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.
Pinot Blanc is a grape variety that originated in Burgundy, mutated from Pinot Gris. Today, it is grown in Alsace where it is called klevner when blended with auxerrois. The continental climate, with its cold winters and hot summers, is particularly suited to pinot blanc. It is resistant to frost in winter and in summer, the roots draw the minerals it needs from the warm soil. Its bunches are made up of small berries with thick skins and melting pulp that produce fruity, spicy wines, balanced between acidity and alcohol. pinot blanc is also used for crémants and sparkling wines. Pinot Blanc is also used for Crémant and sparkling wines. It is widely grown in Italy, where it covers almost 7,000 hectares, and is also found in Germany, Austria, Canada and South Africa.
white wines from the region of Tuscany go well with generally quite well with dishes of pasta, vegetarian or appetizers and snacks such as recipes of phad thai (thai style fried noodles), quiche without eggs or cake with olives and bacon.
