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Under the Tuscan sun

A roadtrip through the region’s longstanding tenuta, or estates, offers a glimpse into their deep heritage and unique winemaking philosophies

    • The imposing Castello di Brolio – owned by the Ricasoli family since the 12th century – exemplifies centuries of internecine conflict in Tuscany and marks the modern-day centre of Ricasoli’s extensive plots within the Chianto Classico DOCG.
    • A panorama of Siena’s historic centre – a UNESCO world heritage sight characterised by its distinctive Gothic architectural style – viewed from the Basilica of San Domenico.
    • Screening the grape harvest before it enters the de-stemming machine, at Tenuta San Guido. During the off-season, employees stay on in other roles – such as tending to the olive trees on the estate – providing a stable source of employment for local communities.
    • Older vintages of Sassicaia wines – from the 1940s to 1960s – were initially bottled for private consumption, and were composed of a very different blend of grapes.
    • Marchesi Antinori’s cavernous ageing cellars at their Bargino winery.
    • The process of pressing the harvested and de-stemmed grapes in large steel vats, at Barone Ricasoli.
    • The imposing Castello di Brolio – owned by the Ricasoli family since the 12th century – exemplifies centuries of internecine conflict in Tuscany and marks the modern-day centre of Ricasoli’s extensive plots within the Chianto Classico DOCG. Kuek Jia Yao
    • A panorama of Siena’s historic centre – a UNESCO world heritage sight characterised by its distinctive Gothic architectural style – viewed from the Basilica of San Domenico. Kuek Jia Yao
    • Screening the grape harvest before it enters the de-stemming machine, at Tenuta San Guido. During the off-season, employees stay on in other roles – such as tending to the olive trees on the estate – providing a stable source of employment for local communities. Kuek Jia Yao
    • Older vintages of Sassicaia wines – from the 1940s to 1960s – were initially bottled for private consumption, and were composed of a very different blend of grapes. Kuek Jia Yao
    • Marchesi Antinori’s cavernous ageing cellars at their Bargino winery. Kuek Jia Yao
    • The process of pressing the harvested and de-stemmed grapes in large steel vats, at Barone Ricasoli. Kuek Jia Yao

    Kuek Jia Yao

    Published Sat, Oct 28, 2023 · 05:00 AM

    EARLY October is an ideal time to visit Tuscany. Just outside the peak travel season, travellers can avoid the throngs of summer tourists, while still enjoying unique autumn highlights, top among which is the annual vinicultural harvest.

    Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world – it accounted for almost one-fifth of the entire global production in 2022. The country is also the world’s most viniculturally diverse: Around 400 native grape varieties are grown for winemaking, and Tuscany exemplifies much of this kaleidoscope of different terroirs, strains, and production methods.

    The history of wine is intertwined with the rolling Tuscan hills that dominate the region’s landscape. Home to the likes of famous wine classifications such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and the more recent (yet no less famous) Super Tuscans from the 1970s, Tuscany’s wineries produce wines from 41 DOC (Denominazioni di origine controllata or controlled destination of origin) and 11 DOCG (Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita or controlled and guaranteed destination of origin).

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