Wine of Tuscany
The Great Wines
Tuscany is one of the most significant wine-growing regions in the world — and Florence is the perfect gateway for tasting:
- Chianti Classico DOCG: The classic — Sangiovese-based, with the black rooster (Gallo Nero) on the bottle. From fruity everyday wines to complex Riservas and Gran Selezione. Available in every trattoria.
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: The "king of Tuscan wines" — 100% Sangiovese Grosso, aged for at least 5 years. Powerful, complex, long-lasting. A bottle in a restaurant: 40–200€.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG: The "noble wine" — more elegant than Chianti, more accessible than Brunello. Excellent value for money.
- Super Tuscans: The rebels — Tuscan wines that break the rules: international grape varieties (Cabernet, Merlot) instead of pure Sangiovese. Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia — world-class wines at world-class prices.
Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
- Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina: In Oltrarno — excellent natural wines and Tuscan antipasti. Intimate, knowledgeable, perfect.
- Le Volpi e l'Uva: Tiny wine bar right behind the Ponte Vecchio — specializing since 1992 in small, unknown producers. The owners know every winemaker personally.
- Fuori Porta: At the Porta San Niccolò — huge wine selection, excellent crostini, and the best atmosphere for an after-work glass.
