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 the Chianti The claim that Chianti is the "best" wine of Tuscany is incorrect. While there are excellent Chiantis, even among these there can be significant differences in quality. Furthermore, there are different growing regions within Chianti. Roughly speaking, Chianti accounts for about half of Tuscan wine production. The other half comes from smaller growing regions that can nevertheless produce exceptionally good wines, such as Vino Nobile di Chianti. 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.
