Super Tuscans
The area of Florence continues to progress as the most dynamic producer of premium wines in the country, contrasting with the decades of sales of the popular Chianti flask covered with raffia. Modern Renaissance began in Tuscany, Chianti, precisely in the central hills around Florence and Siena, but quickly spread to the Mediterranean coast.
The Super Tuscans are now among the most esteemed and expensive red wines of Italy. Inspired by the success of the Cabernet and Merlot in Bolgheri, the wines of the coastal area of Tuscany have seen their status rise rapidly and have even entered into competition with the central hills of Tuscany for local supremacy. In the heart of Maremma, the coastal hills of southwestern Tuscany, Morellino di Scansano DOC ("Denominazione di Origine Controllata" meaning Controlled Denomination of Origin) has a red wine made from Sangiovese. Other promising DOCs include Val di Cornia, Montecucco Monteregio di Massa Marittima Montescudaio Capalbio and Sovana.
Made from dried grapes and aged half in small wooden barrels, Vin Santo can be a grand dessert wine. Most wines are made from grapes in the rich vineyards of Malvasia and Trebbiano, although the blend called Occhio di Pernice is derived from red grape varieties grown in Sangiovese.
Until recently, white Tuscan wines rarely received as much cachet as the red wines; perhaps this is due to the fact that they are mainly from Trebbiano. The exception is the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, from the ancient Vernaccia vine, which was the first DOCG white wine in the region to be awarded. Moreover, the Vermentino grapes used for white wines have spread all along the coast and appear very promising as a variety.
Recently, white wines of depth and intricacy were produced in Tuscany from such international varieties of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. The apposite environment in most parts of the cool hills of the region has encouraged such exquisite winemaking.
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