What are the best Tuscan red wines?
Tuscany is renowned for producing its famous red wines. Among the most iconic is the Chianti Classico, with its intense ruby colour and fruity aroma. The Brunello di Montalcino, aged for at least two years in casks and four in bottles, offers an elegant and full-bodied taste with complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, characterised by a bright colour and hints of raspberry and cherry, is round and persistent on the palate. Finally, Bolgheri Rosso, with wines such as Sassicaia and Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia, blends international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, giving it a deep colour, complex aroma of red fruits and tobacco, and a full flavour. These wines represent the best of the Tuscan wine tradition.
How many DOCs are there in Tuscany?
In Tuscany, there are currently 41 DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) that certify the origin and quality of the wines produced in the region. These DOCs range from the most renowned areas such as Chianti Classico to lesser-known appellations such as Pomino and Montecarlo.
What are the most important Tuscan red grape varieties?
1. Sangiovese: this is the most important and representative grape variety in Tuscany. It is the basis of various Tuscan wines, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Sangiovese gives wines a fruity character, lively acidity and distinct tannins.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is an international grape variety that has produced excellent results in Tuscany, especially in the Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci areas. It is often blended with other native grape varieties to create complex and structured wines.
3. Merlot: another international variety that adapts well to the Tuscan terroir. It is often used in blends, together with other grape varieties, to impart softness and richness to wines.
4. Canaiolo: an ancient native Tuscan grape variety traditionally used in the production of Sangiovese-based wines, such as Chianti. It contributes notes of red fruit, softness and freshness.
5. Vermentino Nero: a native Tuscan grape variety that has long been forgotten but is now used to produce excellent red wines with an intense colour and violet hues, offering a complex aromatic bouquet ranging from notes of red fruit to spices.
In addition to these, there are also other red grape varieties grown in Tuscany, such as Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo and Syrah.
Which Tuscan red wines are light?
Light Tuscan red wines include the most famous DOCs such as Chianti, Morellino di Scansano and Rosso di Montepulciano. Chianti is historically a fresh and lively wine, produced mainly from Sangiovese grapes. Morellino di Scansano, from the Tuscan Maremma, is a light and fruity wine, also produced from Sangiovese grapes. Rosso di Montepulciano, on the other hand, is a young and accessible wine, with a light and fruity character, made, you guessed it, from Sangiovese.
What about the more structured Tuscan red wines?
Structured Tuscan red wines include Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico Riserva, Bolgheri Superiore and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva. Brunello di Montalcino is known for its power, concentration and complexity, with an ageing period of at least five years. Chianti Classico Riserva is an elegant and vigorous wine, with a longer ageing period than standard Chianti Classico. Bolgheri Superiore offers a bold structure and powerful tannins, thanks to a blend of international grape varieties. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is an intense and rich red wine, aged for at least three years. These wines are characterised by their aromatic complexity, powerful tannins and long finish.
How much does Tuscan red wine cost?
The cost of Tuscan red wine can vary considerably, depending on the producer, appellation, vintage and overall quality of the wine. Tuscan wines such as simple Chianti or lesser-known IGT wines can be priced around 10-20 €. Higher quality Tuscan red wines, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino or Bolgheri, can cost from £30 per bottle upwards, with some prestigious labels reaching hundreds of pounds per bottle. It is important to note that there are also mid-range bottles that offer a good balance between quality and price, with average costs ranging from €20 to €40 per bottle.
