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Tuscany

Tuscany, or Toscana in Italian, is Italy’s best-known wine region and its most diverse. Historically Sangiovese was the primary grape grown in Tuscany and Chianti was considered the purest expression of Sangiovese. Sangiovese and its many clones are still important, and they are the grapes used for the Tuscan appellations of Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Chianti, Chianti Classico and Carmignano. But in the last 50 years innovative producers, many of them in southwestern Tuscany in the area called Maremma, have also planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The tradition defying producers have blended those varietals with Sangiovese to produce dazzling wines that do not conform to Italy’s appellation regulations. Such wines are called Super Tuscans and cannot be labeled with either of Italy’s highest level quality designations, which are in order of status Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantia, (DOCG), and Denominazione di Origine Controllata, (DOC). (This has not at all hindered the demand for Super Tuscans, some of which are consistently among the world’s most admired and well-reviewed wines.) Tuscany has six DOCG appellations and thirty-four DOCs. Though famous for its red wines, Tuscany also produces whites made primarily from Trebbiano and Vernaccia.
There are also many Tuscan Indicazione Geographica Tipica (IGT) wines that are often an innovative blend of traditional and non-traditional grapes. This relatively new appellation status was started in 1992 as an attempt to give an official classification to Italy’s many newer blends that do fit the strict requirements of DOC and DOCG classifications. IGT wines may use the name of the region and varietal on their label or in their name.

1988 Marchesi di Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva

Top shoulder fill; label condition issue

1989 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino dei Cottimelli

Light capsule condition issue; base neck fill or better; light label condition issue

1988 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino

Very top shoulder fill

WA  93   

1988 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale (Gold Label)

Light capsule condition issue; label condition issue

2 available
Bid *

1989 Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano

375ml

Light capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; very top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

1988 Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice

375ml

Capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

WS  96   

1989 Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice

375ml

WS  95   
6 available
Bid *