Wine 101: Toscana
Toscana is an Italian wine from the region of Tuscany. Nestled along the Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany's winemaking industry counts on one of the most noble and ancient traditions that predates the universally known Chianti wine that often springs to mind when this region is discussed. The hilly soil and the weather conditions of Tuscany are ideal for grape growing and, with the passing centuries, the numerous types of grapes grown gave rise to some rare and much loved varieties. Tuscany is most famous for producing red wines, although they do produce several whites and a noted dessert wine: Vin Santo.
The vineyards of Tuscany are experts in the production of Chianti, Brunello del Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulcino, all of which are made using the Sangiovese grape. The most notable white wine from the region is the Vernaccia di San Gimignano produced with the Vernaccia grape. As a tribute to this region’s success, Tuscany accounts for half a dozen DOCG (Denominazioni di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and over thirty DOC (Denominazioni di Origine Controllata) wines. In the 1970s, a new class of wines emerged that were made outside of DOCG/DOC regulations, but were still considered high-class and demanded high prices. These wines were known as Super Tuscans.
Try these Tuscan wines from Black Bear’s selection:
Bartali Ducceto Chianti: $16.99
A DOCG Chianti that opens with orange peel in the nose and sweet orange, tart cherry, and chocolate in the mid palate. A lush wine that remains consistent from nose to finish. Very pretty wine with a nice ruby red coloring. This wine pairs well with red meats, pasta, and roasts.Mormoraia Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008: $19.99
A straw yellow color with a bouquet of fresh aromas such as hawthorns and apples. It has a harmonious and persistent taste with a pleasantly sharp finish. This floral and briny style of Vernaccia, as opposed to the bright and lemony fresh style, simply begs for oysters or mussels.