Wine Route in Tuscany: 6 ideas of itineraries to enjoy

Are you going to the Chianti and Cypress countries? Don’t miss the wine route in Tuscany! Here are some ideas of itineraries to enjoy it.

Welcome to Tuscany! This region with bucolic landscapes is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in Italy. Here, all rime with elegance: wheat fields, vineyards, olive groves, orchards and medieval villages. You will not miss things to do and to see in the Tuscan: visit the sumptuous monuments of Florence, stroll through the streets of the charming city of Siena, discover San Gimignano, enjoy the translucent waters of the Mediterranean or admire the Tower of Pisa. Among these innumerable discoveries, do not miss the routes of the wines of Tuscany, where the great vintages enjoy as much as the landscape.

At the heart of the Tuscan countryside, at a loss of sight, extend the vineyards of wines among the most famous in the world. Chianti, Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino or Morellino di Scansano, all these sumptuous red wines will see the happiness of your palate and gastronomic discoveries. To discover them, nothing better than to explore the wine route in Tuscany.

Ready to taste the grape varieties of the largest wine producing region in Italy? Here are some ideas of itineraries to enjoy it.

History of the wines of Tuscany

The first traces of the culture of the vine in Tuscany dates from 600 to 400 before Jesus Christ at the time of the Etruscans. In ancient times, Greeks and Romans contribute to improving wine growing and making wine a noble drink and synonymous with wealth. This alcoholic beverage will lose its titles of nobility in the Middle Ages and banish. Under the influence of the Medici, Antinoris and Frescobaldis, the Tuscan wines acquire great popularity throughout Europe. In 1709, while the French and German vines were devastated by the cold, the Tuscans escaped the meteorological catastrophe that hit its neighbors. Tuscany then becomes one of the main production areas in Europe and demand continues to increase.

To avoid competition from other Italian regions attracted by the success of Chianti, Cosme III de Medici delimited in 1716, the production area of this wine symbol of Tuscany. At the end of the 19th century, phylloxera ravaged the Italian vines and brought a stop to the development of the Tuscan vines. In order to succeed, viticulture decides to extend their productions to more popular wines, products and sold in greater quantity. This reorientation of production has not been smooth. Many supporters of traditional Tuscan wines are insurgent against this production they consider at discount.

Itineraries to enjoy wines in Tuscany

1. The wine route of Chianti classico

Between the beautiful Florence and the discreet city Siena , are the vineyards of the Chianti classico. Probably one of the most famous Italian wines! During your trip you will discover the hills and the bosquets, scattered with small villages and charming cities, such as Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, San Casciano Val di Pesa and Barberino Val d’Elsa. The vineyards and olive trees are everywhere.

You will learn more about this world-famous wine. First a white wine in 1300, this wine became red in 1716. In the 19th century, the Barron Bettino Ricasoli invented a new Chianti recipe, with a mixture of red and white grape varieties. Finally, with the difficulties caused by the phylloxera crisis, the recipe will be simplified and modernized. If the Classic Chianti is produced between Siena and Florence, the Chianti is produced in Tuscany region outside this area. You can also discover the grape varieties of Cepparello, which is on the same wine route in Tuscany.

2. The Etruscan Coast: a wine route by the sea

Along the coastline, facing the island of Elbe, you can visit the Etruscan coast and its vineyards. This is where the products were produced supertoscans . You will discover the vineyards of Sassicaia, one of the largest Italian wines. You can visit the beautiful village of Bolgheri or the Petra estate designed by the architect Mario Botta. Finally, you will explore the vineyards of Castello del Terriccio and visit its cellars. A wine route in Tuscany not to be missed!

3. From Montepulciano to Sinalunga

Start by visiting the fortified city of Montepulciano, dating from the 14th and 16th century. Then take the direction of Sinalunga, the entrance door of Valdichiana. Along the way, you can admire the Montepulciano vineyards. This wine our and renowned all over the world was the first Italian red wine to receive the DOCG controlled label of origin. A wine route in Tuscany, full of charm and nobility awaits you!

4. Maremme's roads

This region of Maremme has very many grape varieties of very beautiful qualities. Start your journey around Grosseto. You can visit the vineyards and cellars of the famous Maremma Toscana Baffo Nero or Maremma Toscana Ciliegiolo. Another option to discover the grape varieties of the region: take the paths around the Monte Amiata and enjoy, with moderation of course, some glasses of the Montecucco.

5. The wine route of Brunello de Montalcino

In the province of Siena, on the lands of the Montalcino region, is produced a world-famous red wine: the Brunello di Montalcino. Originally, the best known wine in the region was a soft white wine, Moscadello di Montalcino. The first official vintage of Brunello was only 1888. For many years, it was produced only in small quantities.

On your way, do not miss the visit of the town of Montalcino. Also take a stop to enjoy local specialities, including the famous Pecorino de Pienza, the Tuscan cheese par excellence.

6. On the way to the Carmignano wines

Around Prato, Florence and Pistoia, you will find the vineyards of Carmignano. The story of this wine would go back to the Etruscan era. Here, viticulture has always existed. The Medici develop and showcase this red wine of excellence. In 1716, Grand Duke Cosme III granted him a first patent of nobility and his protection. Take the time to visit the splendid villas of Poggio a Caiano and Artimino built by the Medici.

How to get to Tuscany

The area is very well served. You can easily get there by plane, train, bus, car, and even ferry. The car is very convenient to fully enjoy the different routes of the wine route in Tuscany.

Go to Tuscany by plane

Many flights from the main French and European cities serve Pisa, Florence and Elbe airports. Many connections from Barcelona, Rome, Bologna, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica are provided by regular companies and low-cost . The rates are often attractive. To find the best prices, think to book your ticket in advance and compare prices on Ulysses before you book.

Galileo Galilei Airport of Pisa San Giusto is just a kilometre from the centre and eighty kilometres from Florence. Amerigo Vespucci Airport is four kilometres from the centre of Florence. Shuttle and taxis allow you to easily reach downtown. You can also easily rent a car directly to Florence, Pisa or Siena Airport. This is probably the ideal way to easily move to Tuscany. Compare prices on rental comparisons before booking your car.

Go to Tuscany by train

Pisa, Siena or Florence are also very well served by the train, from most European cities. Obviously, the journey is longer than by plane, but it will allow you to enjoy sumptuous landscapes.

Go to Tuscany by bus

Most bus companies offer routes to Pisa, Florence or Siena. The buses are often comfortable and modern. The journey is often long, but the rates are unbeatable.

Go to Tuscany by car

It is probably the ideal solution to make the wine route in Tuscany and to fully enjoy the different routes. You still have twelve hours to get to Florence from Paris, four hours thirty from Nice, and six hours from Geneva.

Go to Tuscany by ferry

It is perfectly possible to go to Tuscany by ferry. You can arrive from France (Marseille, Nice, or Corsica), Sardinia or Sicily. The two main ports are Livorno or Piombino. The ferries are ideal if you want in addition to the wine route of Tuscany, visit the island of Elbe.

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