Savoring Italy’s Liquid Gold in Tuscany’s Wine Tours & Vineyards

The region in the heart of Italy is known for its picturesque landscapes and captivating vineyards. Tuscany`s wine culture dates back to ancient times. Civilizations like the Etruscans and Romans made the groundwork for today’s winemaking legacy. In this article we will guide you through the enchanting world of Tuscany wine tours, helping you discover more about its wine, popular as well as lesser-known wineries, unique terroir, or wine-tasting techniques.

History

Before the Romans, it was Etruscans who inhabited the region. They were the first ones who cultivated grapevines and started to experiment with winemaking.

Later under Roman rule, Tuscany flourished. Wine production become an integral part of the region`s economy.

During medieval times monasteries (for example those in the Chianti region) played a crucial role and became centers for viticulture. Many monks kept written records of their winemaking experiments and techniques.

Some of the traditional winemaking methods rely on the Sangiovese grape and its diverse clones that have dominated the region for many centuries. Practises like aging in large oak barrels (“bottti”) in combination with the terroir of the region create wines wealthy in elegance and structure.

Types of Tuscan Wines

Some of the most prominent ones are Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Super Tuscans.

Chianti is one of the most iconic wine regions in Italy filled not only with vineyards but with many rolling hills too. Sangiovese is the primary grape that is used to produce the Chianti wine or its blends. It usually has fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry), moderate tannins, and balanced acidity.

Brunello di Montalcino is made of 100% Sangiovese grapes. It mostly grows around the town of Montalcino. The wine displays flavors of dark cherries, plum, leather, and tobacco. It comes with a firm tannic structure and a long, elegant finish.

Vine Nobile di Montepulciano as the name suggests comes from the town of Montepulciano. The wine is based on Sangiovese grapes but usually blends with some other local varieties. The blends are made of red and black fruits and its flavors contain notes of violets, herbs, and earth. Compared to Brunello it is more softer.

Super Tuscans are made through non-traditional winemaking practices. Their flavors feature ripe, dark fruits, and robust tannins. Sassicaia and Ornellaia are some of the most known Super Tuscans.

The Art of Winetasting

Some tips on how you can make your Tuscany wine tours a better experience. Start with the visual examination. Pour the wine into the glass and place it against a white background. Observe the wine color, for example, Chianti tends to be bright ruby red, while Brunello can have a deeper, garnet hue.

Then continue and swirl the wine gently. Such movement may release aromas and inform you about the wine`s viscosity.

The next phase is the aroma. Put your nose into the glass and inhale. Try to identify the primary aromas. After that take a small sip. Ensure even distribution and exposure to your taste buds. Try to identify the flavors – usually plums, cherries, strawberries, or even tobacco and leather. Continue with evaluating its structure – acidity, tannins, and body.

The last part of the tasting process is the finish or aftertaste. What kind of impression does the wine leave after it is swallowed? Some types like the Super Tuscans can have a long lingering finish. You can also contemplate wine`s harmony and balance.

You can elevate your wine-tasting experience and pair it with local dishes, for example, Chianti with tomato-based pasta, or Brunello di Montalcino with grilled meats, or aged cheeses.

What vineyards to visit?

The list of the vineyards and wineries in Tuscany will start with 3 lesser know gems.

Located in the southern part of Tuscany. It was founded in 1997 by Agostino Lenci. They introduced the first wines to the public in 2003. The place is renowned for its Morellino di Scansano red wine. Before your visit, you have to make a booking at least 24 hours before.

Access is possible only from 7th April to 5th November. You can choose from Classic ($25 per person), Fattoria ($35 per person), and Wine tasting with Picnic ($50 per person).

This organic winery produces not only wines. It is just a part of larger production that covers extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese,üasta, vinegar, and many more. The place is a family-run organic biodynamic farm. Its history started with one abandoned farm that was reconstructed by the Lo Franco Family in 1978.

You can book a holiday (from April to October) and stay in one of the once-abandoned farmsteads – restored with original features like furnishings are still there. You can reach the place by car. But be aware that the Wi-Fi and televisions are “banned”!

This place is for everyone who wants to get the off-the-beaten-path experience. It lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Its history dates back to the 60s. It is a family-owned winery that respects the winemaking traditions while introducing new and innovative approaches.

Its wines are award-winning ones and you can find them all over the world in places like New York, Montreal, Hong Kong, Beijing, and many European cities alike. You can take a wine tour and visit facilities, or rent a villa with a swimming pool – the ideal choice when you want to make day trips to cities such as Sienna and Florence.

As the name suggests this vineyard comes in the form of a castle situated in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Its history dates back to the 12th century. Its founders are the Ricasoli family. It is the second-oldest winery in the whole of Italy. The castle lets you adore the surrounding vineyards and countryside from atop a hill.

The main wine is the Chianti Classico Brolio based on Sangiovese grape blended with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Some others include Gran Selezine and Riserva versions.

You can take a guided tour – there are a variety to choose from – Sunset tour, Classic Tour, Gran Cru Tour, Cellar tour and wine tasting tour, Gardens and tasting at the wine shop tour, Brolio4Kids (free), or Private tour (on request). Prices range from 7 to 150 Eur.

The winery is located in the heart of Montalcino. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when Lavinio Franceschi made its foundations. Thanks to his vision and passion the estate dedicated their production to Sangiovese and ended up producing great wine like Brunello di Montalcino.

Some other wines you can taste are Rosso di Montalcino (a younger version of Brunello), a selection of white wines. You can choose one of the tours and tastings and get an insightful journey into the vineyards, cellars, and winemaking process.

The estate has a rich history that goes back to the Renaissance when it was founded by the Avignonesi family. It started to grow after Belgian Virginie Saverys took it over in 2009 – a consumer turned into a producer overnight. She made some significant changes as banning toxic synthetic biocides, and the use of commercial yeasts, dyes, enzymes, etc. Safety at work, pollution, and climate become primary concerns.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano made of Sangiovese grapes along with some other local varietals, Rosso di Montepulciano and Desiderio are some of the notable wines you can try.

You can choose from a variety of tours or experiences like Tour and Taste, The cellar door experience, the Grand experience, or the cooking class. The guided ones will take you through the vineyards, and cellars and show you the winemaking facilities with commentaries.

Founded by the Antinori family, a prominent wine dynasty in the region. The family`s passion for wine dates back to the 14th century. The place is located in the town of Bargino. The winery is modern with tasting rooms but designed in a way where you can see the contemporary with the traditional elements.

The portfolio of wines you can try there includes Chianti Classico, Riserva, Gran Selezione, and Super Tuscan wines. You can choose from a wide range of guided tours and take the opportunity to visit the cellars or witness the winemaking and aging of the wines.

The winery is a historic estate. Founded by the Mariani family who have a deep passion for wine and decided to rejuvenate the traditional winemaking. Besides Brunello di Montalcino you can taste Rosso di Montalcino, Super Tuscan blends, and a selection of white wines.

You can book a tour (approximately 2 hours long) and see the cellars with vineyards, or the place can become a setting for your vacation, celebration, or any special event.

Wine Routes

There are several wine routes with unique experiences and diverse flavors. Here are the most popular ones.

Chianti Classico includes wineries Castello di Brolio, and Felsina.

Montalcino includes wineries Castello Banfi, Poggio Antico.

Maremma covers wineris like Le Macchiole, or the Podere Poggio Scalette.

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