Tuscany

Tuscany (Toscana) is perhaps Italy’s most emblematic wine region — not only for the quality of its wines, but for its ability to balance tradition and change.

At its core is Sangiovese, a grape that expresses structure, acidity, and a distinctive savoury character. Tuscany’s wines are rarely about power, they are about balance, proportion, and ageing potential. What makes Tuscany particularly important is its role in redefining Italian wine in the modern era. The emergence of so-called “Super Tuscans” demonstrated that innovation could coexist with tradition — and sometimes challenge it.

Key denominations:

Chianti / Chianti Classico – The backbone of the region. Medium-bodied, with red cherry, herbs, and bright acidity. A wine deeply connected to food.

Brunello di Montalcino – One of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Made from 100% Sangiovese (Brunello clone), it is more structured, concentrated, and age-worthy than Chianti. Notes often include cherry, leather, tobacco, and spice.

Toscana IGT (Super Tuscans) – Wines that step outside traditional DOC/DOCG rules. Often blends including international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, combined with Sangiovese. These wines are typically more polished and internationally styled.  Beginning in the late 20th century, several producers chose to prioritise quality and expression over formal classification, often working outside DOC regulations while still producing some of Italy’s most ambitious wines.

What makes Super Tuscans particularly interesting is that their classification (IGT) does not indicate lower quality but rather greater freedom. In fact, many of these wines rank at the very top of Italy’s qualitative hierarchy. Iconic examples such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia, and Masseto can reach prices of 1000 euros or more, making them Italy’s most expensive wines.

Tenuta di Sesta Brunello di Montalcino 2014
More restrained and savoury, with earthy tones and subtle fruit. Score: 8.4/10

Villa Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino 2018
Elegant and composed — cherry, leather, and fine tannins with a long, balanced finish. Score: 8.2/10

Piccini Memoro Rosso
Accessible and smooth, blending fruit-forward character with soft structure. Score: 7.6/10

Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2012
Refined and polished — cassis, cedar, and a Bordeaux-like structure within a Tuscan identity. Score: 7.6/10

I only once had a chance to taste a Super Tuscan wine – Tignanello – at Da Mimmo, an exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant in Brussels. It is the kind of place where every detail matters, and where wine is not simply served, but truly understood. Deep, layered, and profoundly elegant — dark cherry, dried herbs, tobacco, and perfectly integrated oak. There was a sense of quiet confidence in the glass: structure without weight, intensity without excess, and a long, composed finish that seemed to unfold endlessly. Score: 9.8/10

Explore the Region