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 significantly from Chianti. For those who have never dealt with this before, it is important to know that the wines in Tuscany are usually named after the regions in which they are grown. And the “Chianti” region is the largest within the approximately 60.000 hectares of Tuscany’s wine-growing area.
To say the Chianti is the “best” wine in Tuscany is wrong. There are excellent Chiantis, but here too there can be significant differences in quality. In addition, there are different growing areas within Chianti. Roughly speaking, Chianti accounts for around half of Tuscan wine production. The other half comes from smaller growing regions that can produce exceptionally good wines, such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, or the 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" is on the one hand the wine cellar in the winery but also the regional cooperative, where you can get the region's agricultural products in addition to wine and oil. An absolute highlight is the last Sunday in May, on this day more than 800 wine producers in Tuscany open their wine cellars to the population, often combined with small snacks and performances. A wonderful day for any wine lover.
Last updated: 06.02.2024
