Tuscany

West Central Italy is best known for the province – Tuscana. Historically, Tuscana is a red wine county, producing Sangiovese predominant wine. However, it also produces white wines from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes as well. The summer of Tuscana is long and fairly dry and winter are moderate.

Most vineyards are planted on the hillside with altitude to offset the heat – mainly reds are grown at 550 meters above sea level whereas whites are grown at 700 meters above sea level. Hence, the ripening season is longer and the acidity is retained. The soil profile of the whole area is very complex, but the majorities are: gravel, limestone and clay.

Super Tuscany

There is also a group of innovative oenologists, started producing wines from Cabernet Sauvignon (not permitted initially in Tuscana) in Bordeaux style. This unashamed attempt lifted up the whole image of Italy, producing world amazing top quality wine. Now, those wines produced mainly from international varieties are called ‘Super Tuscany’. The most famous of them is Sassicaia – Chateaux Lafite Rothschild in Italy, from the newly granted Bolgheri DOC. However, most of other super Tuscany wines are granted IGT class rather than DOC or DOCG classes. But the quality is undoubted. For the food, anything goes well with Bordeaux style wine should pair well with super Tuscany.