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Exploring the Wines of Tuscany: Terroir and Wine Traditions

Tuscany, a famous Italian region, boasts soil and climate characteristics that over the centuries have favoured high quality wine production. This advantage is further emphasised by the variety of territories present: from the majestic Apuan Alps, with their limestone and dolomite reliefs, which also offer important marble quarries, to the wide sandy plains that dot the coast, interspersed with fascinating rocky promontories. Not forgetting the renowned hills of the Apennines that characterise the centre of the region. The most outstanding Tuscan wines originate in the Apennine hills, where the climate, which varies according to altitude, is characterised by sea breezes and soil composed of marl, sandstone, clay and limestone.

Areas of Wine Excellence

Among the most fascinating and evocative locations is the Chianti Toscano, particularly the Classico area that stretches between Florence and Siena. This area is populated by vineyards, castles, ancient abbeys and manor houses, representing a place of production with a millennial tradition, where history, human labour and innovation blend harmoniously. Equally famous is Montalcino, home of the renowned Brunello, considered the king of the Sangiovese grape. A short distance away is San Gimignano, renowned both for its medieval appearance and for the production of one of Tuscany's oldest white wines: Vernaccia. In the south of the province of Siena, Montepulciano offers its unmistakable Nobile, a must for lovers of great reds from Sangiovese grapes.

Towards the north, in Lunigiana on the border with Liguria, and in the Colli Apuani, we find refined oenological productions, mainly based on Vermentino. A little further south, from the Colli Lucchesi to the Colli Pisani, there are outstanding reds from both Sangiovese and international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The province of Florence gives life to the ancient denomination of Carmignano, while the Arezzo area, with the Val di Chiana, stands out for its fine interpretations of Syrah. The Val d'Ambra, on the other hand, offers important wines based on other international grapes.

Maremma: A Mosaic of Terroir

The Maremma, a vast coastal area rich in hills and relief, represents a microcosm of biodiversity and diverse soils. In the northern province of Livorno, the prestigious Bolgheri DOC stands out, produced in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, known for its Vermentino and Viognier vines. The Grosseto Maremma is renowned for its internationally renowned reds and for Morellino di Scansano Docg, made from Sangiovese grapes.

Tuscan Food and Wine Excellence

Tuscan wines are characterised by their intensity, structure and warmth, making them perfect to accompany local delicacies, especially meat. The whites, mainly Vermentino-based, from Lunigiana to Maremma, prove versatile and adaptable to both land and sea dishes. Seafood specialities include tasty fish soups, cacciucco alla livornese, fried anchovies, baccalà alla fiorentina, squid and mixed fried fish. The more structured reds and fresh everyday wines find a perfect match in typical bread and vegetable soups such as ribollita, panzanella and cabbage soup. Traditional crostini with chicken livers also go well with full-bodied whites or young, not too structured reds.

The red category, which includes some of Italy's most important wine labels, harmonises well with the region's vast selection of red meats and cured meats. The Chianti and all territorial Sangiovese wines, thanks to their freshness and dryness, go wonderfully well with salami, sausages, finocchiona, lardo di Colonnata, lampredotto, soppressata, hams and fried meats. Supertuscans, with their powerful structure and intense aromatic profile, require pairings with savoury meats such as Chianina beef, castrato, game and venison, as well as mature cheeses such as pecorino. Typical desserts such as panforte, ricciarelli, cantucci and castagnaccio go perfectly with Vin Santo, Aleatico dell'Elba and all the passiti wines of the region.

Discover and Buy Tuscan Wines at xtraWine

We invite you to explore the vast selection of Tuscan wines available on xtraWine, where you can find special offers to taste the excellent wines of Tuscany. Buy conveniently online and enjoy a unique wine and food experience. Choose xtraWine to explore the Tuscan wine heritage, enriching your special moments with authentic food and wine delights.