The best vineyards in Tuscany

Italy is divided into geopolitical areas, specifically 5, and 20 so-called administrative regions, among which Tuscany is located, thus forming the Italian Republic. The most populated city in Tuscany is Florence, which was called “Florida” by the Romans in the 1st century B.C.; it is also the capital. 

Tuscany is located in the central-northern part of Italy, with a triangular shape and an area of 22,993 square kilometers. It is considered one of the most important regions of Italy, due to its historical, artistic, geographical and cultural heritage; cradle of the literature of Petrarch, Dante and Boccaccio, as well as the birth of modern Italian.

It is also surrounded by mountain ranges and crosses, which leave plains characterized by fertile soils, and undulating reliefs that form hills.

What is produced at the agricultural level in Tuscany?

The region contributes with its agriculture to both the economy of the country and its region. Inland, potatoes, cereals, olives and, of course, grapes are grown, which are used to make wine. 

But it also has marshy areas that have been reclaimed and have been subsidized to produce rice, vegetables, beets, tobacco and beautiful sunflowers. For some it possesses the sacred Mediterranean triad of oil, wheat and wine, the latter being reduced to Chianti.

Chianti is one of the regions of Tuscany, between Siena and Florence, which has historically been linked to the wine bearing the same name. These Chianti wines are made from 80 to 100% Sangiovese grapes, although each sub-area differs in production standards and category. 

Some of the best vineyards in Tuscany:

In the municipality of Radda in Chianti, the Castello di Volpaia:

Castello di Volpaia is the name assigned to perhaps the most outstanding winery located in the small village of Volpaia, which has a medieval style. But we are not going to find a castle, it is simply the name that has been given to it.

It produces vinegars, olive oil, both virgin and extra virgin, and, of course, Chianti Classico wine. The region is also famous for the gastronomy of its restaurants, which are accompanied by wine products.

In Bargino, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, the Antinori winery:

This winery in the Bargino Valley, with a modern, avant-garde architecture that contrasts with the rest of the traditional wineries, was inaugurated in 2012; whose owners are the Antinori Marquises. About 26 generations have passed through this winery, that is, more or less about 600 years of long history of winegrowers; being one of the most accepted wineries in the area.

The Antinori have always had a deep respect for the land and tradition, which is why they have several vineyards in Italy. This winery in the Bargino Valley offers guided tours that show and explain the facilities, as well as tastings of their most prestigious wines, such as Solaia and Tignanello.

In Passignano La Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo:

Located in the territory of Barberino Tavarnelle, and whose owners are also the Antinori marquises, is located a monastery of the tenth century, where the Gran Selezione wine is aged in its cellar under the abbey. Made from Sangiovese grapes from the Chianti Classico region, at about 300 m above sea level; soils rich in clay and limestone. 

In 2015 appeared The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano, showing the best example of its flavor in a blend of black cherry, lavender, plum, mint and spices; giving a very different and linear texture from those produced by the Antinori. History also refers to Galileo Galilei, who visited, on one of his travels, this monastic complex at the time.

In Castellina in Chianti, the Poggio Amorelli farmhouse:

We are talking about a small, family-run hacienda, but well known for its wines, good food and hospitality. They have become known by many tourists around the globe. Besides touring its vineyards you can see that its winemaking is still today the traditional Tuscan Chianti. 

You can taste both its wines and its exquisite cuisine, cheeses and sausages, on a terrace overlooking the countryside. In addition, they give excellent explanations of how they obtain their products during the tour.

In the district of Greve in Chianti, the Castello di Verrazzano:

Located between Florence and Siena is the vineyard of Castello di Verrazzano, a historic site that belonged to the family of the first navigator named Giovanni de Verrazzano, who explored North America along its coasts. This castle structure has been maintained for about 1000 years. 

However, it has passed through many hands in the region of Tuscany, and today offers not only guided tours or tasting of Chianti Classico wine, produced by them, but also luxurious accommodation for those tourists who wish to stay. In New York there is a bridge called Verrazano Narrows, in honor of this navigator. 

In Livorno the vineyards of Bolgheri:

Now we head to Livorno, where the Bolgheri wines, very famous in Italy, are produced. These vineyards specialize in various types of grapes, giving origin to Cabernet Franc wines, also Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. But they are not the only ones, as the most prestigious ones are Ornellaia and Sassicaia. 

Guided tours and tastings are available, for example at Terre del Marchesato, located only 5 km from the village of Bolgheri, which is considered one of the best in the region and the oldest; in addition, Premium wine aperitifs are served with bread and extra virgin olive oil.

In the municipality of Tavarnelle, the Castello Del Nero:

This is a property dating back to the 12th century, inhabited at that time by the Del Nero family. It is an estate of about 300 hectares and is located south of Florence and north of Siena, in Val di Pesa. Later it was inhabited by the Torrigiani family and finally it has been occupied by the Trotta family; 10 years ago Robert Trotta converted it into a beautiful luxury hotel. 

It has 50 rooms, some of which are suites. Cooking classes are also offered, since it has the Michelin star, thanks to its gastronomy. In addition to tastings of its products from the beautiful vineyards, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and other wines such as olive oil and honey. 

In the province of Lucca, the Montechiari factory:

In the north of Tuscany is located the province of Lucca, here is located a building also with history from medieval times and that was destroyed by the strong fights between the Luquese and Florentines; the Montechiari Factory. It has about 10 hectares of beautiful vineyards, cypresses and hills, where wines, olive oil and pecorino cheese are produced; all products are organic.

Guided tours are conducted with information about the wineries, in addition to tastings on the terrace. The property is located on a hill, with incredible views. Grapes are grown for Chardonnay wine, as well as Sangiovese, Pinot Nero, Merlot, Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.