Tuscany Sub-Regions

Sangiovese on galestro and alberese soils. Black Rooster DOCG. Three quality tiers.

The original Chianti zone between Florence and Siena — the Black Rooster country. Chianti Classico DOCG is Sangiovese-dominant with a tiered quality system: regular, Riserva, and Gran Selezione. The strade bianche roads connect dozens of estates across the Panzano, Gaiole, and Castelnuovo Berardenga communes.

Brunello di Montalcino — pure Sangiovese, extreme aging. The most collectible Italian red.

A hilltop fortress town producing Brunello di Montalcino — Italy's most age-worthy red wine. Pure Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone) aged minimum 5 years before release (7 for Riserva). The landscape is dramatic — golden hills, scattered holm oaks, and the town's medieval walls visible for miles.

Vino Nobile — Prugnolo Gentile Sangiovese. More accessible than Brunello. Beautiful hilltop town.

A Renaissance hilltop town producing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano — another Sangiovese expression, called Prugnolo Gentile locally. Less austere than Brunello, more accessible earlier. The town itself is exquisite — better preserved than Montalcino, with excellent wine bars (enotecas) in the cellars.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Super Tuscans. Sassicaia, Ornellaia. International variety triumph.

A coastal DOC that changed Italian wine forever. Sassicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Ornellaia (Bordeaux blend) proved that Tuscany could make world-class non-traditional wines. The flat coastal landscape is unlike the rest of Tuscany — less scenic, but the wines are extraordinary. A pilgrimage for wine collectors.

Italy's first DOC white wine. Crisp, dry, almond-tinged. Perfect with local cuisine.

Italy's first DOC white wine, produced around the iconic tower-studded town of San Gimignano. Vernaccia is a crisp, dry white with subtle almond finish — perfect with the local wild boar pasta or pecorino. An easy add-on to a Chianti Classico day.