It is easy to become hypnotized by the gorgeous rolling hills of Tuscany. It is a place where lovers of fine wine, art, and history can convene to soak in the beauty while sipping some of the finest wines in the world. Tuscany is home to Chianti and Bolgheri, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It is the birthplace of Super Tuscan red blends showcasing international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The wines of Tuscany have character, personality, earthy rusticity, and mouthwateringly delicious flavor, like the five we have featured here. #Cheers

The Sangiovese wines of Chianti are likely the most popular and well-known wines from Tuscany. We likely all have a memory of straw-wrapped Chianti bottles sitting atop red checkered tablecloths from a movie or television show we once saw. However, that is not the Chianti we are discussing now as the region produces an incredible selection of options from historic vineyards dotted throughout the area. From within the heart of Chianti Classico, Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico highlights the savoriness of Sangioveto, a synonym for Sangiovese, blended with a touch of Canaiolo. On the open, red and blueberry fruit notes are prominent, with layers of licorice and a touch of sweet vanilla to round out the inviting, easy-to-enjoy flavors and soft palate.

From 100% organically farmed vineyards within Chianti Classico, Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is one of the winery’s gems, crafted from hand-picked Sangiovese fruit that ages for 24 months in French and Austrian oak casks, followed by an additional four months in the bottle prior to release to help round out the finished wine. This is a wine with true personality, showing how expressive yet elegant Sangiovese fruit is with great acidity, balanced tannin, and layers of black cherry, black plum, and wild blackberry mixed with wild herbs, dried tobacco, and toasted spice.

From the 2500-acre Tenuta di Arceno estate, with elevations ranging from 1000-2000 feet above sea level, Il Fauno di Arcanum showcases the Tuscan terroir with a Bordeaux-style blend that is 100% Italian. Blending 41% Merlot with 34% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Petit Verdot, the inky, rich, concentrated wine layers black plum and wild rose with black pepper, soft herbs, toasted cedar, and spice. This is the wine you want to drink with a grilled steak or smoky roasted pork belly.

From within the Bolgheri region in Maremma near the Mediterranean Sea, Banfi’s ASKA wine is born. Meaning container in Etruscan, and representing the treasures that are held within the bottle, the Bolgheri Rosso DOC red blends primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The two international grapes thrive in the area thanks to cooling sea breezes that help the Bordeaux varieties maintain freshness, even throughout the hot Italian summers. The luscious wine opens with wildflower, wild cherry, and anise aromas that lead to layers of ripe blackberry, black cherry, licorice, and toasted spice flavors. The wine is bold yet approachable, with a balanced palate that leads to a smooth, savory finish.

Bearing a red crown on its label, Podere Sapaio is a Bolgherese blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from grapes grown in a sustainable, earth-friendly manner along the Mediterranean Coast. The wine has a silky palate that displays a perfect balance of ripe red and black fruit with graphite and crushed stone minerality, tobacco, and wild herbs-filled wine invites you in to enjoy sip after sip. There is gorgeous restraint in the wine, showing an Old World character with chewy, firm tannins adding texture to the complexity of the balanced wine.

From Sangiovese vines planted in the 1970s, Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina highlights the historic Nipozzano property near Florence with a lush, medium-bodied wine displaying classic Sangiovese characteristics. The savory wine shows layers of ripe cherry, berry, and plum that mix with aged balsamic, wild herbs, and spice. The balance of well-rounded tannins, juicy fruit, and bright acidity make this a perfect option for weeknight burger or sausage pairings or weekend barbecues.