17 March 2025

Tuscany is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. From the Etruscans’ winemaking traditions to the revolutionary Supertuscans, and the enduring legacy of Chianti Classico, wine is woven into the very fabric of this land.

From Etruscan Wine to Supertuscans: The Evolution of a Legend

More than 2,500 years ago, the Etruscans were already producing and trading Tuscan wine, exporting it as far as Gaul. The Romans refined these techniques, but it was the medieval monks who safeguarded the ancient vineyards, carefully selecting the finest grape varieties.

In the 1700s, Cosimo III de’ Medici established the first official wine borders, laying the foundation for quality protection long before appellations existed. But the true revolution came in the 1970s, when a group of pioneering winemakers broke away from tradition, experimenting with international grape varieties and innovative techniques. This gave birth to the Supertuscans—groundbreaking wines that defied conventional classifications and went on to captivate the world.

Yet, while Tuscany is synonymous with winemaking excellence, one wine more than any other embodies its most authentic soul: Chianti Classico.

Chianti Classico: The Beating Heart of Tuscany

Born in the rolling hills between Florence and Siena, Chianti Classico is one of Italy’s oldest wines. The name dates back to 1398, but it was in 1716 that Grand Duke Cosimo III officially defined its production area.

In 1924, the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) was chosen as its official symbol, inspired by a medieval legend about the historic rivalry between Florence and Siena over control of the Chianti region.

Today, Chianti Classico DOCG follows strict production guidelines: it must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese—the king of Tuscan grapes—and is classified into three quality tiers (Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione). The result is a wine that expresses its terroir with elegance and character.

Castello di Fonterutoli: Six Centuries of Winemaking in Chianti’s Heartland

Among the historic wineries of Chianti Classico, Castello di Fonterutoli has been a benchmark for over 600 years. Owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, the estate has preserved its deep-rooted traditions while continuously striving for excellence. Its wines, from the Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli to Vicoregio 36, showcase the rich nuances of the region, the result of meticulous research into Chianti’s micro-terroirs.

Beyond winemaking, Fonterutoli offers an immersive Tuscan experience—from guided tastings and vineyard tours to stays in the historic village, allowing visitors to embrace the true essence of Chianti Classico.