Entertain with the Region’s Finest Wines
Wine can add a sophisticated touch to any party or dinner that you
host. When entertaining, treat your guests to the smooth flavor of
Italian wine, specifically Tuscany wine.
Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world, and some
of the finest varieties hail from the Tuscany region. Wine has been
produced in Tuscany for hundreds and hundreds of years. In recent
decades Tuscan winemakers have put great effort into the quality of
their products, resulting in the excellent Tuscany wine on the market
today. Tuscany wine is enjoyed widely and is easy to find in
restaurants and diners as well as stores.
Super Tuscan Wine
In the past few decades an unofficial category of Tuscany wine has
arisen, given the name Super Tuscan. Wines created by making
unconventional blends of different grape varieties fall under the Super
Tuscan category.
Tuscany Wine Zones
Tuscany is divided into several wine zones. Three of the most important of these are Bolgheri, Chianti Classico and Montalcino.
What is Bolgheri Tuscany Wine?
The Bolgheri zone, located in the west of Tuscany, is the birthplace of
Sassacaia and Tignanello, which began the Super-Tuscan trend. In recent
decades Bolgheri wine has received much attention for the quality of
its wines. Winemakers in the Bolgheri zone specialize in red Tuscany
wine created by blending the grapes of Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese,
Syrah, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Several different wines are
produced using different combinations of these grapes.
What is Chianti Classico Tuscany Wine?
What more classic image of Tuscany wine is there than the straw basket
covered bottle of Chianti resting on a checkered tablecloth in a cozy
Italian restaurant? The Chianti Classico zone lies in central Tuscany.
Red Sangiovese grapes are the primary ingredient of Chianti Classico,
but they are generally blended with other grapes, such as Merlot,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo. Chianti Classico is a full-bodied,
bold wine that makes a good complement to well-seasoned food. Chianti
Classico wine has come a long way from its inexpensive, straw bottled
past and today there are some excellent wines produced in the region.
You can still get the straw basket variety if you choose, however.
What is Montalcino Tuscany Wine?
The Montalcino zone is located in the Siena area of Tuscany. Montalcino
is known for producing the Brunello di Montalcino variety of Tuscany
wine. Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine made from the Sangiovese
grape and normally aged for at least four years, two in oak barrels.
Brunello di Montalcino goes well with steak, roasts and flavorful
cheeses.
More Tuscany Wine
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a robust red wine that is also based on
the Sangiovese grape and is similar to Brunello di Montalcino.
Trebbiano is a traditional white Tuscany wine. Bianco di Pitigliano is
produced in the southern Tuscan region of Pitigliano, and is a popular
white Tuscany wine. Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made near Siena, is one
of the best known Tuscany white wines.
