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Situated in Central Italy, the region is crossed by the Apennines, the Chianti wine region sits in the heart of Tuscany.

But there is much more to Tuscan wines than Chianti.

The soft sun and rolling hills of this area produce a wide variety of white and red wines. The reds are made mainly from Sangiovese grapes. It is difficult to produce a fine wine using Sangiovese alone, so in the past the red wines were blended with other grapes.

Today the emphasis is strongly on Sangiovese, and many of the best Tuscan wines use little or no other grape varieties to produce wines. Some of the top wines of the region are Montalcino's Brunello, Chianti's Sangioveto and Montepulciano's Prugnolo Gentile. These and other emerging labels are coming to be recognized for the stars that they are.

The sangiovese (san joe VAE sae) grape is the main ingredient in Tuscan reds.

In addition to more famous reds, notable white wines produced in the region include the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Other top Tuscan whites include Bianco di Bolgheri, Vermentino, Bianco di Pitigliano and Bianco di Val di Nievole.

Arguably the most traditional wine of the region is the locally famous Vin Santo, or "Holy Wine", made from Trebbiano grapes that have been left to dry during the Lenten season in spring before being made into wine.

More information about Tuscany wines around the Web:

Wines from Tuscany– History, Terroir, Grapes & Food Pairings Beautifully written, extensive look at Tuscan wines including grape varieties and where they are grown.

Wines from Tuscany [Toscana] - Find out where to buy it with link listings to related wine shops and online stores worldwide including the editor's best picks.