Tuscany

The inland Sangiovese zones and the Tyrrhenian coast give Tuscany two particularly useful points of orientation. Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano each have their own geographical and production rules. On the coast, Bolgheri is strongly associated with Cabernet and Merlot-based reds.

The region also makes whites and sweet wines. Vermentino is a useful coastal choice, Vernaccia di San Gimignano has its own identity, and Vin Santo represents a different method based on dried grapes. Super Tuscan is a descriptive trade term, so check the actual denomination rather than treating it as a formal quality level.