The Famous Italian Wines You Must Try on a Private Tuscan Wine Tour
What goes perfectly with the most luscious cold cuts, sumptuous desserts, and the rarest cheeses? There’s only one beverage, that will suit just about any taste—a glass of wine. And if there’s a place you should visit for the perfect bottle of red and white, it’s Tuscany. A Tuscan wine tour can take your taste buds to unexplored heights, all in a country known for its love for food.
Must-try Italian wines on your Tuscan wine tour
Did you know that Tuscany is one of Italy’s largest wine producers? The region is home to over 157,000 acres of vineyards, resulting in over seven billion ounces of wine every single year. This is all thanks to Tuscany’s almost-perfect climate, which never gets too wet nor too dry.The region is often referred to as “the Land of Balance.”
But with all the grape varieties growing abundantly in Tuscany, choosing the perfect wine for your tastes can be overwhelming. So what are some wines you should definitely try during your stay?
• Brunello
The Italians are very particular about the authenticity of their food, and this culture is reflected widely in their wines. Brunello wine from Tuscany, for instance, must only contain Sangiovese grapes — nothing more, nothing less.
In addition, these grapes must undergo a precise aging process. Before a bottle of Brunello can be sold, it should be aged for a total of five years, spending two of these years on wood and at least four months inside the bottle. And finally, it must be stored in a dark environment with a temperature of around 62°F (17°C).
Brunello wine has hints of red plum and black cherry with high acidity, high tannins, and dry sweetness.
• Carmignano
No one made wine like the Romans. The Romans loved wine so much that they held festivals for the god Bacchus throughout Italy. And if you’re looking for a drink that reflects Ancient Rome’s love for wine, it’s the Carmignano.
This dark and bold beverage is made up of about 50% to 90% Sangiovese grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. In addition, it has a dry taste with hints of violets, plums, and black pepper, only slightly tannic.
• Chianti Classico
It’s all in the name — the Chianti Classico is Tuscany’s most classic, prized, and famous wine. This bold and unique drink is strictly regulated by the Italian government and consists of at least 80% Sangiovese grapes In addition, only the bottles that meet the highest standards receive the Denominazione di OrigineControllata e Garantita (DOCG) label.
Many wines try to market themselves as authentic Chianti wine; however, to get the full, authentic experience, make sure to find a bottle with a black rooster symbol. This guarantees you that the wine hails straight from the Chianti region.
Chianti wine is famous for its distinctive flavor, characterized by cherry, plum, tomato leaf, and leather taste notes with medium-high acidity and high tannins.
• Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Do you prefer white wine? Most of Tuscany may produce deep and bold reds, but this doesn’t mean you can’t find a good bottle of white in the region. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano is an excellent example, famed for its golden hues, full-body, and crisp floral taste notes.
This white wine hails from San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most historic towns. You can stop by a local wine estate for delectable food and wine tasting before continuing on your tour.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is bright, citrusy, and crisp, with hints of yellow apple and lemon, and medium-high acidity.
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
You can’t beat the classics, and besides Chianti wine, Tuscany is known for another drink: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Unlike its darker and bolder cousin, the Vino Nobile offers an opposite experience. This wine is vibrant and fresh, loved for its fruity taste with notes of berries, plum, and cherry.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano comes from a town of the same name, a charming Etruscan village lined with hills and decorated by 14th-century buildings. According to the law, Vino Nobile can only be grown in the terrain surrounding Montepulciano, and you can find bottles with either 70% or 100% Sangiovese grapes.
The best food to pair with your Tuscan wines
You didn’t expect to leave Tuscany without at least trying some of its food, did you? All 20 Italian regions have something unique to offer, and what better way to improve your experience than by pairing the local wines with authentic Italian food?
Here are some tasty treats to try on your Tuscan wine tour:
• Panzanella
Craving for that classic Italian flavor? You can’t go wrong with the Panzanella—a salad with bread, tomatoes, onions, and basil tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can have this as an energizing treat before you continue your tour, ensuring you get all the nutrients you need while on vacation.
• Tagliatelle alTartufo
Of course, what’s a trip to Italy without tasting the pasta? The tagliatelle alTartufo is unique and delicious, a dish swirled in melted butter and garlic and topped with Parmigiano and black truffle.
• Torta di Ceci
Is your stomach asking for attention after a long day of strolling through the Tuscan piazzas? You might pass by a food stall that sells torta di Ceci, a street food snack. This chickpea flour pancake is served inside a sandwich, often eaten with vegetables or as a pizza base.
There’s no limit to the food and wine you can taste in a region like Tuscany. Everything from the climate to the soil is perfect, so try the local wine and delicacies before you go. But to ensure you don’t miss out on an attraction or winery, consider booking a Tuscan wine tour with experienced tour providers.
Make sure to find a tour provider with IATA and CLIA certification, a wide range of package and custom-designed tours, and complete assistance services before, during, and after your vacation!