Tuscany
Tuscany is the oldest wine region in Italy, with a long history dating back over 2700 years. The region is on the Western coast of Italy, stretching from the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea all the way to the Apennine mountains, with the majority of the region being quite hilly.
Contributing to around 6% of Italy's total wine output, Tuscany is the third most planted region, but only the eight biggest producer. Much of this can be attributed to the hilly terroir and poor soils leading to lower yields, but generally higher quality wines. The region produces far more red than white wine, and is responsible for two of the most famous Italian red wines, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Chianti was first classified in 1716, and the region of Tuscany now has 29 DOC and 7 DOCG classifications. In the 1970s 'Super Tuscan' wines emerged of supreme quality, commanding very high prices. Although they were initially produced outside the DOC or DOCG zones, most of the regions have since been classified, though some producers still opt to use the simpler and less restrictive IGT labelling.
The famous red wine Chianti is based on the the Sangiovese variety, though is most commonly blended with Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The blending of multiple grapes is common, even Bordeaux blends can be found. White wines produced include Vermentino, Vernaccia, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.
Contributing to around 6% of Italy's total wine output, Tuscany is the third most planted region, but only the eight biggest producer. Much of this can be attributed to the hilly terroir and poor soils leading to lower yields, but generally higher quality wines. The region produces far more red than white wine, and is responsible for two of the most famous Italian red wines, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Chianti was first classified in 1716, and the region of Tuscany now has 29 DOC and 7 DOCG classifications. In the 1970s 'Super Tuscan' wines emerged of supreme quality, commanding very high prices. Although they were initially produced outside the DOC or DOCG zones, most of the regions have since been classified, though some producers still opt to use the simpler and less restrictive IGT labelling.
The famous red wine Chianti is based on the the Sangiovese variety, though is most commonly blended with Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The blending of multiple grapes is common, even Bordeaux blends can be found. White wines produced include Vermentino, Vernaccia, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.
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A superb Sangiovese blend with indigenous grape varieties. Intensely perfumed with bright, lively notes of flowers, red and black fruits. Full and harmonious with mouth-filling primary fruit flavours and seamless tannins. Exclusively imported by United Cellars & great to cellar or ... Learn MoreTenuta Di Lilliano Chianti Classico Docg 2015NZ$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Carefully handpicked Sangiovese grapes with a hint of Ciliegiolo & Canaiolo aged for 12 months on Slavonian oak make up this stunning Chianti Superiore. Intense ruby red in the glass, with with plenty of cherry, leather and cedar aromatics. The round mouthfeel ... Learn MoreTenuta Di Burchino Chianti Superiore Docg 2015NZ$30.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Ginarte is the essence of life’s pleasures, an exploration of all things beautiful- A premium gin made with juniper berries picked only in select areas of the Apennines of Tuscany & 13 native botanicals. Calamint, safflower, mignonette, rubia & indigo are rare ... Learn MoreGinarte Dry Gin 700MlNZ$76.99 Per itemOut of stock -
James Suckling: "Very floral on the nose with plums, rose petals and freshly sliced porcini mushrooms. The palate is tight and compressed with beautiful ripe fruit, wet earth and cool, stone flavors. A structured and impressive wine. Drink after 2022." Robert ... Learn MoreArgiano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015NZ$99.99 Per item -
The Supertuscan of Montalcino. The legacy of G.Tachis for Argiano. Since 1995 it represents power and boldness, pride and longevity. James Suckling: "This is really dense and structured, yet there’s energy and agility throughout. Full-bodied, yet agile and firm. ... Learn MoreArgiano Solengo Toscana IGT 2017NZ$114.99 Per item -
James Suckling: "A solid and structured red with tile, dark berry and black tea character and some cloves, too. Full body, tannic and rich. Needs time to soften. Well done for a 2014. Ornellaia shows its pedigree here" Robert Parker: "The ... Learn MoreTenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2014NZ$229.99 Per item -
Wine Spectator: "A taut, densely wrought red, with black currant, black cherry, iron, wild herb and spice flavours matched to the elegant frame and restrained character. " James Suckling: "The balance and beauty to this is impressive, offering sweet, ripe currants ... Learn MoreTenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2017NZ$274.99 Per item
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