Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, less a region than a collection of regions, has been famed for centuries for its wines. Within Tuscany, we find the famed wines from Chianti, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, as well as the more recent “Super Tuscans.” 

The warm climate of Tuscany makes it ideal for growing wine grapes on the rolling hillsides, and the best vineyards have exposure to coastal breezes or high altitudes that keep the grapes from ripening too quickly. Sangiovese is dominant here, though the coastal regions of Maremma DOC and Bolgheri DOC produce many French varietals for the production of super-premium wines such as Tignanello, Solaia, and Sassicaia.

The wines of Chianti have grown in quality over the last few decades, a complete departure from the pallid tables wines of the 70s, and Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offer complexity, depth, and character, developed over extended ageing periods.