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