If at any point you are in a conversation about the history of wine and how it has grown to become a great part of the world, Tuscany will undoubtedly be a part of that conversation. Tuscany, which is located in Italy, is well known for the production of some of the best and most expensive wines in the world. This comes as no surprise as wine and vineyards have been a great part of Tuscany for decades.
Origins of wine-making in Tuscany
Wine-making in Tuscany can be traced back as far as three thousand years ago. Some part of history suggests that it is the Etruscan’s who came to settle in Tuscany that started growing vineyards. However, others are adamant that vineyards had already been set up by the time they arrived in Italy. However, it is a fact that before the Greeks came, the wine was already a part of Tuscany. In fact, it had already acquired the title “Enotria” which can be translated to the land of wine. Within no time, the wine had already become part of the commercial system and was being traded at markets such as Mercato Vecchio and Arte dei Vinatteieri.
The growth in the production and demand of wines lead to the area in Tuscany producing wine to be referred to as Chianti. Some of the Chianti zones included Chianti Classico, Chianti Montalbano, and Chianti Rufina. Chianti was one of the first wines produced. Christianity also had a significant influence on wine-making. Given that it was part of the Bible, there are a lot of Christian leaders who took part in establishing vineyards. Bishops, priests, and monks took part in viticulture around the middle ages.
Types of grapes used in wine-making in Tuscany
Some of the grapes which have been used all along in making wine include Sangiovese, which was used to make red wine. Other grapes which were also popular include Vernaccia, Canaiola, Masseretta, Malvasia, and Vermentino. Grape growing was one of the most common agricultural activity in Tuscany. They would grow in plenty over the hills in the area. Currently, in Tuscany, viticulture takes up 157,000 acres. The Sangiovese grapes are used to make one of the most expensive wines in Italy called Brunello di Montalcino.
Vineyards in Tuscany
As already stated, wine growing was one of the main activities in Tuscany. This can only translate to there being very many vineyards in the area as well. Some of the vineyards include Siena vineyards in San Gimignano among other common vineyards in the Chianti region.
The different types of wines from Tuscany
There are so many wines which are from the Tuscany area in Italy. Other than the Brunello di Montalcino, others which are famous include, Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Bolgheri, Maremma, Verna di San Gimignano and the Carmignano. In current times, the Tuscany area produces around 7.3 billion ounces of wine yearly.
To conclude, the full history of wine and vineyards in Tuscany is very detailed as the practice has been there for a long time. From centuries ago to today, Tuscany remains famous for having some of the best wines in the world.
