Between the exquisite expressions of Sangiovese from Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino, and the iconoclast Bordeaux blends of its Super Tuscans, the wines of Tuscany have never been more thrilling and unsurprisingly, their global demand has taken the fine wine world by storm in the last decade. As part of our Autumn Edit, below is a curation of some of our favourites from the region, perfect for seasonal drinking. Plus don’t forget that when stocking up on any of the below wines, you can get £100 off your £1000+ order using the code AUTUMNEDIT100.
Chianti
The most widely recognised sub-region of Tuscany must be the DOCG of Chianti Classico, a smaller and superior appellation of Chianti, which produces a superbly high standard of wines due to its far stricter production regulations. It is impossible to discuss the region of Tuscany without touching upon the considerable influence that the Antinori family has had upon it. Their Chianti Classico Riserva, produced by their highly revered Tenuta Tignanello, is an unmissable wine for nearly any occasion. Moving a step above Riserva, one can look to Barone Ricasoli’s 2018 single vineyard Chianti Classico Gran Seleziones, which are certainly amongst the most finely crafted Chiantis you are likely to find.
Brunello di Montalcino
Moving to the DOCG of Brunello di Montalcino we once again find wines produced from the region’s signature Sangiovese grape; yet in this case, the wines are vinified exclusively from the “Brunello clone,” which provides the wines’ trademark structure and seemingly eternal life. From the silky and elegant wines of Il Marroneto to the far more plush and powerful examples of Giodo or the exquisitely rare Brunello Riservas of Siro Pacenti, below we have rounded up a tremendous selection from some of our favourite producers of this vaunted region.
Super Tuscans
Finally, no Tuscan collection would be complete without a select array of Super Tuscans, a designation which emerged thanks to a group of rebellious winemakers who wanted to plant international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on their deeply Italian lands. Initially required to label their wines as humble vino da tavola, thanks to the undisputed excellence of these wines eventually the DOC of Bolgheri was established, where one can find both the iconic Sassicaia and Ornellaia wineries. Once again, we find the Antinori family to be at the forefront of Tuscany’s innovation, and while today they may be best known for Tignanello and Solaia, we highly recommend their strikingly intense Poggio alle Nane. Hailing from the coastal stretch of Maremma, the wine boasts a precise blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and just a hint of Carmenere. Even today, new producers continue to push the limits in Tuscany. Just look at the ever-memorable Bibi Graetz, whose Testamatta may technically be a 100% Sangiovese from Chianti, but whose wine-making philosophy is far more aligned with the Super Tuscans.
Our Top Tuscan Picks
As the weather takes a turn towards cooler temperatures this week, we can think of no better region to turn to than the immensely pleasurable reds of Tuscany, where value for money remains undeniable…at least for the time being.