Central Tuscany – Maremma, Montepulciano, Carmignano and Beyond

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | NOVEMBER 30, 2016 

Tuscany is one of Italy’s richest and most diverse regions. While Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and, to a lesser extent, Maremma, get most of the attention, Tuscany’s smaller appellations are very much worth taking the time to discover. This article covers new releases from Maremma, Montepulciano, Carmignano and several other smaller districts.

The 2015 Vintage – Growing Season and Wines

Two thousand fifteen could not come around fast enough for producers after the difficult, stressful and costly 2014 vintage. The warm, dry growing season produced generous, highly expressive wines. So far, only the entry-level whites and reds have been released, but it is precisely these wines that give a good indication as to the personality and overall quality of the vintage.

The 2015 whites are creamy and rich, yet retain a good bit of freshness. Much the same is true of entry-level reds such as Barco Reale di Carmignano. The more important wines will start to enter the market in the next year or so. Based on what I have tasted so far, all signs point to a high quality vintage.