Everyone knows the famous cities of Italy, Siena and Florence, which were glorified by the great people of art, science, philosophy and not only. The mountainous region is known for its widely spreading hills with plantations belonging to farmers located on them. Tuscany, whose capital is the city of Florence, is famous for its vineyards and Tuscan wines. Here, under the plantations, the largest areas are allocated in comparison with other regions.
A bit of history
Winery in Tuscany was still engaged in Etruscan. Ancient Rome became the heir to the culture of the production of a strong drink, and a strong rise of this tradition began in the XII century, when the number of plantations in this area increased. In 1282, a community of winemakers and wine merchants appeared. As production increased, new clones appeared. At that time, such grape varieties as Greco, Aleatico, Trebbiano and Malvasia began to gain popularity. In the mid-18th century, a scientific association was organized called the Geogrofili Academy. Its appearance gave an impetus to improving the quality of the produced wine. The Chianti formula was born thanks to Bettino Ricazoli and the research that he conducted at his winery in the 19th century in Brolio.
Today, the area of Tuscan vineyards is 64,000 hectares. Obtained here wines related to dry red - 80%, included in the DOC category - 60%.
The most famous
Here are those few famous Tuscan wines whose names are known to any connoisseur:
- Chianti ("Chianti") - the most famous wine of Italy;
- Brunello di Montalcino (Brunello di Montalcino) - was originally created with the aim of obtaining the title of "most expensive Italian wine";
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ("Nobile di Montepulciano";
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano - owes its name to the city near Siena, which is called San Gimignano.
These wines belong to the DOCG. This is the highest qualification category of Italian drinks, which guarantees the method of wine production and its geographical origin.
Chianti
Since 2011, Chianti has launched a program whose essence is to grow and use the best varieties of Sangiovese grapes. This species, according to some sources, was still cultivated in Tuscany by the Etruscans. The Italian name "Sangiovese" comes from the Latin "sanguis Jovis" - "the blood of Jupiter."
Sangiovese is part of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano in equal shares with canaiolo (red Italian technical grapes). In the 1970s, winemakers were found in Tuscany who rebelled against the traditional production of a strong drink. It was with their easy filing that the Cabernet Sauvignon and Barrick variety were introduced into the technology. The second is a special winemaking modern culture. As a result of such innovations, drinks appeared that were collectively referred to as “super Tuscan” or the best Tuscan wines.
The borders of the Chianti zone were established back in 1716, and expanded in 1932. The vineyards of this zone stretch from Florence to Siena. The main variety cultivated here is Sangiovese.
Not so long ago, winemakers of Carmignano asked permission to use their product names instead of Chianti, because these drinks were known in the XIV century. Today, Carmignano has a DOCG classification.
Historic Tuscany
- The oldest dynasties include the aristocratic family of Antinori. A document from 1385 says that Giovanni di Pietro Antinori produces wine.
- Frescobaldi, who have been working with grapes since the 14th century.
- Maciej who have been making wine in Carmignano since the 14th century.
- Biondi Santi, in the Greppo winery which was born the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The vineyards of the family are spread over 25 hectares.
- Rod Ricazoli has been producing wine since 1141 in the castle of Brolio.
- Tenuta de Verrazzano engaged in winemaking since 1150. The Verrazzano vineyard is spoken of in a document from the same year. Until 1819, the vineyards belonged to the Verrazzano family, then they passed to the Ridolfi family, and in 1958 to the Cappellini.
- At the Cantucci winery, owned by the Cantucci family, Nobile di Montepulciano was first produced.
- Abbadia Argenda from Montalcino once belonged to the Piccolomini family. It was from this family that Pope Pius II came to be, famous for the founding of the city of Pienza. Vineyards have grown around the castle throughout its history. In 1934 they were updated, and today they occupy 10 hectares of land. It is grown mainly in Sangiovese.
Varieties and styles
Tuscany is a region of red, in particular dry, wine, in which the Sangiovese grape variety is of great importance. For the manufacture of Chianti, varieties of plants with small berries are used. But the variety with large, large fruits - Sangiovese Grosso, is used for the production of red Tuscan wines Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Chianti actually created Baron Ricasoli a hundred years ago. This is a young Tuscan wine, the taste of which is slightly harsh, piquant-fresh, herb-spicy and perfectly quenches thirst. It is drunk in the bars of Florence from woven into straw straws, which are almost never used in our time, unfortunately.
Innovators almost destroyed the famous Chianti flavor, using up to 30% white trebbiano in the blend, which gave the wine an orange-sour taste that did not give any pleasure. DOCG banned the addition of white varieties to Chianti and allowed the addition of a maximum of 10% of other types of red grapes.
Previously mentioned wine with a deep and rich taste - Brunello di Montalcino - the most expensive in Italy, which devastates the bank accounts of connoisseurs of grapes. It is made from Sangiovese grapes, planted in cool places with poor soils.
It is impossible to single out the producers of the best Tuscan wines. For Brunello di Montalcino, these are Poggio Antico, Altesino, Costanti, Talenti, Col d'Orcia and others. For Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, these are Boscarelli, Le Casalte, Trerose, Avignonesi, Poliziano.
By the way, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from Sangiovese with a minor addition of Mammolo. There is a more modern version of Rosso di Montepulciano, which belongs to the DOC classification, but the best manufacturers remain faithful to the DOCG class wines.
Each self-respecting grape estate produces at least one brand of table wine Vino da Tavola. Cabernet Sauvignon, Fran, Syrah, Merlot, Gamay are added to these drinks.
For the production of Tuscan white wines, Trebbiano-Tuscany is grown. This variety gives an excellent harvest. It is used to prepare refreshing, pure wines, which, unfortunately, have an unforgettable taste. The addition of Chardonnay and Malvasia makes these specimens more or less decent. The best manufacturers include Rufino, Caparzo, Isole e Olena, Felsina, Manzano, Avignonesi. The most interesting white wine in Tuscany is obtained from Vernachcha grapes. DOCG's San Gimignano is dry white with a light honey note, nutty flavor and strong fruity aroma. From the manufacturers it is worth paying attention to Ambra delle Torri, Pietraserena, Falchini, Montenidoli, San Quirico, Vagnoni, La Torre, Teruzzi & Puthod.
Chianti zoning
Chianti is divided into 7 zones, the best and most famous of which is Chianti Classico. Today, all Tuscan wines are produced by estates dedicated to their favorite business of winegrowers. However, merchants have difficulties in buying quality wine. This is due to the large production of products and its huge popularity. This is one of the reasons for the fall in the standards of Tuscan wines. Cooperatives, which include many small winegrowers, cannot boast of high quality wines, but those that are committed to national values seek to change this situation.
If you see the word Classico on a bottle of Tuscan wine, be aware that it is a drink from the most strictly controlled area of Chianti. On copies of individual estates you can find the inscription Vino da Tavola, which indicates extra-quality. Cheap wines are also labeled in the same way. Therefore, about the extra-quality drink with the label Vino da Tavola says its price. The word Riserva testifies to a brand of the highest quality, but with the exception of eminent manufacturers. And most often this means that the wine has lost its fruity notes and has become drier.
Taste
Traditionally in Tuscany there are three main areas of red wines.
The first, most famous, is the young red chianti drinks, which should be aggressive, fresh, bitter-sweet, and which are better to drink at a meal, during the first year after manufacture.
The second area includes wines from Montalcino, Chianti and Montepulciano bottled on the estates. These are rich spirits with a strong cherry flavor, a pleasant aftertaste of black currant and spices.
The third direction is Riserva and Vino da Tavola. The best of them are sophisticated, with rich berry bouquets and the spiciness that Sangiovese gives them.
Prices for Tuscan wines are very different and depend on the brand of wine and the manufacturer. Thus, the “Brunello de Montalcino” will cost $ 650 per liter, and the Chianti Classico Riserva - $ 35 per liter. Of course, the quality and price will depend on the grapes used in the blend.
Brunello di Montalcino is made only from red Sangiovese. A variation of Brunello is a clone that is used to make wine. It is aged 5 years from the date of harvest. The Riserva version has been defended for 6 years, of which two years in oak barrels and six months in a bottle. The alcohol content should not be lower than 12%.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from Prunolo Gentile Sangiovese. It is maintained for at least two years. In 2015, more than 7 million bottles were produced, of which 80% were exported. The most popular markets are USA, Switzerland, Germany.
The vineyards are 22 km 2 . 250 farmers work for them. Wine is bottled by 90 manufacturers, 76 of which are members of the wine consortium.
What to drink with?
In Tuscany, almost no meal is complete without a glass of good wine. Young Chianti goes well with everyday dishes, with meat and poultry, with spices and olive oil. But for more complex and sophisticated dishes, Rosso di Montalcino will do great. Thick wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as Chianti Riserva, due to its strong fruity tone, will be a wonderful option for a hearty fried game. Varieties of these drinks, in which the fruity taste is less pronounced, are suitable for pasta, casseroles and cheese.
Wine spectator
Wine Spectator highlighted the top ten in the ranking of Tuscan wines. It included:
- Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli, 2010
- Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate, 2011
- Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Riserva, 2008
- Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio, 2006
- Bibi Graetz Toscana Colore, 2008
- Biondi Santi-Tenuta Greppo Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Greppo, 2008
- Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto, 2008
- Castellare di Castellina Toscana I Sodi di San Niccolo, 2011
- Castello d'Albola Chianti Classico Riserva, 2010
- Castello di Ama Toscana L'Apparita, 2008.
Holy wine Vin Santo
In addition to dry wines, Tuscany became famous for its dessert drinks, which are made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, withered intentionally in the sun. Harvest is laid out on special metal pallets or suspended on threads.
Trebbiano is a technical white grape variety. It is the second most common in the world. In addition to wine, it is also used for the production of cognac. It was known in Italy during the time of the Roman Empire.
Malvasia is a family of white grape varieties. In ancient times it was widely distributed on the islands of the Aegean. Sweet Greek liquor wine bears the same name.
Wine Mate
The history of the Mate winery begins in 1990. The author of the books Tuscany Vineyards and Tuscany Hills, Ferenc Mate, left with his wife from New York to Tuscany. With the money they earned, in 1993 they bought an abandoned farm in Santa Restituta. Tuscan Mate wine became famous first in Italy, and then throughout the world. And judging by archaeological finds, in the place of the winery and farm Mate 2,000 ago, ancient Roman vineyards were located. And today you can see the remains of an old road leading to plantations.
Reviews and recommendations
Of course, according to reviews of Tuscan wines, it becomes obvious that Chianti is very popular. But you should pay attention to other wines.
Aleatico red vine is used in overwhelming cases for the production of dessert wines. Experts still can not agree on the origin of this variety, but most likely it is Greece. The wine that is recommended to try - "Elba Aleatico Passito" (DOCG).
Grapes Malvasia Bianca Lunga has been cultivated for several centuries in the hills near Chianti. Now this vine is rarely used, as DOCG has banned the use of more than 10% white grapes. It is worth knowing the taste of the drink "Vint Santo Berardenga Felsina".
The Colorino type of grape grows in the areas of Valdarano, Val di Pesa and Val d'Elsa. The grapes are saturated in color, and it gives the wine a rich taste. It is proposed to enjoy the taste of "Colorino IGT Tuscany".
Chianti uses Kanayolo grapes. But besides him, you can buy wine "Pietraviva Canaiolo Nero" (DOC).
In the Maremma region, in the coastal zone of Grosseto, Chileggiolo grapes grow. Its name comes from the name of cherries (Chillage) due to the large red berries with a light aroma of cherries. It is worth tasting the wine "Ciliegolo Toscano Rosso DOC Camillo Principipio".