Must Try Tuscany Wine

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The Ultimate Guide to Best Tuscan Wines in 2025

 



Tuscany wine region - All about best Tuscan wines Fine Italian Tuscany wine is a real treat for your body and soul. Being blessed by living in Tuscany and tasting Tuscan wines directly from wineries, I've gathered for you all you need to know about wine from this region of Italy.

Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, home to rolling vineyards, historic wineries, and some of best Italian wines.

Whether you're planning a Tuscany wine trip, looking for vineyard stays, or simply want to understand more about Tuscan wines, this guide covers everything you need to know.

From the best wine-growing areas in Tuscany to the best wines by province, let’s dive into the heart of Tuscany wine culture.

 

 

 

Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy. – Benjamin Franklin

 

Top Rated Tuscany Wine Tours

 

 

 

Tuscany Wine Region Map

Tuscany is a famous wine region in Italy. Vineyards on Tuscan coast are mainly located in the following provinces: Massa-Carrara, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno, Grosseto, Florence and Siena.

Tuscany vineyards produce some of the most renowned wines in the world, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Tuscany Wine Region Map - Toscana wine

 

 

Massa-Carrara

If you move down from north to south along the coast the first Tuscan winemaking region is Massa-Carrara. This region offers the smallest wine production volume.

Massa-Carrara, the northernmost province of Tuscany, is not as famous as Chianti or Montalcino, but it has some hidden gem wines worth trying. The region benefits from the cool breezes of the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating unique microclimates for winemaking.

Massa-Carrara wines offer unique flavors that reflect the mountain-meets-sea terroir of the region.

Must-Try Massa-Carrara Wines


  • Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC (White & Red)
    White: Fresh, floral, and citrusy with a mineral touch from the coastal influence.
    Red: Light-bodied with red fruit flavors and earthy notes.
    Grape Varieties: Vermentino (white), Albarola, Malvasia; Sangiovese, Merlot, and Pollera (red)
    Food Pairing: Perfect with seafood, grilled vegetables, and Pecorino cheese.
  • Vermentino dei Colli Apuani (White)
    Grape Variety: Vermentino
    Taste Profile: Crisp, aromatic, with citrus, peach, and salty minerality.
    Food Pairing: Ideal with fish dishes, shellfish, and light pasta.
  • Pollera Nera (Red)
    Grape Variety: Pollera Nera (native to the Apuan region)
    Taste Profile: Delicate, light-bodied, fruity with soft tannins.
    Food Pairing: Great with cured meats, roasted chicken, and vegetable-based dishes.
  • Albarola-based White Wines
    Grape Variety: Albarola (often blended with Vermentino and Trebbiano)
    Taste Profile: Light, dry, with floral and citrus aromas.
    Food Pairing: Pairs well with seafood risotto and soft cheeses.

 

Lucca & Pisa

Though lesser known than other provinces, Lucca and Pisa produce some fantastic wines in the rolling hills west of Florence.

In the province of Lucca, Tuscany the main production is concentrated in the area of Colline Lucchesi having a status DOC, and also in the place called Montecarlo. In short, Lucca winemaking still has a lot to improve to reach the level of quality of its neighbours.

Among the best Lucca wineries I can mention Fabbrica di San Martino, Fattoria Colleverde, Fattoria La Torre and Tenuta di Valgiano.

Many vineyards of Pisa province are located far from the sea, and are classified as DOC Chianti or Colli Etruria Centrale. The best region of winemaking in Pisa is, perhaps, around Montescudaio nearby Bolgheri. And best Tuscan wines of Pisa province normaly have a label Toscana IGT or DOC.

Must-Try Wines


  • Montecarlo DOC (Red & White)
    Taste Profile (Red): Soft tannins, notes of red berries, and vanilla from oak aging.
    Food Pairing (Red): Wild boar stew, Pecorino cheese, cured meats
    Taste Profile (White): Elegant and aromatic with floral and fruity note
    Food Pairing (White): Pasta with seafood, grilled vegetables, risottos
  • Colline Lucchesi DOC (Red & White)
    Taste Profile (Red): Medium-bodied, fruity with hints of spices and earthy notes.
    Food Pairing (Red): Tuscan-style roasted meats, pasta with ragù
    Taste Profile (White): Fresh, floral, with citrus and almond undertones
    Food Pairing (White): Seafood pasta, grilled fish, light cheeses
  • Terre di Pisa DOC (Red)
    Grape Varieties: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
    Taste Profile: Rich, velvety, with dark fruit, spice, and hints of tobacco
    Food Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged cheeses, truffle dishes
  • Montescudaio DOC (Red & White)
    Taste Profile (Red): Intense, with ripe cherry, spice, and soft tannins.
    Food Pairing (Red): Grilled meats, pasta with tomato sauce, aged cheese
    Taste Profile (White): Crisp, mineral-driven, with citrus and floral notes
    Food Pairing (White): Grilled fish, seafood pasta, fresh cheeses

 

Livorno province - Bolgheri & the Tuscan Coast

Livorno province is known due to its Bolgheri, first of all Sassicaia having a DOC status. On the south of Livorno province there's also a winemaking region Val di Cornia DOC.

Livorno province is a coastal paradise for wine lovers. With its warm Mediterranean climate, sea breezes, and mineral-rich soils, Livorno produces some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, including world-renowned Super Tuscans.

These bold, luxurious, and collectible wines broke traditional Italian wine rules by using Bordeaux-style grapes instead of Sangiovese. and gained worldwide fame.

 

Bolgheri DOC - Red Tuscany Wine from Italy

Must-Try Wines


  • Bolgheri DOC (Red, White & Rosé)
    Taste Profile (Red): Full-bodied, rich, with dark fruit, spice, tobacco, and silky tannins.
    Taste Profile (White): Crisp, aromatic, with tropical fruit and mineral notes.
    Taste Profile (Rosé): Fresh, floral, with hints of berries and citrus.
    Food Pairing (Red): Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino, wild boar ragù
    Food Pairing (White): Seafood risotto, grilled fish, light pasta dishes
    Food Pairing (Rosé): Tuscan appetizers, bruschetta, grilled vegetables
  • Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC (Super Tuscan Red)
    Taste Profile: Full-bodied, complex, with blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and velvety tannins.
    Food Pairing: Steak, truffle dishes, aged cheeses, braised meats
    🔹 Fun Fact: Sassicaia was the first Italian wine to get its own DOC
  • Ornellaia (A luxurious and highly rated Super Tuscan wine)
    Taste Profile: Full-bodied & elegant, with dark cherry, blackberry, plum, and deep layers of tobacco, chocolate, and spice
    Aging Potential: 15–30+ years, developing more complexity over time
    Food Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan steak), Truffle risotto, Aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano, Braised meats

 

 

Grosseto

Travel to Tuscany TipBox
If you love Brunello di Montalcino but want something less expensive, try Montecucco Sangiovese, it's very similar
The most southern province of Tuscany Grosseto has two main winemaking regions - Morellino di Scansano and Montecucco. Morellino is already well-known on the international markets while Montecucco still has to work more on reaching the strict international acceptance and standards.

The particular growing area for Morellino is called Maremma, and it has perfect climate for growing grapes. It's covered by the sea breezes and it gets plenty of rain all year round. Maremma wine region, known for its bold reds, refreshing whites, and unique coastal terroir.

In my opinion, Tuscan wines from Grosseto having Maremma Toscana IGT label make perfect choice considering their variety and quality.

Morellino di Scansano DOCG - Red Tuscany Wine from Italy

Must-Try Wines


  • Morellino di Scansano DOCG (Red)
    Taste Profile: Medium to full-bodied, with red cherry, plum, violets, and a hint of spice and leather.
    Food Pairing: Wild boar ragù, grilled meats, aged Pecorino cheese, Tuscan cold cuts (finocchiona, prosciutto Toscano), duck
    Fun Fact: Morellino di Scansano is one of Tuscany’s best value-for-money wines, offering high quality at a great price!
  • Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (Red)
    Taste Profile: Similar to Brunello di Montalcino, but with a more rustic, earthy character. Bold tannins, notes of dark cherry, licorice, tobacco, and herbs.
    Food Pairing: Steak Florentine, roasted lamb, grilled mushrooms, Pappardelle with wild boar sauce, Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano

 

Siena - Montalcino, Montepulciano & Val d’Orcia

Classico Chianti Wine Siena province is home to some of Tuscany’s most prestigious wines, including the legendary Brunello di Montalcino, one of the finest wines in the world.

Aged for at least five years, this deep and complex red wine is a must for any wine lover.

Many Tuscany wine tours include visits to Montalcino’s historic cellars and vineyard stays.

Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s most picturesque towns in Siena province, is known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This prestigious Tuscany red wine is rich and elegant, perfect for aging.

Must-Try Wines


  • Brunello di Montalcino (Red)
    Taste Profile: Full-bodied, complex, with flavors of dark cherry, plum, tobacco, and spice.
    Food Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), Slow-cooked wild boar stew (Cinghiale in umido), Aged Pecorino Toscano cheese, Truffle-based pasta dishes
    Aging Potential: This is one of Italy’s most collectible wines, aging beautifully for 20+ years!
  • Rosso di Montalcino (Red)
    Taste Profile: A younger, fresher version of Brunello, with lively acidity and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, violets, and subtle spice.
    Food Pairing: Pasta with ragu, Grilled lamb chops, Aged Pecorino and salami, Tomato-based Tuscan dishes
  • Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Red)
    Taste Profile: Elegant and smooth, with notes of dark cherry, blackberry, spice, and dried herbs.
    Food Pairing: Pici pasta with duck ragu, Roasted pork with rosemary, Aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Mushroom risotto
  • Rosso di Montepulciano (Red)
    Taste Profile: Lighter and fruitier than Vino Nobile, with red berry, floral, and spice notes.
    Food Pairing: Tuscan antipasti (bruschetta, salumi, Pecorino cheese), Pasta with tomato sauce or vegetables, Grilled chicken or roasted turkey, pizza Margherita

 

Florence & Chianti

Classico Chianti WineWhat is Chianti - region or wine? Both. Chianti is the area between Florence and Siena where Chianti wine is produced.

The Chianti wine region is the heart of Tuscany wine industry. You will find that Chianti and Chianti Classico are two different winemaking regions. And they both have the status of DOCG wines (manufacturers of fine Italian red wine).

Wine Chianti Classico, with its iconic black rooster emblem on the Italian wine label, is one of the best Chianti wines from Tuscany.

Many visitors opt for a Tuscany wine tour from Florence to explore the historic vineyards and taste Chianti wine straight from the wineries.

Must-Try Wines


  • Chianti Classico DOCG (Red)
    Taste Profile: Medium-bodied and elegant, with flavors of red cherry, plum, violet, tobacco, and earthy spice.
    Food Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), Wild boar pappardelle, Tomato-based pasta dishes (like Pici all’Aglione), Aged Pecorino Toscano cheese
  • Chianti Rufina DOCG (Red)
    Taste Profile: More structured and refined than standard Chianti, with flavors of dark cherry, dried herbs, leather, and spice.
    Food Pairing: Tuscan wild game (hare, venison, wild boar), Aged cheeses and cured meats, Truffle-based pasta dishes, Roasted lamb with rosemary
  • Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG (Red)
    Taste Profile: Lighter and more aromatic than Chianti Classico, with notes of red berries, violet, and earthy undertones.
    Food Pairing: Pasta with tomato and basil (Pici al Pomodoro), Grilled chicken with herbs, Mild cheeses and vegetable-based dishes, Traditional Tuscan bean soup (Ribollita)

 

More about How to Read Italian Wine Label
More about Where is Tuscany

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to visit Tuscany for wine tasting? View Answer+

The best time to visit is September to October (grape harvest season) or April to June for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

What are the best wines from Tuscany?view answer+

Best Tuscany wine is Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Super Tuscans like Sassicaia.

Can I visit Tuscany vineyards without a tour?view answer+

Yes, many wineries allow walk-in visits, but for a full experience (wine tastings, vineyard tours), it’s best to book in advance.

What’s the difference between a Tuscany wine tour and a vineyard stay?view answer+

A Tuscany wine tour is a guided visit to wineries, usually for a day. A Tuscany vineyard stay means sleeping at a wine estate resort, enjoying wine tastings, and exploring the vineyard at your own pace.

What is a Super Tuscan wine?view answer+

Super Tuscans are high-quality Tuscan red wines made with non-traditional grape varieties (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) instead of just Sangiovese. They are usually labeled as IGT wines.

What does "Riserva" mean on an Italian wine label?view answer+

“Riserva” means the wine has been aged longer than the standard version (e.g., Chianti Classico Riserva must age at least 2 years before release).

What does "Superiore" mean on Italian wines?view answer+

“Superiore” means the wine has higher alcohol content and often stricter production standards than the regular version.

What food pairs best with Chianti wine?view answer+

Chianti wine pairs well with pasta dishes, grilled meats, aged cheeses, and classic Tuscan foods like Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

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You are planning your travel to Tuscany and looking forward to it, aren't you?

 

Imagine yourself waking in the morning in the typical Tuscan farmhouse surrounded only by nature, in the middle of the splendid Tuscan hills, and observing the breathtaking landscape with a cup of hot cappuccino... or a glass of Tuscany wine... away from the noise of the city... only you and nature.

 

Travel to Tuscany blog - Travel Guide and Italy insights

 

Or imagine yourself taking part in one of the Tuscan wine tours through the rows of the most famous grapes in the world!

 

See how your favorite wine is produced, visit wineries, winebars and best Tuscany restaurants. Winetasting and typical delicious cuisine is a real treat in this beautiful area.

 

Tasting Tuscany wine - Wine tours in Tuscany, Italy

 

 

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