Beginners Guide to the Best Tuscan Wines in 2024 According to Gambero Rosso

Are You new to wine or looking to surprise someone special with fine bottle of Tuscan Wines in 2024? Explore some of the finest Tuscan wines with amazing variety and quality available today. Below, I will present an updated list of the top Tuscan wines for 2024 according to ratings and recommendations by Gambero Rosso magazine—one of Italy’s premier wine publications. This article will provide information on choosing the perfect Tuscan for every occasion and budget.

Tuscany’s Wine Legacy

As a beginning wine enthusiast, you may only know of Chianti as the premier Tuscan wine; however, this region produces many others with distinct characteristics and flavors that set each one apart. From Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino and Vernaccia di San Gimignano to Super Tuscan—Tuscany boasts a vast variety of wines that reflect its quality vineyards. In this beginner’s guide to Tuscan wines, I will cover topics such as grape varieties, production methods, and classification systems. Additionally, I will suggest which wines to buy depending on personal taste and budget requirements.

Sangiovese Grape Variety

Tuscan wines are typically produced using Sangiovese grapes, the region’s signature variety. Sangiovese gives these wines aromas of red fruit, spices, leather, and tobacco as well as their moderate acidity and tannins; but Tuscany also cultivates numerous other indigenous and international grape varieties like Canaiolo, Colorino, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc, which contribute to creating complex wines with distinctive character and personality.

Wine Denominations

Tuscan wines are classified into various denominations of origin that regulate their production and quality standards, including grape varieties, yield, aging requirements, and labeling procedures. Some of the main denominations of origin in Tuscany are:
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita – Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin): DOCG wine designation represents the pinnacle of quality and prestige, guaranteeing both their origin and quality with rigorous evaluation and certification by an official government-appointed committee. In Tuscany, this includes Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano among many others.

DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata – Controlled Designation of Origin): This second level of quality and prestige specifies both the origin and quality of wines produced, while also mandating government certification through an appointed committee. Examples of DOC wines produced in Tuscany are Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, Carmignano and Bolgheri wines.

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)—or ‘Typical Geographic Indication’—refers to the geographic origin of wine). IGT wines represent the third tier in quality and prestige winemaking in Tuscany, designating their origin and permitting greater flexibility and creativity in production and the use of grape varieties. Examples of IGT wines in Tuscany are Super Tuscans such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Solaia, as well as those that don’t meet DOC or DOCG requirements like Vin Santo (which clearly indicates its origin).

Tuscan wines have long been revered and appreciated for both their quality and diversity, as well as their history and culture. Notable Italian poets such as Dante, Boccaccio, Petrarch, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Machiavelli have all celebrated Tuscan wines. Tuscan wines have also been enhanced through exchanges between other cultures such as France, Spain, and Germany.

The Gambero Rosso Verdict

Gambero Rosso, Italy’s foremost wine guide, is a media company specializing in food and wine reviews. They publish an annual wine guide called Vini d’Italia which reviews thousands of bottles across Italy. Gambero Rosso offers an easy but effective system for awarding the finest wines, determined through blind tasting by expert panels. Awarded one, two, or three bicchieri (glasses), with Tre Bicchieri awarded to those that best represent both Italian excellence and diversity in production.

Every year, wine enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the Tre Bicchieri winners, which are also showcased in a series of events around the world.

In the latest edition of the guide, which was presented on October 15, 2023, in Rome, Gambero Rosso awarded 89 Tre Bicchieri to wines from Tuscany, the most of any region in Italy.

In the next section, we’ll talk about the most prestigious appellations that received the most awards: Chianti, Brunello, and Supertuscan.

Chianti Classico Excellence

Chianti Classico is one of the most well-known and esteemed wine regions in Tuscany, producing its iconic Chianti wine made from Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico includes various subzones including Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Rufina, and Chianti Colli Senesi; each has its own specific characteristics and quality standards. Chianti wines tend to be fruity, with moderate acidity and tannin levels that complement pasta, pizza, cheese dishes, or meat dishes.

Chianti Classico holds 23 Tre Bicchieri awards—more than any other Tuscan appellation. Gambero Rosso praises particularly Gran Selezione, often coming from single vineyards with great aging potential. Chianti Classico Annata, as well as Riserva, are also noted by Gambero Rosso in their report.

Best Chianti Classico Wines in 2024

Here are some of the best examples of Chianti Classico wines in 2024, according to Gambero Rosso, and their prices:

• Fontodi Winery in Chianti Classico produces the Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2018, made entirely from Sangiovese grapes grown organically and biodynamically on one vineyard. It features a deep ruby color, complex bouquet of red fruits, spices, and leather notes, and full-bodied elegance and persistence on the palate. A wine that embodies both tradition and terroir of Chianti Classico. The approximate price per 750ml bottle is USD 60.
  
• Castello di Ama’s Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 comes from their historic winery in Ama, dating back to the 12th century. A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Malvasia Nera, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, produces this vibrant ruby-colored wine with floral fruit aromas of roses, cherries, and plums. It features smooth tannins and a long finish that embodies elegance, as well as the character of this winery’s craft. Costing approximately $60 for a 750ml bottle, this wine offers elegance with character while reflecting the passion of the artful craftsmanship of Castello di Ama winery’s craft.
  
• Chianti Classico 2018 from Isole e Olena was established by the De Marchi family, who restored and merged two ancient estates, Isole and Olena. This wine consists of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, and 5% Syrah, aged for 12 months in oak barrels. With its vibrant ruby color and fresh, fruity bouquet of cherries, raspberries, and violets, the lively, juicy palate offers crisp acidity for a savory finish. This makes the wine easy to drink and appreciate, retailing for approximately $25 per 750ml bottle.
  

Interested in exploring more Tuscan wines that belong to the Chianti Classico denomination for novice wine enthusiasts in 2024? Visit the website of the Chianti Classico Consortium, representing over 500 wineries that produce its entire production. Take note of its logo – a black rooster – as it was historically used as part of the Chianti League medieval alliance of towns and villages that protected their territory against external threats.

Gambero Rosso awarded one of the Chianti Classico subzones with high scores and favorable reviews: Chianti Colli Fiorentini, which surrounds Florence. Producing wines using at least 70% Sangiovese grapes while permitting higher percentages of white varieties than other subzones, these wines tend to be light, fresh, and easygoing with floral and citrus aromas ideal for everyday drinking or as an aperitif.

Best Chianti Colli Fiorentini in 2024

Gambero Rosso recently listed some of the finest Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines to come out in 2024 as identified by this source:

Tenuta Le Farnete-Cantagallo’s CARMIGNANO RISERVA 2020 is an 18-month-aged blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot aged in oak barrels, boasting aromas of red fruits, spices, tobacco leaf, and firm tannins for an exquisite experience with a long finish. It’s priced at roughly $36 per a 750ml bottle.

2020 BADIA A CORTE CHIANTI COLLI FIORENTINI RISERVA from Torre a Cona is an aged Sangiovese wine aged in oak barrels for 18 months, boasting aromas of cherries, plums and violets as well as smooth yet elegant tannins that linger long into the finish. A bottle costs around $22.

CHIANTI COLLI FIORENTINI RISERVA 2020 from Casa Emma is a 100% Sangiovese wine aged for 12 months in oak barrels, featuring aromas of cherries, violets and pepper and boasting fresh, lively palate with crisp acidity for an intense yet savory finish. Retailing at around $19 per a 750ml bottle.

These Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines received the Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso, their highest honor given to wines that represent Italian wine production with excellence and diversity.

For more information on Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines and their respective wineries, you may wish to visit the website of the Chianti Colli Fiorentini Consortium which represents 29 wineries covering almost the entirety of production for this appellation.

Riservas are the pinnacle of Tuscan wines, aged for extended periods. Crafted with only premium grapes from top vineyards and barrels for optimal aging potential. Riservas typically feature more complex structures and flavors, as well as higher prices than regular wines. They are reserved only for special celebrations or occasions.

Riservas are not limited to any particular denomination or grape variety in Tuscany; rather, they can be found across various appellations and styles. For instance, there are Riservas for Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Bolgheri among many others. These wines are made using Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Syrah as well as other grape varieties, depending on their appellation and producer.

Riserva wines boast 16 Tre Bicchieri awards from Gambero Rosso, testifying to their high quality and prestige. Gambero Rosso recognizes Riservas’ excellence and unique character, which are created through careful work in both vineyard and cellar, as well as patient aging processes that allow each wine to express and fully realize its potential.

Here are some of the best examples of Riservas in 2024, according to Gambero Rosso, and their prices:

• Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 from Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo is an exceptional wine created from only the oldest and best vines selected at harvest and aged for six years in large oak barrels. It features garnet color with refined notes of cherries, plums, leather and tobacco in its bouquet. Boasting a powerful yet elegant palate featuring firm tannins with a long finish, this wine is meant to last decades and represents both its essence and history of Brunello di Montalcino. The price per a 750ml bottle is around $688.
• Avignonesi Winery dates back to the 16th Century, making them one of the oldest and largest wineries in Montepulciano. Their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2017 wine is produced using 100% Sangiovese grapes grown organically and biodynamically, and aged 18 months in oak barrels for maximum flavor development and smooth tannins. Its long finish reflects tradition and innovation while representing both its terroir and culture of Montepulciano. It is priced at approximately $50 for each a 750ml bottle.
• Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2018, produced by the Antinori family at Ornellaia Winery, first appeared in 1981. Since then, it has earned acclaim as one of the prestigious wines from the Bolgheri region. Crafted with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, it is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. The wine boasts a deep ruby color and a complex bouquet featuring notes of blackberries, cassis, cedar wood, and graphite, all complemented by silky tannins that lead to a long finish. Ornellaia 2018 stands out as an outstanding expression of Bolgheri excellence, and it is priced at approximately $250 for a 750ml bottle.

Disclaimer: Pricing are as a reference only.

Super Tuscans are innovative wines made with international grape varieties that defy traditional Tuscan winemaking practices. They do not constitute a separate denomination or category; rather, the term ‘Super Tuscans’ refers to any wines that fall outside the bounds of DOC/DOCG regulations  and instead carry the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) classification.

Super Tuscans emerged during the 1960s and 1970s in response to the low quality and reputation of Chianti wines at that time, which had become watery due to their mandatory use of white grapes with high yields and yield caps. Some visionary producers began experimenting with using Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grape varieties and unconventional winemaking techniques such as low yields, small oak barrels and longer aging times. As a result, they produced intense, complex wines which changed both perception and identity of Tuscan wines.

Super Tuscan wines are created using a blend of international and native grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. After extended aging in oak barrels for many months, Super Tuscans gain their signature vanilla, chocolate, and toast aromas that set these wines apart as among Italy’s and the world’s finest and most expensive wines. Here are the winning Super Tuscan examples and their prices offered in 2024 according to Gambero Rosso:

• Sassicaia 2018, produced by Tenuta San Guido, was one of the pioneering wines to launch Tuscany’s Super Tuscan Revolution back in the 1960s, when they produced their inaugural wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend. Aged 24 months in French oak barrels, it boasts deep ruby hue, complex bouquet of blackberries, cassis, cedar wood, graphite, as well as silky tannins with long finish. It was one of the world’s greatest wines and truly represents Bolgheri’s excellence and diversity! You can buy one 750ml bottle for around $250.
  
• Antinori, one of Italy’s oldest and renowned wineries, pioneered the Super Tuscan movement in the 1970s. They crafted the first wine from a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany. Aged for 14 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels for optimal aging, this wine results in a bright ruby-red wine with floral-fruit aromas of roses, cherries and plums that fade into a harmonious palate characterized by fine tannins that linger on the finish. These qualities truly reflect the passion of artfully made wineries. You can enjoy this wine at a price point of roughly $100 per 750ml bottle.
  
• Ornellaia 2018 from Ornellaia Winery in Bolgheri, established by the Antinori family and considered one of the premier wineries in Bolgheri, is considered to be among the world’s best wines, representing both excellence and diversity within Bolgheri. It’s crafted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grape varieties, and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. It features deep ruby color; complex bouquet of blackberries, cassis cedar wood and graphite aromas with silky tannins with a long finish. This makes Ornellaia 2018 one of world-class wines, as it represents excellence and diversity within Bolgheri. It costs approximately $250 per 750ml bottle.
  
• Disclaimer: Pricing is as a reference only.

Brunello di Montalcino is considered to be one of the finest and most prestigious Italian wines, making it one of the most expensive bottles available. Crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes and aged at least four years in oak barrels, ensuring a rich and complex character. Its full-bodied profile reveals aromas of red fruits, spices, leather, tobacco, and truffles. It makes an excellent pairing choice with game meat, roast dinners, cheese platters or truffle-packed desserts.

Brunello di Montalcino’s 15 Tre Bicchieri awards reflect its range of styles and terroirs within its denomination. According to The Wine Spectator Guide 2024 Vintage Review, 2024 saw mixed weather conditions. While regular Brunellos were produced from the cool, rainy conditions of 2018, Riserva production benefited from the hot and dry 2017 climate. Therefore, the best wines from each vintage are those that managed to preserve elegance without becoming overripe or overly extractive in 2017.

Below is a list of 14 Brunello di Montalcino wines that earned Tre Bicchieri Awards between 2023-2024.

Disclaimer: Please note that pricing may vary depending on where you live, availability, taxes, etc. We have provided the prices as a reference only. You may want to check the current prices of the wines before buying them, as they may differ from the ones we listed.

Wine	Region	Price in Italy	Price in US
Altiero Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2024	Chianti Colli Fiorentini	€10	$12
Montefioralle Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG Riserva 2024	Chianti Colli Fiorentini	€20	$24
Casanova Fall in Love IGT Toscana Rosso 2024	Chianti Colli Fiorentini	€87	$105
Casa Emma Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2024	Chianti Colli Fiorentini	€19	$23
Carmignano Riserva 2019 Piaggia	Carmignano	€25	$30
Carmignano Riserva 2019 Tenuta di Capezzana	Carmignano	€30	$36
Carmignano Riserva 2019 Le Farnete	Carmignano	€18	$22
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Biondi Santi	Brunello di Montalcino	€250	$300
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Casanova di Neri	Brunello di Montalcino	€150	$180
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Poggio Antico	Brunello di Montalcino	€120	$144
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Altesino	Brunello di Montalcino	€90	$108
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Banfi	Brunello di Montalcino	€80	$96
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Castello Romitorio	Brunello di Montalcino	€70	$84
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Col d’Orcia	Brunello di Montalcino	€60	$72
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 Il Poggione	Brunello di Montalcino	€50	$60

No matter if it is an elegant red wine, a crisp and refreshing white, or vibrant rosé, among the best Tuscan wines for beginners in 2024, there will always be something perfect to fit the bill.

Don’t miss this incredible chance to taste these rare gems and explore this incredible wine region! Share your experience with these incredible wines with me. Leave a comment below.