vineyards are seen everywhere in central italy, from the rolling cypress-fringed hiills of tuscany to the flatter, lambrusco producing plains of emilia-romagna.
the finest red wines are made in the hills of southeastern tuscany: chianti classico, brunello di montalcino and vino nobile di montepulciano.
today's innovative mix of modern and traditional techniques is steadily improving the of much of the region's wine.

· chianti classico: is the heart of the chianti zone. chianti may be light and fruity or dense and long-lived, price is the usual guide. rocca delle macie is very reasonably priced.
· vernaccia di san gimignano: is a tuscan white wine with a long distinguished history. tradtionally a golden, often oxidized wine, it is now also produced in a fresher style, for early drinking. teruzzi e puthod make consistently good vernaccia.
· vino nobile di montepulciano: is made from the same grapes as chianti. it can be of superior quality, hence its claim to be a "noble wine". the vineyards are set around the delighful hilltop village of montepulciano.
· brunello di montalcino: is made from sangiovese, brunello being its local name. its firm tannins may need up to ten years to soften before the rich, spicy flavours are revealed. rosso di montalcino, on the other hand, can be enjoyed much younger.