Tuscany

Tuscany, located along Italy’s western coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is home to Italy’s most famous wine, Chianti. Like the wines of Bordeaux, Chianti is made from a blend of grape varietals which some say adds to the wine’s complexity. The best Chianti is medium-bodied, with a certain degree of elegance, firm acidity, and a tannic backbone. It ages gracefully, developing a nuance of bouquet, and flavor. The grape varietals that make up Chianti are Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo, Trebbiano, Malvasia, and other red varietals.

The second most famous wine of Tuscany is Brunello di Montalcino. Made only in and around the village of Montalcino, these are made of 100 percent Sangiovese Grosso grapes and have the power and the richness of Barolo, with a strong but wonderfully delicate finish. There is also the Rosso di Montalcino, which can be either made from younger vines and/or, in the case of the better producers, from wines that don’t quite measure up to the highest standards set for Brunello.

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