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Culture

The Red Wines of Tuscany

​Italy is famous for its vineyards and the production of top quality wine. While there are many regions that produce wine, Tuscany is one of the best-known and produces some of the most popular varieties that are sold across the world.

 

​Italy is famous for its vineyards and the production of top quality wine. While there are many regions that produce wine, Tuscany is one of the best-known and produces some of the most popular varieties that are sold across the world.

 

 

1. Chianti

Fiasco_di_chianti_monteriggioni

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

​Chianti is probably the most famous wine produced in Italy and it is only possible to achieve wine of such quality by producing the Sangiovese grape. This grape produces a rich flavor that is scented with cherries. The diversity of the soil and the rugged terrain in this region also add to the flavor of this wine. The Classico region of Tuscany is considered the best for producing Chianti. The flavor of Chianti varies depending on which vineyard has produced the wine. While some are light and fresh, others full-bodied and complex.

 

2. Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello_di_Montalcino_-_Biondi_Santi_-_Bottle

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

​In comparison to Chianti, this is considered a finer wine and this is reflected in the price. Brunello di Montalcino is made from a clone of the Sangiovese grape that is grown in a zone around Siena. For the flavors to emerge from this wine it requires medium to long-term cellaring.

 

​3. Rosso di Montepulciano

​Like Brunello di Montalcino, this wine is also made using a clone of the Sangiovese grape. However, it is less rigid and is bottled for a shorter period of time. Many people find this wine more approachable than Brunello di Montepulciano. Therefore, it has more mass appeal.

 

4. Super Tuscans

2003_Bolgheri_Sassicaia

​Released in 1968, Vigarello was the first Super Tuscan wine. These are wines made with 100% red grapes rather than adding white grapes into the mix. Typical red grapes used in Super Tuscans are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Another Tuscan wine is Sassicaia. This was considered ground-breaking as it was the first to use 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

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