The Other Italy: Discovering Tuscany’s Lesser-Known Wine Gems at AnteprimeToscana 2025

One of my favorite events at AnteprimeToscana is the peek into the world of lesser known wines from”off the grid” regions.

While the world knows Tuscany for its iconic wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Bolgheri, there is another side to this famed region. One that is equally rich in history, terroir, and tradition but often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts.

This annual event for the wine trade at Palazzo degli Affari in Florence, L’Altra Toscana showcases a diverse array of wines from thirteen distinct denominations that make up about 40% of the region’s total production.

Under the leadership of Francesco Mazzei, president of L’Altra Toscana and of the Consorzio Tutela Vini della Maremma Toscana, this event is dedicated to unveiling a deeply rooted yet evolving side of Tuscan viticulture.

Producers, journalists, and industry professionals have gathered here to taste the new vintages from DOC and IGP appellations spanning from the rolling inland hills to the breezy coastal vineyards, unveiling a spectrum of styles that challenge preconceptions about Tuscan wine.

A Rich Mosaic of Terroir and Tradition

The denominations represented today paint a picture of Tuscany’s diversity––its varied soils, microclimates, and winemaking approaches. The featured wines hail from:

• Maremma Toscana– A coastal gem with increasing international recognition, Maremma produces everything from crisp Vermentino to bold, structured reds, often based on Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
• Montecucco & Montecucco Sangiovese– Nestled near Montalcino, this appellation showcases beautifully expressive Sangiovese wines that balance elegance and power, often enhanced by organic and biodynamic viticulture.
• Cortona– A rising star known primarily for its Syrah, Cortona has carved out a reputation for producing deeply expressive, refined reds that rival their Rhône Valley counterparts.
• Chianti Rufina– The highest and coolest subzone of Chianti, this area produces wines with remarkable structure and longevity, offering a more restrained and age-worthy expression of Sangiovese.
• Terre di Casole– A small but dynamic appellation with a strong focus on indigenous grapes, known for its balanced and expressive wines.
• Suvereto, Val di Cornia & Rosso della Val di Cornia– These coastal designations have emerged as top contenders for Bordeaux-style blends, featuring intense, expressive reds shaped by maritime influences.
• Carmignano & Barco Reale di Carmignano– Historic appellations where Sangiovese has long been blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, a tradition dating back centuries before the Super Tuscan era.
• Vin Santo di Carmignano– A reminder of Tuscany’s mastery in sweet wines, this Vin Santo is crafted through traditional drying methods, offering profound complexity and depth.
• IGT Toscana– A broad category showcasing creativity and innovation, where producers experiment beyond the confines of DOC/DOCG regulations, bridging tradition and modernity.

An Immersive Tasting Journey

This year, organizers have structured the tastings into five thematic routes, allowing guests to explore wines through curated flights that align with evolving market trends and palates:

1. Whites– While Tuscany is renowned for its reds, its whites are gaining significant attention. This flight features Vermentino, Trebbiano, and other indigenous white varieties now being crafted with increasing finesse, offering fresh, mineral-driven expressions that cater to modern tastes.
2. Sangiovese in All Its Expressions– From the commanding elegance of Montecucco to the high-altitude finesse of Chianti Rufina, this route takes visitors through varied profiles of Tuscany’s most famous grape.
3. Beyond Sangiovese– Syrah from Cortona, Cabernet from Suvereto, and Bordeaux-style blends from coastal Tuscany offer a fascinating look at the region’s broader vinous landscape.
4. Rosé and Everyday Wines– A nod to Italy’s growing rosé trend, these selections focus on fresh, easy-drinking wines well-suited for modern lifestyles.
5. Sweet and Fortified Wines– Featuring Vin Santo and other traditional dessert wines, this category highlights Tuscany’s deep-rooted traditions in crafting complex, long-lived sweet wines.