Improvements began in the central region, around Florence and Siena, and then spread to the other regions of Tuscany. Wines with no particular appellation, but with remarkable potential, the "Super Tuscan", appeared among the red wines, and these saw their renown grow further thanks to new styles of Tuscan white wines.

The climate is extremely variable between the different hills of Tuscany, causing significant differences between the estates. Differences in the soil also count, allowing each winemaker to produce a different wine.

The local grape variety of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepuciano and Carmignano (all DOCG) is Sangiovese. The Sangioveto grape variety is also present in Tuscany.

Some Chianti are fresh and easy at first, others are classy and richly elaborated especially with age. The distinction between all these styles of wines and Chiantis is of course difficult for wine lovers to make. However, with Chiantis, the price/quality ratio is often favourable to the consumer. There are sub appellations to distinguish between the various Chiantis. The sub-denomination Classico, a defense consortium created by Tuscan producers, is one such sub-denomination. It is represented by a black rooster ('Gallo Nero'), a symbol of the rivalry between Florence and Siena, two cities vying for supremacy in the Middle Ages.

Pure Sangiovese varietal wines have a deep ruby colour, the aromas that characterize them are floral and fruity. They are tannic in a balanced way and long on the palate. On the palate they are fleshy and tender. With years of ageing, they acquire body and reach their best.

As for the "super Tuscans", the most famous is Sassicaia. It is made exclusively of Cabernet. In the 1970s, its winemakers convinced the world that Italy (a vineyard without any appellation!) could make red wines using modern techniques. Its fame became international. It has since been granted a DOC under the name Bolgheri. If you want to try the little brothers of the Sassicaia de la Tenuta San Guido, you can discover the Guidalberto, which is the second wine, and the Difese, which offers a nice price/quality ratio. If you want more information about the wines of the Tenuta San Guido, I refer you to our blog article entitled "Zoom on the Guidalberto and the Difese (Tenuta San Guido)".

As for the Tignanello, the blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet served as a model for the new Tuscan style. These red wines are aged in small oak casks or barrels and more in old casks.

The "super-Tuscan" wines that have not yet had a DOG or DOCG designation are usually included in the IGT Tuscany appellation.

Vin Santo, which has become a DOC in some Tuscan regions, is also the pride of its producers. Half-dried bunches of grapes aged in small wooden barrels are used to create Vin Santo. It is an exquisite dessert or aperitif wine.

Finally, a few years ago, Tuscan white wines enjoyed less consideration than reds, probably because they were made from the Trebbiano grape variety. In recent times, many whites have acquired interesting depth and complexity through blends with international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Blanc as well as Grigio.