 12 months. Above it stand Riserva with at least 24 months of ageing and Gran Selezione with at least 30 months and grapes exclusively from the producer's own vineyards. Chianti DOCG is a different designation, divided into subzones such as Rufina, Colli Senesi and Colli Fiorentini.

What is the difference between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino?

Both come from the commune of Montalcino and are made only from Sangiovese. Brunello di Montalcino may not be sold until 1 January of the fifth year after the harvest and has spent at least two years in oak. Rosso di Montalcino may be made from the same vineyards and sold from 1 September the year after the harvest. The consortium describes it as fresh and fruity and as a wine best drunk young. Montalcino features prominently in our selection, so here you can compare several producers and vintages.

What does Toscana IGT mean?

IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica and corresponds to the EU's protected geographical indication, IGP. It has different rules than DOC and DOCG, which are protected designations of origin. The designation is used for very different wines. In our selection Toscana IGT ranges from rosato and white wine made from Trebbiano to some of the most expensive red wines in the Tuscan range, made from, among others, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, on their own or together with Sangiovese. The designation therefore says more about the origin than about the style, so read the grape composition of the individual wine.

Which Tuscan wine should I choose?

If the wine is to be drunk now, Rosso di Montalcino and Chianti Classico are good starting points. The consortium in Montalcino specifically recommends Rosso di Montalcino with medium-bodied dishes such as pasta with meat sauce, risotto and pork. If the bottle is to be kept, Brunello is an obvious choice, and the consortium describes it as a wine that withstands long ageing and develops over time. If you are looking for white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is the region's classic, and several of the same estates also make rosato. If you want to know more about the so-called Super Tuscans and the region's history, you can read our guide to Tuscany.