Whenever you think of Chianti you think of Tuscany! Situated at the central western region of Italy, Tuscany has given the world some of the best red wines and without doubt is the pride of Italian wines.  Chianti is by far the ‘King’ of Tuscany, but the other red wines Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino are also quite popular.

The white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano and dessert wine Vin Santo are also the produce of Tuscany. Super Tuscan is a new class of wine which was produced in 1970s outside the DOC/DOCG regulations.These wines were of high quality, fetched huge prices and many of them became cult wines. Sangiovese is the basic grape variety of nearly all the Tuscan wines but for Super Tuscans, Bordeaux grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot are used.

Although Tuscany has a rich wine history, which dates back to the 8th century, the quality of the wine drastically crumbled in the mid 20th century with no takers for Tuscan wines. In the 1950s and 60s, wine was made only in quantity without considering the quality.  But in 20 years the scenario changed; with intense research, more focus on the quality, introduction of international varietals, the Tuscan wines started getting international recognition.  Today some of the most distinguished wines are Tuscan. Some of the famous wineries in the region are Podere San Cresci, Antico Borgo di Sugame, Il Molino di Grace, Il Villino, La Marcellina, etc.

Along with the wines, Tuscany also offers some great tourist destinations. If you are looking for a landscape covered with vineyards and olive oils, dotted with Roman churches, elegant castles, medieval manors and aristocratic residences, then Tuscany is your place. It is perfect wine destination along with a rich ancient and cultural heritage.