 Tuscany is world famous for its fine DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) and DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin) wines, particularly the Chianti wines whose vineyards are scattered between Florence, Siena and the Elsa Valley. Chianti wines are subdivided into various categories such as Colli Fiorentini, Montalbano, Rufina, Montespertoli, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi and Chianti Classico. Also noteworthy is Brunello di Montalcino which has several times been awarded as the best wine in the world. It is produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes (called “Brunello” in Montalcino) in accordance with strict regulations which establish limits on the yield per hectare and specify the ageing period and the characteristics of the product. They also require that, before being sold, the wine must undergo tests by a special board to check the specific quality requirements so that it can bear the Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination mark. Of course, we must not forget to mention the Nobile di Montepulciano wines which can only be sold after two years of ageing (three for the Reserve) and after passing strict checks in the form of chemical and organoleptic tests conducted by a ministerial board. The wine-making and ageing processes must also take place exclusively in the municipality of Montepulciano.
 For those who prefer white wines, there is the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the first Italian wine to achieve DOC certification. At least 90% of the grape blend is made up of Vernaccia grapes and the remaining 10% is composed of other white grapes. The grape harvest takes place between the end of September and the beginning of October, after which the wine is fermented in steel vats at controlled temperatures. The skins are often left in Vernaccia wine for a long time to give it a deeper colour. Vernaccia Reserve is kept in the wine cellar for a year.
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