Toscana IGT

Tuscany immediately brings to mind some of Italy’s greatest wines. Whilst DOCG appellations such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino embody the excellence of Italian winemaking traditions, the Toscana IGT, for its part, represents a freer and bolder vision of Italian winemaking.

Indeed, the DOC and DOCG appellation systems are criticised by some Italian producers for being too rigid in terms of blends and grape varieties. Many of them therefore choose to break free from the rules imposed by the specifications of these traditional appellations in order to fully express the potential of their terroirs and grape varieties. They create wines with a unique style, but the freedom with which they are produced prevents them from being marketed as DOC or DOCG wines. These wines are therefore sold under the label Vino da Tavola or ‘table wine’, the lowest category in the hierarchy of Italian appellations.

In 1992, the Indicazione Geografica Tipica or IGT category was created to provide a framework for the production of these modern and creative wines. This category sits between the highly regulated DOC and DOCG classifications and the Vino da Tavola classification.

Now the most famous appellation in the Tuscany region, Toscana IGT is renowned for its modern-style wines, available in red, white and rosé. Combining respect for the terroir, innovation and a constant pursuit of quality, they appeal to curious wine enthusiasts and the most discerning collectors alike.

Covering an area of around 63,000 hectares, Tuscany is one of Italy’s largest wine-growing regions. The Toscana IGT covers the whole of this iconic region, offering an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, climates and terroirs.

From the hills of Chianti to the hills of Montalcino, via the plains of the Maremma and the Mediterranean coastline of Bolgheri, each area has its own distinct identity which directly influences the style of the wines.

The Mediterranean climate is one of the main assets of the Tuscan wine-growing region. Hot, sunny summers promote excellent ripeness in the grapes, whilst cool nights preserve their natural acidity. Sea breezes, particularly prevalent in the coastal vineyards, also help to maintain a lovely aromatic freshness whilst limiting the development of vine diseases.

In terms of soils, Tuscany boasts a remarkable geological mosaic. Clay-limestone, schistose marl, galestro (a very crumbly clay schist), sand and alluvial deposits are found in succession depending on the area. This diversity allows each grape variety to fully express its personality and explains the rich variety of styles found in IGT Toscana wines.

The history of Toscana IGT wines is closely linked to that of the Super Tuscans, true revolutionaries in the Italian wine industry. Indeed, the freedom sought by certain producers has profoundly transformed the Tuscan wine-growing landscape. In particular, it has paved the way for the emergence of the famous Super Tuscans – wines that have now become global benchmarks, capable of rivalling the greatest Bordeaux wines.

In the 1940s, the Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta imported Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines to plant in the Bolgheri area. The wine produced, in the style of the great Bordeaux wines, was a huge success. In the 1960s and 1970s, many producers felt that the rules imposed by the DOC and DOCG designations restricted their creativity and prevented them from fully realising the potential of their terroirs. They therefore followed this example, producing wines from international grape varieties.

Among the pioneers of the Super Tuscan movement were Sassicaia – which, incidentally, went on to be recognised as a Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC – Tignanello, Ornellaia and Solaia. Praised for their balance, depth and impressive ageing potential, these wines quickly established themselves among the world’s greatest wines.

One of the distinctive features of the Toscana IGT designation is its remarkable freedom in terms of grape varieties. Unlike many Italian designations, this geographical indication allows producers to blend indigenous grape varieties with international ones in order to create wines perfectly suited to their terroir and winemaking style.

Sangiovese, Tuscany’s iconic grape variety, naturally remains one of the cornerstones of many wines. It brings lovely acidity, a pronounced tannic structure and an aromatic profile dominated by red and black fruits, spices and Mediterranean herbs.

Alongside it, Bordeaux grape varieties play a key role in defining the identity of Toscana IGT wines:

• Cabernet Sauvignon, which brings power, structure, aromatic depth and ageing potential;
• Cabernet Franc, which lends finesse, freshness and aromatic complexity;
• Merlot, which charms with its roundness, velvety texture and rich, indulgent character.

Other grape varieties can enrich the blends, such as Syrah, Petit Verdot or Canaiolo Nero for red and rosé wines. Toscana IGT white wines also offer a wonderful diversity. The vineyards are planted with both indigenous varieties such as Vermentino, Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, and international varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Given the vastness of its territory, Toscana IGT produces a particularly wide range of wines:

• Red wines, Toscana IGT rosso, account for the majority of production, offering extremely varied profiles depending on the grape varieties, terroirs and ageing. Wines dominated by Sangiovese generally charm with their lovely freshness and aromas of cherry, plum, dried flowers and spices, underpinned by an elegant structure. If you’re looking for greater concentration and power, opt for blends incorporating Bordeaux grape varieties.
• White wines, bianco Toscana IGT, also come in a wide range of styles: fruity and light, round and complex, or lively and mineral. Depending on the grape varieties, they develop aromas of citrus, white-fleshed fruits, exotic fruits or white flowers.
• Toscana IGT also produces rosé wines which, although less well-known, are particularly appealing thanks to their freshness and their sweet, fruity character.

Given the wide variety on offer, choosing a Toscana IGT wine may seem complicated, especially for beginners. However, a few simple criteria will help you easily identify the bottle best suited to your tastes.

• For simple occasions (everyday meals, a light aperitif, etc.), opt for young wines dominated by Sangiovese, prized for their vibrant fruitiness, freshness and generous character, or a crisp, light red wine. For a summer aperitif, a Vermentino white wine – fruity, light and refreshing – is an excellent choice.
• To accompany a more refined meal, opt for the great Bordeaux-style blends, offering depth, structure and complexity. They’ll perfectly complement roast lamb, game or mature cheeses. A rich and elegant Chardonnay is also perfect.
• To celebrate a special occasion or as a gift for a fine wine connoisseur, Super Tuscans remain a safe bet. These great red wines, with their remarkable ageing potential, are also perfect for building up your wine cellar.

The concept of ‘the best producers’ of Toscana IGT is subjective. Nevertheless, this appellation is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious and well-known estates, notably:

• Marchesi Antinori is one of the great historic families of Italian winemaking. Its famous Tignanello cuvée, intense and refined, has played a major role in establishing the reputation of the Super Tuscans thanks to its innovative blend of Sangiovese and Bordeaux grape varieties.
• Tenuta San Guido, which pioneered the Super Tuscan movement, is a benchmark in its own right. Famous for its legendary Sassicaia, this iconic estate also produces exceptional red wines under the Toscana IGT designation.
• Masseto is also one of the must-visit estates in the Toscana IGT region, thanks to its great wines, which reveal the quintessence of Merlot. Produced in the heart of Bolgheri, the estate’s wines are renowned for their elegance, silky texture, power and exceptional freshness.
• Bibi Graetz, Tenuta Le Colonne, Domaine Petrolo and Caiarossa all perfectly embody the innovative spirit of Toscana IGT. Available from Vinatis, alongside many other producers, these estates invite you to discover the boldness and creativity that characterise this appellation.

When choosing the Toscana IGT appellation, you’re bound to find a wine to suit your budget. Thanks to the wide variety on offer, it features wines across a broad price range. Wines at around £10 to introduce you to this appellation, wines between £20 and £60 for connoisseurs seeking complex wines, and Super Tuscans, sought after by collectors, sometimes reaching several hundred euros… there’s something for every budget. At Vinatis, regular promotions allow you to discover the full richness of Toscana IGT wines at affordable prices.