Tuscany
The hilly soil and the weather conditions of Tuscany are ideal for grape growing, and with the passing centuries, the numerous types of grapes grown has given rise to some rare and much loved varieties. Today, the main variety grown is the Sangiovese, which is often combined with small amounts of locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and other grapes to make wonderful blends such as the Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano, Carmignano and, of course, the signature Tuscan wines, the Chianti and Chianti Classico, which probably are the most famous Italian wines in the world. Other grapes grown include the Mammolo, Malvasia, Colorino, Raspirosso, Gamay, Grand Noir, Barbera, Moscatello, Aleatico and Vernaccia. Since the 70’s the more expensive wines have been called Super Tuscans. These were inspired by the Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta owner of the estate Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, an area on the coast of Tuscany, who produced the artisan wine, Sassicaia. Cabernet Sauvignon vines were imported directly from Bordeaux and the wine was aged in French barriques. The Sassicaia became the model for Piero Antinori's Tignanello, the first of its kind in 1971. The Tignanello had no addition of white grapes and was based almost entirely on the Sangiovese grape.