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Traditional Wineries to Visit in Tuscany, Italy

Traditional Wineries to Visit in Tuscany, Italy

Top Tuscan Wineries to Visit

Tuscany is not only the birthplace of the Renaissance but also the most important wine region in Italy. Besides this, it is also the 6th largest wine-producing region in the world. It stretches from the Tyrrhenian coastline to the Apennine Mountains. The famous Tuscan wines include Chianti, Super Tuscan, Brunello, Vino Nobile, Vernaccia, and Vin Santo.

Wine enthusiasts must visit one of the many working wineries in Tuscany, where they can learn about the process of winemaking or wander through the lush vineyards. Since many of the wineries are owned by families, exploring them also gives a chance to visit historic homes and learn about Tuscany’s wine culture.

A picturesque corner of a quaint hill in Tuscany, Italy

Grape Varieties in Tuscany

  • Sangiovese: This is the most widely planted grape in the region. It features in most of the classic red wines like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcin. This grape lends an earthy character and distinctive black cherry flavours to the wine.
  • Super Tuscan: The main varieties featured in Bordeaux-inspired Super Tuscan blends consist of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. These tend to be quite smooth and have notes of plums, cherries and blackberries.
  • Trebbiano: This Trebbiano variety is used to make very light and neutral white wines. It is most commonly used as a blend in Sangiovese-based wines.
  • Vermentino: Vermentino is a hearty, late-ripening grape that is slowly gaining popularity. Wines made with this grape feature notes of apricot, yellow peach, green apple, and citrus.
  • Vernaccia: This grape variety lends a crisp and floral taste to the wines.

Top Tuscan Wineries

Wine grapes on the vine – Tuscany, Italy

1. Badia a Coltibuono

The winemaking tradition in this property had existed since the 11th century when some monks from the abbey planted vineyards. It is now a privately-owned land, which also has a small hotel. The guided tours of the vineyards consist of a visit to the historic wine cellars and the winery and a sampling of the estate-grown wines and olive oils.

2. Castello di Ama Winery

Located in the tiny hamlet of Ama in the Chianti hills, this winery dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. In the present age, it is run by a couple Lorenza and Marco, who have ensured that Castello di Ama’s wines prove to be some of the region’s best. This winery has also earned the Winemaker of the Year award in 2003. This estate also has a contemporary art showcase and luxurious accommodation for guests in 18th-century villas.

3. Avignonesi Winery

This winery, which was established in 2009, uses organic and biodynamic methods in making wines. A visit to this winery will offer you wine tasting sessions with beautiful reds, sweet Vin Santo and grappa. You will also get to visit two main vineyards and the winery, which includes the cellar, drying room and barrel tunnel.

Other famous Tuscan wineries include Badia Passignano Abbey, Castello di Nipozzano Winery, Tenuta Castiglioni – Frescobaldi, Castello Banfi il Borgo, Castiglion del Bosco and Casanova di Neri Winery.

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