What are the best Tuscan wines? Discover our list with photos, description and tasting of the top 20 best wines of Tuscany. From the most famous wines to the lesser known ones of the best wineries in Tuscany. Tuscany is considered one of the most suitable wine regions for the production of high quality wines. Let’s discover the most famous and awarded Tuscan wines.
INDEX BEST WINES OF TUSCANY:
- Grape Varieties of Tuscany
- DOC and DOCG of the best wines from Tuscany
- Best wines of Tuscany
- Food pairing and Tuscan wines
TERROIR AND PRODUCTION AREAS OF WINES OF TUSCANY
What are the typical terroirs of Tuscany and the production areas of Tuscan wines? Let’s discover the main wine-growing areas of Tuscany, from the wines of Central Tuscany to the Tuscan wines of the Tyrrhenian Coast.
Wines of central Tuscany
The central part of the region is mainly hilly and has a Mediterranean-type climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The climate gradually becomes more continental and with greater temperature variations approaching the Apennines.
Summers are not very rainy, creating many water problems for the vineyards. The soils are very heterogeneous, however, among these we can identify the alberese, of calcareous origin, and the marl, of a clayey nature, particularly typical and widespread in the Chianti Classico area. The sensational combination of this climate and soils give longevity and elegance to Tuscan wines.
In this area famous Tuscan Sangiovese-based red wines are produced such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano and the historic Tuscan white wine par excellence: Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Central Tuscany has also given birth to countless prestigious international vines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Merlot, but also Syrah, especially in Cortona and Montecarlo and Pinot Nero in Mugello and Casentino.
Wines of the Tyrrhenian coast
The climate of the Tyrrhenian coast is Mediterranean, characterized by moderate temperature variations and by the presence of sea winds that mitigate the hot and dry summers. The soils of the Livorno coast and northern Tuscany are rich in sand and clay, definitely rich in micronutrients, which favor the structure and flavor of the Tuscan wines of these areas. The Maremma is instead characterized by the presence of calcareous-clayey soils, while in the Grosseto hinterland the soils of volcanic origin prevail.
The most famous Tuscan wines of the Tyrrhenian coast are produced in Bolgheri, starting from international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Syrah. Maremma, on the other hand, is the homeland of Morellino di Scansano, a famous Tuscan red wine made from Sangiovese grape, locally called Morellino.
Among the white grape varieties that make up the Tuscan wines of the Tyrrhenian Coast, the Vermentino stands out, in particular in Bolgheri and in the territory of Candia dei Colli Apuani, and the Ansonica (or Inzolia) widespread mainly in the Maremma, but also in insular Tuscany on the Island of Elba and on the island of Giglio.
GRAPES VARIETIES OF TUSCANY
What are the most common grape varieties from which wines of Tuscany are produced? Tuscan wines are produced both indigenous and international varieties, with a predominance of black grape varieties (85%).
Native vines – Sangiovese is the most widespread variety in the region and is the main base of many of the best Tuscan red wines, such as Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and Carmignano.
Other indigenous varieties widely spread among Tuscan wines are Canaiolo Nero, Colorino, Ciliegiolo and Aleatico for red wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Vermentino, Malvasia del Chianti and Trebbiano Toscano for white wines. In addition, on the Tyrrhenian coast, and in particular in the Maremma and on the island of Elba, Ansonica (or Inzolia) is widespread, from which are produced white Tuscan wines of great interest.
Allochthonous vines – The most widespread international varieties among Tuscan wines are Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc and Merlot, particularly widespread in the Bolgheri area and are also often used as complementary vines of Sangiovese, as in the example of Chianti Classico and Carmignano.
Other international grape varieties from which Tuscan wines are produced are Syrah, in particular in Cortona and Lucchese and Pinot Nero, in Casentino and Mugello. As for Tuscan white wines, the most widely used international white grape varieties are Chardonnay, as happens for the Pomino Bianco on the Florentine hills or in the Maremma, and Sauvignon Blanc, which is widespread on the Tyrrhenian coast.
DOCG, DOC, IGT OF THE BEST WINES OF TUSCANY
What are the DOCG and DOC of Tuscan wines? Tuscany is one of the regions with the most designations of origin in Italy, with 11 DOCGs, 41 DOCs and 6 IGTs. It is impossible not to mention Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG among the most important DOCGs. , Vino nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Morellino di Scansano DOCG, Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG and Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG.
Among the best DOC of Tuscany stand out Bolgheri DOC the Syrah DOC of Cortona but also the Rosso di Montalcino DOC, the Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, the wines of Orcia DOC, DOC Maremma Toscana, and many others.
Let’s discover the appellations of origin of Tuscany with greater resonance:
BEST WINES OF TUSCANY – Recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri
To learn more about the best Tuscan wines, discover the articles dedicated to the various types:
- Best Brunello di Montalcino
- Best Chianti Classico
- Best Bolgheri
- Best Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Best Vernaccia di San Gimignano
- Best Morellino di Scansano
- Best Syrah of Tuscany
- Best Pinot Noir of Tuscany
- Best Merlot of Tuscany
- Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Tuscany
- Best Cabernet Francs of Tuscany
- Best Bordeaux cut wines of Tuscany
BEST WINES OF TUSCANY (Updated 2021)
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Madonna delle Grazie’ 2016 – Il Marroneto
Description:Multifaceted, fine and complex character: it opens on display on berries and ripe cherries, embellished with spices, bloody notes, licorice and medicinal herbs. Great extract in the mouth with compact tannins of great thickness and finesse.
Excellent persistence and elegance. Minimal interventions in the vineyard and in the cellar to let the potential of Sangiovese express itself, limited macerations to preserve the floral and fragrant part.
Obtained from grapes of the historic vineyard at 400 meters above sea level. Fermentation in Allier oak vats for 20-22 days and aging for about 41 months in Allier oak barrels.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
An imaginative and exciting wine, an extraordinarily elegant interpretation of Brunello di Montalcino, certainly among the best Tuscan wines for its sensational dialectic between fruit clarity and tertiary notes.
‘Sassicaia’ 2019 – Tenuta San Guido
Description: The nose titillates by alternating intense varietal aromas of cherry, myrtle, garrigue, eucalyptus and hints of green pepper. The sip is material and harmonious with powerful and velvety tannins well balanced by a pressing acidity that creates sensational freshness on the palate.
Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel at controlled temperature, maceration for 9-12 days in steel. Aging for 24 months in French oak barriques.
Grapes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc
Tuscany region
A wine that made the history of Cabernets in Italy and paved the way for the wines of Bolgheri: dutifully one of theTuscan winesfor its indisputable finesse. A wine of great elegance, refined but imaginative that tells of the eloquence of the Bolgheri terroir.
Messorio 2019 – Le Macchiole
Description: The aromatic picture is interesting, spreading elegant and intense notes of blackberries and blueberries, blood nuances, salted undergrowth, patchouli for a spicy finish. On the palate it is enveloping, smooth and with thick tannins and sensational acidity that gives balance.
Fermentation by indigenous and selected yeasts with maceration partly in steel and partly in wooden vats for 25 days. Aging for 20 months in new and second passage barriques
Grapes: 100% Merlot
Tuscany region
Considered one of the most virtuous and imaginative interpretations in Italy of the original Bordeaux vine A Merlot with a great material extract but also stands out for its character: multifaceted and imaginative nose and compact, vigorous and exciting tannins. Full-fledged amongTuscan wines.
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Cerretalto’ 2016 – Casanova di Neri
Description :The aromatic spectrum is seductive and outlines nuances of ripe cherry, wild raspberry to make room for woody, tar and tobacco tones. On the palate it is voluminous, with a thick tannic texture well outlined and synergistically linked to an acidity that creates dialectic and rhythm. Excellent persistence with aftertaste echoes on the fruit and spices.
From grapes obtained from the Cerretalto cru, on vineyards located at an altitude of 270-290 m. asl., with exposure to the East. Fermentation by indigenous yeasts only in truncated cone-shaped vats at a controlled temperature and maceration for 3/4 weeks. Aging for 36 months in oak barrels, then at least 30 months in the bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
An unmissable wine: a riot of perfumes and skilfully integrated tertiary notes. It is right to include it among theTuscan winesfor its ability to masterfully renew the character of the Brunello di Montalcino to which we are accustomed.
Le Pergole Torte 2019 – Montevertine
Characteristics: Smells initially played on notes of black cherry, violet, blood orange embellished with more enigmatic hints of wild catmint and humus. On the palate well-defined and compact tannins and great acidity that gives smoothness.
Fermentation of 25 days by indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. The refinement begins in Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months, follows in Allier barriques for another 12 months and ends with 6 months of rest in the bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
A historic and inebriating wine among the best interpretations of pure Sangiovese for multifaceted taste-olfactory complexity.
Refined, elegiac and long-limbed: with an interesting iodized sapidity and inexhaustible persistence in which the varietal character of Sangiovese resurfaces as the undisputed protagonist in its eloquence. Definitely one of the most historic andTuscan wines.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Le Caggiole’ 2019 – Poliziano
Description:
It opens in a kaleidoscope of clear notes of wild strawberry and wild raspberry embellished with bloody nuances, leather, spicy echoes, goudron and humus. The sip is dense and vibrant, with a sensational backbone acidity well balanced between ripe and silky tannins and mineral sapidity that amplifies the course.
An opulent wine with a classic character, with a sincere nose and great expressiveness in which the varietal and vertical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed. Excellent aging potential.
The iconic company of Montepulciano Federico Carletti gives us yet another wine of great character. Full title among the Tuscan wines.
Region: Tuscany (Montepulciano)
Chianti Classico ‘Colonia’ 2019 – Fèlsina
Description :
The nose convinces us with intriguing notes of dark berries, violets and irises that mix with austere toasted nuances and sweet spices. On the palate it is enveloping, the tannic texture is material and supported by a nice acidity. Harmonious finish with good persistence.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
The beating heart of Chianti Classico: Felsina seduces us with an intense wine of great character, a representation of the quintessence of Sangiovese. Fully-fledged amongTuscan winesfor its great depth, fascinating and highly recognisable.
Chianti Classico ‘Il Poggio’ 2017 – Castello di Monsanto
Description:Features: Passionate with its lively and passionate olfactory picture that leads between notes of wild raspberry and blackberry embellished with spicy and roasting stamps and lengthen towards a finish on aromatic herbs between catmint and musk. The sip has a sensational extract, voluminous,silky, of imperishable persistence.
Grapes: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and Colorino
Tuscany region
This historic Castello di Monsanto cru was born from the historic vineyard planted in 1962. Among the best Chianti Classico around. A French peacock tail telluric wine: it opens seductively to reveal itself sensationally expansive and majestic on the palate. Deservedly among the best Tuscan wines.
Coltassala 2019 – Castello di Volpaia
Not aromas but a madeleineof olfactory echoes that distract us from the horror vacui, leading us towards wild raspberry, nuances of leather, cloves and medicinal herbs, embellished with a bloody and blood orange finish. On the palate it presses with a silky tannic texture synergistically linked to an acidity of extraordinary strength that gives freshness. It opens up for a balsamic finish, of imperishable persistence.
Castello di Volpaia’s Coltassala is a benchmark amongTuscan wineswith an authentic and traditional character.
Not wine, but a diehard apologist for the vertical, eloquent and elegant character of Sangiovese.
Tuscany region
Bolgheri Superiore 2019 – Castello di Bolgheri
Description:The nose is austere, broad and complex, ranging from notes of ripe red fruit followed by black pepper, coffee and cocoa.
Excellent harmony thanks to a well-defined but harmonized tannic texture of great finesse. Clean and persistent finish.
A very elegant Bolgheri as sumptuous and elegant is the Castle of Bolgheri in Castagneto Carducci. Impeccable value for money, deservedly amongTuscan winesfor identity and territorialrepresentation.
Grapes: Cabernet sauvignon 60%, Cabernet Franc 20%, Merlot 20%
Tuscany region
Siepi 2020 – Mazzei
Description:
A harmonious wine, with a fresh drink but enriched by decisive brushstrokes of wild strawberries, cassis, eucalyptus, leather and undergrowth nuances.
Great extract that creates a sensational counterpoint with the pounding acidity typical of Sangiovese. Emphatic and penetrating finish.
Grapes:Sangiovese 50%, Merlot 50%
Tuscany region
Among the most historic and best supertuscans for balance and harmony and ability to enhance and integrate the tertiary notes. A vibrant wine, a graphic and incisive representation of supertuscans.
Colore 2018 – Bibi Graetz
Description:
Incisive aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries expanded by nuances of leather, cloves and medicinal herbs. On the palate it presses with a thick, penetrating and silky tannic texture mitigated by a vigorous acidity. It opens up for a balsamic finish, with a very long persistence.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
A sui generis and original wine, amongTuscan winesfor the expressiveness and enhancement of the character of Sangiovese in the hills of Fiesole. It stretches towards a balsamic and persistent finish making the mind travel towards a moving madeleine of bucolic sensations.
Ornellaia 2019 – Tenuta dell’Ornellaia
Description : Raspberry and wild strawberries stretch towards a finish full of hints of cloves, tobacco, resin, bark and iodized tones. The mouth is immediately enveloped in powerful and silky tannins that slowly give way to a long and fruity finish.
Grapes: Cabernet sauvignon 56%, Merlot 27%, Cabernet franc 10%, Petit verdot 7%
Tuscany region
Born in 1981, it is still one of the most famous super Tuscans internationally. Superb on the nose and eloquent on the palate, it is a wine with sensational intelligibility that stratifies defined and unusual complex aromatic stamps. Definitely one of the most historic and bestTuscan winesin terms of olfactory complexity but also material and resolute palate.
UNO 2019 – Tenuta Carleone
Features:
The nose opens into a kaleidoscope of fresh red fruits, wild raspberry and cranberries with hints of cinnamon powder, leather and medicinal herbs.
In the mouth it has a materic phenolic extract in progress, assisted by a fresh component that gives freshness and which stretches towards a persistent and spicy finish.
Avertical wine of extraordinary acidity, embellished with captivating savory suggestions and great intelligibility of the fruit. Deservedly among thebestTuscan winesfor its unique character.
Tuscany region
Il Carbonaione 2018 – Podere Poggio Scalette
Features:
The aromatic spectrum is seductive and outlines nuances of ripe cherry, wild raspberry to make room for woody, tar and tobacco tones.
On the palate it is voluminous, with a thick tannic texture well outlined and synergistically linked to an acidity that creates dialectic and rhythm. Excellent persistence with aftertaste echoes on the fruit and spices.
An unmissable wine: a riot of perfumes and skilfully integrated tertiary notes. It is dutiful to include it among thebestTuscan winesfor its ability to masterfully renew the character of Sangiovese.
Tuscany region
Montosoli – Brunello di Montalcino 2016 – Altesino
Description:
The nose is pressing, characterized by fruity nuances of red cherries and sour cherries, embellished with notes of tea, licorice and cloves, with salty suggestions.
In the mouth it is soft and enveloping, with a velvety tannic texture that supports the palate and stretches towards a finish of great character and persistence.
Traditional vinification and long aging in oak barrels. The historic first cru of Montalcino fascinates once again for its undisputed stylistic imprint oriented towards elegance.
One of the best Brunello di Montalcino for expressiveness and harmony: the well-sculpted tannins give rhythm and volume and make the sip rich and satisfying.
Tuscany region
Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Poggio di Sotto
Description:The bouquet is characterized by notes of blackberry, cherry and potpourri, embellished with balsamic brushstrokes and tertiary hints of graphite, licorice and tobacco. The sip is full and enveloping and the tannins are elegant and well outlined, supported by a nice acidity that culminates in a fresh and persistent finish.
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and minimal interventions both in the vineyard and in the cellar. A ‘traditional’ vinification assisted by modern technologies, in line with the soul of Poggio di Sotto, one of the companies that represents a model of management and quality for the whole denomination.
A Brunello di Montalcino of great structure and power, among the best for opulence and richness on the palate.
Tuscany region
Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 – Val delle Corti
Description:
Olfactory opens on intense notes of violet, cherry which blend with sensations of coffee powder, leather and tobacco.
On the palate it flows fresh and sinuous, well balanced.
The Val delle Corti Chianti Classico Riserva is one of thebestTuscan winesin terms of typicality and aging potential.
The very clear fruit stands out, embellished with perfectly integrated tertiary notes.
Tuscany region
‘Oreno’ 2017- Tenuta Sette Ponti
Description:
The olfactory framework is interesting, which is divided between timbres of dark and ripe berries, nuances of cocoa powder and balsamic nuances. On the palate it is dense, compact, velvety and of unusual persistence.
Grapes: 100% Merlot
Tuscany region
One of the best supertuscans in existence. An elegant and voluminous wine with great balance. Deservedly among thebestTuscan winesfor enhancing the Bordeaux blend in Tuscany.
Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Salvioni La Cerbaiola
Description: Captivating between raspberry, ripe cherry, vanilla and dark chocolate.
On the palate it is full-bodied and enveloping, with a finish of good persistence with the fruit as protagonist.
The low yields of the Salvioni La Cerbaiola vineyards give grapes concentrated in aromas that are carefully and scrupulously processed to respect their integrity, potential and structure. Each plot is characterized by a different terroir which translates into a wine full of complexity and harmony.
A voluminous interpretation of thoroughbred Sangiovese, which skilfully combines freshness and tannic vigor.
Tuscany region
Syrah ‘Apice’ 2016 – Stefano Amerighi
Description :
The aromatic picture is interesting, spreading elegant and intense notes of blackberries and blueberries, blood nuances, salted capers, patchouli for a spicy finish. On the palate it is enveloping, flowing and with unscrupulous tannins and sensational acidity.
Grapes: 100% Syrah
Tuscany region
Considered one of the most virtuous and imaginative interpretations in Italy of the vine that has become famous in the Hermitage. A Syrah with a great material extract but also stands out for its character: multifaceted and imaginative nose and compact, vigorous and exciting tannins. Fully among thebestTuscan wines.
FOOD AND TUSCAN WINE PAIRING
What to combine the best wines of Tuscany with?
Tuscany is rich in culinary history, anecdotes and traditions that make this region an Italian gastronomic scenario of great interest. Land of gastronomic excellences such as Chianina and Maremmana beef, Cinta Senese pig but also game such as duck, hare and wild boar.
Tuscan bread is a symbol of Tuscan gastronomy and is distinguished by the lack of salt, so much so that it is called silly or unsalted bread. It is precisely from the reuse of stale bread that many iconic dishes of Tuscan poor cuisine are born: pappa al pomodoro and ribollita, but also panzanella and Maremma aquacotta.
Among the starters, pork-based dishes are popular. Typical Tuscan appetizer with cold cuts, such as Tuscan ham, finocchiona and soprassata, rigatino and buristo, strictly accompanied by Tuscan livers toast.
The first courses are generally based on complex sauces often based on game and white meats such as the famous pappardelle with wild boar or hare sauce. Other very characteristic Tuscan first courses are Mugello potato tortelli, Maremma tortelli, pici all’aglione and gnudi.
Wild boar scald
Among the second courses to try in Tuscany we find the famous Florentine steak, a very tall and tasty cut of Chianina or Maremmana meat to be cooked on the grill or on the grill and served very rare. Among the main courses based on meat, there are countless stews and braised meats such as Peposo dell’Impruneta, the Sangiovannese-style Stracotto, the Wild Boar Scottiglia.
Also from the beef are born iconic dishes of Tuscan cuisine such as the Florentine tripe and the Lampredotto, but also the tongue, the cheek and the livers, all dishes that can be opened in the classic Tuscan street-food.
Not least the Tuscan soups and minestrone, generally made of black cabbage, but also the beans all’uccelletto, a must in typical Tuscan taverns.
On the Tyrrhenian coast we find fish-based specialties, such as Cacciucco alla livornese or cod alla maremma, as well as a passion for fried rock fish and shellfish.
Finally, there are many traditional Tuscan desserts. Among these are the cantucci di Prato which go perfectly with Tuscan vin santo, or other typical sweets such as the Florentine schiacciata, the grape schiacciata, the brigidini, the Sienese panforte and many others.
What are the best wines of Tuscany?
What are the best wines from Tuscany? Choosing is a difficult undertaking, which in any case inevitably lies within the limits of a subjective opinion, which as such, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary. We have compiled our list of virtuous quality interpretations of wines from Tuscany from the best wineries according to our evaluations.
However, it remains essential to underline that the best wines from Tuscany are those that are able to excite us, also by binding themselves to contingent situations and unrepeatable and intimate moments of our life.
Therefore, we invite you to discover all the wineries that produce wines from Tuscany in their uniqueness, so that you can independently find and choose the wine that can be counted for you among your best wine from Tuscany.
