Tuscany is best known for its most famous, and probably Italy’s most famous, red wine called Chianti. This wine is made primarily from the indigenous Sangiovese grape, and then blended with other red grapes, either Italian, like Colorino, or international, like Merlot. The region is further enhanced by the evolution of the “Super Tuscan” wine, most notably Sassicaia, made from International grape varieties, in this case Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
According to Wikipedia, the Sangiovese grape has the following range of characteristics: “Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavors of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry, flavors when aged in barrels….often has a flavor profile of sour red cherries with earthy aromas and tea leaf notes…” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangiovese)
I apologize that my notes for these wines are not as detailed as I would like them to be, but there are so many wineries and wines to visit and taste at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, that you only have time to write a few impressions before moving on to the next glass. I can say that I truly enjoyed and recommend each of these wines.
My Favourite Wines from Tuscany
Marchesi Antinori Bramito del Cervo 2014 – A Chardonnay made with half fermented in stainless steel and half in oak barrel. It had a nice light citrus, apple, and vanilla nose. Medium body, dry and silky on the palate with flavours of apples and a hint of oak. Rating: 
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva 2012 – Red cherries and apple aromas in the glass. Round, medium plus body and medium tannins. Red cherries and light oak treatment. Rating:
Barone Ricasoli Campo Ceni 2014 – I don’t think Barone Ricasoli can make a poor wine. I really enjoyed every wine they poured at the Festival. I was told that this winery in 1872 set the “recipe” for Chianti, and are the oldest winery in the Chianti region. Interesting nose with nutmeg and meatiness. Medium body, dry with some smokiness and elegant minerality. Red cherries and fine tannins. Rating: 
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 – Red cherries, violets, and vanilla aromas. Full body, with firm tannins. Red cherries and vanilla on the palate. A quality wine. Rating:
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010 – The wine is made from 100% Estate produced grapes. They select the best grapes from 4 vineyards. Medium translucent garnet in colour with nice fresh aromas of red fruit, apples and oak. Medium body and acidity with light mouth feel and fine tannins. It has an Old World woodiness to it, along with flavours of red cherries, plums, and chocolate. Medium length. Very good. Rating:
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno IGT Toscana 2013 – Nice ripe,dark cherry aroma. Medium body, dry with firmer tannins and dark cherry flavours. Rating: