Tuscany is one of the most famous and prolific wine regions in Europe. It is best known for its Dry red wines made from Sangiovese grapes, which dominate production. These include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The region's Vin Santo is also highly prized, as are its passito dessert wines, though these are produced in comparatively tiny quantities.
Dry whites are probably less familiar to most consumers - except perhaps Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Located in Central Italy, Tuscany borders Liguria and Emilia-Romagna to the North, Umbria and Marche to the east and Lazio to the South. Its western border is formed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The picturesque rolling hills, medieval villages and cypress-lined avenues attract tourists and help promote the wines.
The vermentino grape variety was widespread in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica. Today, Vermentino is grown in the regions bordering the Mediterranean, mainly in Provence (Côtes de Provence, Bellet), Corsica (Corse Calvi), Languedoc (Côtes du Roussillon, Costières de Nîmes) and the Rhône Valley (Côtes du Luberon). Because it ripens late, Vermentino requires a warm climate for its development and can only be grown in regions with good sun exposure. Conversely, cold or temperate climates do not allow it to ripen properly. Vermentino is only susceptible to powdery mildew. When vinified on its own, Vermentino produces a single-variety dry white wine that is light and full-bodied with a pale yellow color. It can also be blended with other grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache, in which case its low acidity makes it light and fresh. Vermentino belongs to the grape varieties of Ajaccio, Corsica and Corbières. The aromas released by this variety are multiple. One can detect notes of fresh apple, green almond, sweet spices, hawthorn, ripe pear and fresh pineapple.
