The 10 Best Tuscan Red Wines

ES
Enovitae Staff 13 settembre 2023 wine, rankings
The 10 Best Tuscan Red Wines

Welcome wine lovers and tasting enthusiasts! Today we will take you on a wine journey through the magical region of Tuscany, famous worldwide for its millennium-old tradition in producing excellent wines. With its rolling hills and rows of vines stretching to the horizon, Tuscany is a land of enchantment where the art of winemaking merges with the beauty of the landscapes.

On this page, we will focus on one of Tuscany’s most precious treasures: red wines. In fact, the region boasts a variety of native and international grape varieties, giving life to wines of extraordinary quality and personality. If you are a fan of intense, complex wines rich in history, you are in the right place!

We have carefully selected the 10 best Tuscan red wines, authentic expressions of the passion and artistry of local winemakers. Every sip will immerse you in a world of scents, flavors, and unforgettable sensations. Are you ready to savor the unmistakable taste of Tuscany? Get ready to explore the hidden treasures of this region, discovering the secrets that make Tuscan red wines so beloved and renowned worldwide. Happy reading and, above all, happy tastings!

  1. Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is considered the king of Tuscan wines. Primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, this wine is characterized by its intense ruby color and hints of cherry, blackberry, and spices. Its well-structured tannins balance with a pleasant freshness. A perfect companion to red meats, aged cheeses, and traditional Tuscan dishes, Chianti Classico is a true icon of Italian winemaking.

  1. Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s excellences, considered among the best red wines in the world. Produced exclusively with Sangiovese Grosso grapes (locally known as Brunello), this label requires long aging in wood and bottle. The result is a wine with a garnet color, an intense bouquet of berries, tobacco, and tertiary notes of leather. On the palate, it is powerful and structured, with velvety tannins and a long persistence.

  1. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is another Tuscan gem produced mainly with Prugnolo Gentile grapes (a Sangiovese clone). With a ruby red color and violet reflections, it offers an intense nose of ripe cherries and spices. In the mouth, it is elegant and harmonious, with silky tannins and a pleasantly persistent finish. It gracefully accompanies meat dishes, game, and medium-aged cheeses.

  1. Morellino di Scansano

Originating from the coastal area of Maremma, Morellino di Scansano is a young and fruity wine, ideal for those who love fresh and easy-to-drink reds. Primarily produced with Sangiovese grapes, this wine has a bright ruby color and an intense aroma of berries. On the palate, it is pleasantly soft, with a delicate spicy note. Perfect to accompany appetizers, first courses, and white meats.

  1. Carmignano

Carmignano is one of the oldest Tuscan wines, also known as “Sangiovese with a touch of Cabernet.” This label involves the use of Sangiovese grapes with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The result is a complex and structured wine with an intense ruby color and an intriguing bouquet of red fruits, aromatic herbs, and toasty hints. On the palate, it is enveloping, with good freshness and soft tannins.

  1. Bolgheri

The Bolgheri area, on the Tuscan coast, is famous for the production of prestigious red wines. Here, international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot blend with local ones to create wines of great structure and complexity. Bolgheri wines are characterized by their intense color and aromas of black fruit, Mediterranean herbs, and spices. On the palate, they are powerful, elegant, and persistent, perfect to pair with meat dishes and aged cheeses.

  1. Montecucco Rosso

Montecucco Rosso is a more recent discovery but certainly deserves to be mentioned among the best Tuscan wines. Primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, this wine has a bright ruby color and a perfume of red and violet fruits. On the palate, it is fruity and lively, with soft tannins and a harmonious finish. It successfully accompanies traditional Tuscan dishes, such as pappardelle with ragu and roast meats.

  1. Maremma Toscana

Maremma is a region rich in biodiversity, producing red wines with great personality. Here, mainly Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are used to create wines with an intense ruby color and aromas of ripe fruit, tobacco, and spices. On the palate, they are warm, harmonious, and with good structure. Ideal to accompany game dishes, red meats, and aged cheeses.

  1. Cortona

We conclude our ranking with a wine with distinctive traits, Cortona. Primarily made from Syrah grapes, this wine has an intense ruby red color and offers a bouquet of black fruits, black pepper, and oriental spices. On the palate, it is powerful and enveloping, with elegant tannins and a long, persistent finish. Cortona is perfect for special occasions and to accompany grilled red meats and savory dishes.

  1. Rosso di Montalcino

Last but not least, Rosso di Montalcino is the younger and more accessible version of Brunello di Montalcino. This wine is also produced exclusively with Sangiovese Grosso grapes but has a shorter aging period, ensuring a fruity and lively character. With a bright ruby red color, it offers aromas of red and violet fruits, with spicy and floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh, balanced, and versatile, perfect for pairing with various Tuscan and non-Tuscan dishes.

After exploring the 10 best Tuscan red wines, we leave behind a captivating wine journey through the land of winemaking excellence. Tuscany has once again proven to be one of the most fascinating and prestigious wine regions in the world, with its cultural heritage and traditions passed down for centuries.

Every sip of Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, or any of the other wines mentioned on this page is a unique experience that leads us into the heart of Tuscany. The strength of the tannins, the complexity