WINE ! By Matteo Bigazzi

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.The wines produced here are well-known not only in Italy but all over the world. Wine making in Tuscany started during the Etruscan period, around 500 B.C.The most cultivated grapes in Tuscany are:-   Red grapes: Brunello di Montalcino, Canaiolo nero, Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Prugnolo gentile, Malvasia nera. Quite recently, they started to cultivate also Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah.-   White grapes: Malvasia del Chianti, Trebbiano toscano, Vernaccia di S. Gimignano, Vermentino, Canaiolo bianco. Quite recently, they started to cultivate also Chardonnay and Sauvignon.
The Chianti is the most important and appreciated Tuscan red wine and it is also one of the first wines to be exported abroad, already since 1700. It is produced in various areas, especially in the provinces of Arezzo, Firenze, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.

The Brunello di Montalcino is another renowned and celebrated wine which is made from Sangiovese grapes. Together with Barolo, it is considered to be the most ancient red wine, its origins dating back in 1300.

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced in the municipality of Montepulciano, Siena from Sangiovese grapes. Untile the 1930s, this red wine was called “Vino rosso scelto di Montepulciano” but then its producer Adamo Fanetti decided to call it "Nobile" to make it more attractive to consumers.

Although we are not allowed to drink wine until we’re 16, in pubs and discotheques people often sell wine to youngsters who then get drunk. I’ve never tasted it but I don’t like the smell… what about you?