Tuscany: Famous for red wine, surprising for white wine!
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Tuscany is famous for its red wines – Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. But the region also boasts exciting white wines: most notably Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which in 1966 became the first Italian wine to receive DOC status, along with Vermentino from the coast, Bianco di Pitigliano from the Maremma, and Ansonica from Monte Argentario, Giglio, and Elba. Here you will find the most important grape varieties, wines, and regions.
Short answer: The most important white wines of Tuscany
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano (DOCG): dry, fresh acidity, slightly bitter finish
- Vermentino: mineral-fresh, from the coast (Bolgheri, Maremma Toscana)
- Bianco di Pitigliano (DOC): primarily from Trebbiano Toscano, grown on tuff rock
- Ansonica: from Monte Argentario, Giglio and Elba
- Vin Santo: Sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes, classically served with cantucci.
Red wine country Tuscany
The most important grape variety in Tuscany is the red Sangiovese. It is the defining grape for Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano; Brunello di Montalcino is made entirely from Sangiovese. White wines make up only a small portion of production – which is precisely why they are worth discovering. Our page "Wine Regions of Tuscany" provides an overview of all the wine-growing areas.
The white grape varieties of Tuscany
Trebbiano Toscano
The most widespread white grape variety in Tuscany produces light, fresh wines with citrus notes. It is the main grape variety of Bianco di Pitigliano and is used together with Malvasia for Vin Santo.
Malvasia
The aromatic Malvasia Bianca Lunga brings fragrances of blossoms and stone fruit to blends and dessert wines. It was formerly – like Trebbiano – also part of the Chianti blend.
Vermentino
Vermentino thrives particularly well in coastal areas, yielding fresh, mineral wines with aromas of green apple, citrus, and often a hint of salt – ideal with fish and seafood. The Maremma is now considered the most important Vermentino growing region on the Italian mainland; since 2023, the DOC Maremma Toscana has also included the "Vermentino Superiore" designation.
Vernaccia and Ansonica
Vernaccia grows around San Gimignano and has been documented there since 1276. Ansonica (called Inzolia in Sicily) is the typical variety of the southern coast and the islands. Many wineries also cultivate international varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Overview of Tuscan white wines
| Wine list | area | Status | Peculiarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vernaccia of San Gimignano | San Gimignano (Province of Siena) | DOCG since 1993 | 1966 Italy's first DOC wine |
| Bolgheri Vermentino / Bianco | Bolgheri, Etruscan Coast | DOC | Coastal climate, sea breeze |
| Maremma Toscana Vermentino | Provinz Grosseto | DOC | also known as Superiore since 2023 |
| White from Pitigliano | Pitigliano and surroundings | DOC since 1966 | especially Trebbiano, tuff soils |
| Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario | Monte Argentario, Orbetello, Capalbio, Manciano, Giglio | DOC since 1995 | at least 85% Ansonica |
| Elba Bianco / Elba Ansonica | Elba-Island | DOC since 1967 | Ansonica, Trebbiano, Vermentino |
| White Monte Carlo | Montecarlo near Lucca | DOC | Blends with Trebbiano and other varieties |
| Vin Santo del Chianti | Chianti | DOC | sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes |
White wine destinations in Tuscany
San Gimignano
The towered town of San Gimignano is the center of the Vernaccia region. Many wineries in the area offer tastings; you can also find wine tastings and tours on GetYourGuide.
Bolgheri and the Etruscan Coast
Bolgheri is primarily known for its red wines, but Vermentino also has its place here. A visit to the wine region can easily be combined with a day at the beach – see the Bibbona-Follonica coastal tour.
Maremma, Pitigliano and Monte Argentario
In the south, you can combine Vermentino from the Maremma, Bianco di Pitigliano from the tuff stone town, and Ansonica from Monte Argentario with beach holidays and thermal baths. For inspiration, see the Grosseto – Monte Argentario coastal tour and our page about the island of Giglio.
Tuscan white wines pair particularly well with fish, seafood, and light appetizers – you can find out which dishes to try under Tuscany Culinary Delights . Those who would like to enjoy the wines at home can find a selection of Tuscan white wines online.
Frequently asked questions about white wines from Tuscany
Which white wine is typical of Tuscany?
The most famous is Vernaccia di San Gimignano (DOCG). Other typical wines include Vermentino from the coast, Bianco di Pitigliano and Ansonica from the south.
Which wine was the first DOC wine in Italy?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966; it has been DOCG since 1993.
Where in Tuscany is Vermentino wine grown?
Especially near the coast: in Bolgheri, in the Maremma (DOC Maremma Toscana) and on Elba.
What is Vin Santo?
A sweet dessert wine made from dried Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. In Tuscany, it is drunk with cantucci, the hard almond biscuits.
What goes well with Tuscan white wine?
Fish, seafood, appetizers, and young Pecorino. Vermentino goes particularly well with Cacciucco or grilled fish.
