Tuscan Wines: Chianti, Brunello, Super Tuscans and Sangiovese from Tuscany

Chianti, Brunello or Super Tuscan?

The short answer is place and rules. Chianti comes from a large area spread over six provinces, from Pisa to Arezzo and from Pistoia and Prato down to Siena, and must be mostly Sangiovese. Its historic heart between Florence and Siena has its own appellation.

That heartland makes Chianti Classico, recognised by the black rooster, usually with more depth and structure.

Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese around the hilltop town of Montalcino, south of Siena. It cannot be released until the fifth year after harvest, with at least two years in oak, and is one of Italy's most long lived red wines.

Super Tuscans emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s, when producers made wines outside the rules, often with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, and sold them as simple table wine. Since the early 1990s many have carried the Toscana IGT label, while some coastal ones are now Bolgheri DOC.

The Wine Regions of Tuscany

Beyond Chianti and Montalcino, Montepulciano makes Vino Nobile, another Sangiovese based red. On the coast, Bolgheri is famous for elegant blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the Maremma further south makes Morellino di Scansano and fresh Vermentino.

San Gimignano, with its medieval towers, is the home of Vernaccia, one of the few classic Tuscan whites.

Tuscan Sangiovese, Whites and Rosé

Tuscan Sangiovese shows red cherry, dried herbs and violets, with firm acidity and fine tannins. It can be bright and juicy in a young Chianti or powerful and complex in a Brunello Riserva.

For something lighter, try crisp Vermentino from the coast or a white blend such as Villa Antinori Bianco, alongside our other styles of white wine. Rosato made from Sangiovese is dry and fresh.

Tuscan Wine Brands in Our Range

Antinori, a Florentine family in wine for more than six centuries, brings Chianti Classico, Santa Cristina and Villa Antinori. From Montalcino come Banfi and Col d'Orcia, and Piccini adds the Villa al Cortile Brunello.

Barone Ricasoli makes Chianti Classico at Brolio Castle, joined by Castello di Meleto, San Fabiano Calcinaia and the organic Valiano. For modern Tuscan red wine, look for Testamatta and Colore from Bibi Graetz.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Chianti and Sangiovese slightly cool at 15 to 17 degrees, and give Brunello and Super Tuscans time in a decanter. They love tomato based pasta, bistecca alla fiorentina and pecorino, while Vermentino suits seafood.

What Are Tuscan Wines? Your Questions, Answered

What are Tuscan wines?

These wines come from the Tuscany region of central Italy. The most famous are Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and most are red wines made mainly from Sangiovese.

What is the difference between Chianti and a Super Tuscan?

Chianti follows strict rules on area and grapes and is mostly Sangiovese. A Super Tuscan sits outside those rules, usually under the looser Toscana IGT, and may blend Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, use these grapes on their own, or even be pure Sangiovese.

Is Montepulciano wine from Tuscany?

It depends on the label. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a Sangiovese based red from the Tuscan town of Montepulciano, while Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is made from the Montepulciano grape in Abruzzo, on the other side of the Apennines.

Why Buy Tuscan Wine at YourWines?

From a juicy everyday Chianti to a Brunello for a special dinner, you can buy Tuscan wine online for every occasion and budget, alongside the rest of our Italian wine range.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. For more great reds from across the country, explore our Italian red wine.