Wine-growing regions of Tuscany

An overview of the wine-growing regions in Tuscany

Almost everyone knows Chianti, but not everyone knows that there are many other wines in Tuscany besides Chianti, some of which differ considerably. For those who haven't yet explored this, it's important to know that Tuscan wines are mostly named after the regions where they are grown. And the Chianti region is the largest within Tuscany's approximately 60.000 hectares of vineyards.

To say that Chianti is the "best" wine of Tuscany is incorrect. There are excellent Chiantis, but even among them, there can be significant differences in quality. Furthermore, there are different growing regions within Chianti. Broadly speaking, Chianti accounts for a large portion of Tuscan wine production. The remainder comes from smaller growing regions that can nevertheless produce exceptionally good wines, such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or Brunello di Montalcino.

The following map shows some of the well-known wine regions - this helps with geographical orientation. It should be noted that the Chianti region (3) alone is divided into several other Chianti areas. For the sake of clarity, we have only included the Chianti Classico growing area (4), the largest and best known.

Legend:

(1) Colline Lucchesi

(2) Monte Carlo

(3) Chianti

(4) Chianti Classico

(5) Vernaccia di San Gimignano

(6) Montescudaio

(7) Val d'Arbia

(8) Bianco Vergine Valdichiana

(9) Bolgheri

(10) Monteregio

(12) Brunello / Rosso di Montalcino

(13) Vino Nobile / Rosso di Montepulciano

(14) Montecucco

(15) Elba

(16) Morellino di Scansano

(17) Bianco di Pitigliano

(18) Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario

Tip from Tuscany tour for wine drinkers:

The "Cantina" refers both to the wine cellar of a winery and to the regional cooperative, where you can purchase wine, olive oil, and other agricultural products from the region. A true highlight is "Cantine Aperte" on the last weekend of May: Numerous wineries throughout Italy—including many in Tuscany—open their cellars to visitors, often offering tastings, light refreshments, and music. A wonderful day for every wine lover.

Visit wineries and discover wine routes

The best way to experience Tuscan wines is directly at the producer. Many wineries offer tours of their vineyards and cellars followed by a tasting – usually only by prior arrangement. Here are a few examples:

• Castello di Ama (Gaiole in Chianti): known for its Chianti Classico – and for contemporary art displayed between vineyards and cellars, including works by Anish Kapoor.
• Badia a Passignano (Chianti Classico): ein Weingut der Familie Antinori rund um eine Abtei, deren Ursprünge bis ins 11. Jahrhundert zurückreichen.
• Badia a Passignano (Chianti Classico): A winery owned by the Antinori family, located around an abbey whose origins date back to the 11th century.
• Bolgheri: The coastal region is home to "Super Tuscans" like Sassicaia. Wineries and wine bars line the famous cypress-lined avenue to Bolgheri.

Those traveling by car are best advised to follow one of the signposted wine routes (Strade del Vino), such as the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or the Strada del Vino e dell'Olio Costa degli Etruschi along the coast. You can read more about the quality levels in the classification of Tuscan wines , and those who enjoy white wine as well as red will find tips in the section on Tuscan white wines.