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Tuscany itself extends east from the shores of the Mediterranean sea to
the Apennines and south from the Ligurian gulf to the gentle hills of the
Maremma, however its heart is in the central hills of Chianti, producer of
the world-famous Chinati Classicos and Rufinas.
The soul of Tuscany is the sangiovese grape, with its fruity aromas and
spicy notes, balanced by acidity and ripe tannins. The primary white
variety of the region is trebbiano toscano, which provides a good neutral
base for blending with chardonnaiy or malvasia del chianti. For sweet
wines, moscadello is used, and malvasia and trebiannao are also used in
Vin Santo.
While the Chianti district is the lynchpin of Tuscan wines, and only a
short drive South of Florence, other key areas are Montalcino,
Monepulciano, Bolgheri and the Maremma, all located a few hours away.
A wine tour of Tuscany rewards the visitor not just with spectacularly
beautiful scenery along the way, but with some of the finest gastronomic
experiences to be found in Italy.
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