Tuscany is one of the most beautiful region of Italy. The wines produced here are known all over the world.

Tuscany confines with the regions of Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Umbria, Lazio and with the Mediterranean sea. Most part of its territory is composed of hills and mountains. There are seven islands in the Tuscan archipelago, the bigger one is the island of Elba. Climate is quite mild and the precipitations are of mediterranean type.

Wine making in Tuscany started already in 500 B.C. during the Etruscan period. The main zones are the hills of Chianti in the Center, the Mugello in the North, the Val di Chiana in the South and the littoral.

All wines from Tuscany are famous not only in Italy but also in many countries. Chianti was one of the first wine to be exported abroad, already since 1700.

Today, the so-called "super Tuscan" wines can be a revelation, especially top blends of Cabernet and Sangiovese, but also straight varieties such as Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino, Syrah.

There are 6 wines with appellation D.O.C.G., Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Designation of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed) and 30 wines with appellation D.O.C., Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Designation of Origin Controlled).

Global production in Tuscany amounts 2.700.000 hectoliters (a bit more than 5 % of the all italian wine production, figures from 2003) from which 1.950.000 hectoliters of red wines.

The most cultivated grapes are:

- red: Brunello di Montalcino, Canaiolo nero, Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Prugnolo gentile, Malvasia nera. Also now Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah.

- white: Malvasia del Chianti, Trebbiano toscano, Vernaccia di S. Gimignano, Vermentino, Canaiolo bianco. Also now Chardonnay, Sauvignon.

Sangiovese provides the backbone of Chianti. A different clone of Sangiovese (Brunello) is used for Brunello di Montalcino. Sangiovese is distinctive for its supple texture and medium-to full-bodied spice, raspberry, cherry and anise flavors.

The 6 wines with appellation D.O.C.G.

. Chianti
. Chianti Classico
. Brunello di Montalcino
. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
. Carmignano
. Vernaccia di San Gimignano