Chianti, Bolgheri, San Gimignano & Montalcino

Few wine regions conjure such fondness around the world as Tuscany. Saturday 28th March we bring the region to you in our premium tasting of the month.

We are incredibly excited to announce our next premium wine masterclass, which will focus on some of the finest classic red and white wines of Tuscany. This in-depth session will guide you through the key sub-regions and stylistic differences that define Tuscan wine: Chianti Classico, Bolgheri with its Bordeaux influence, the medieval hilltown of San Gimignano and its distinctive white grape varieties, and the powerful, age-worthy reds of Montalcino. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of how altitude, soil, climate and winemaking choices shape the range of expressions that come from this storied part of Italy. Angelica Nohra DipWSET brings deep, hands-on knowledge of Tuscan wine and is a frequent traveller to the Italian regions that shaped Sangiovese and its blends. Her background combines formal tasting training with field experience in Tuscany’s vineyards and wineries, giving context to both technical detail and the cultural traditions behind the wines.

We will take you through:

Chianti Classico

• Explore the backbone grape of the region, Sangiovese, and learn how its character changes with vineyard site and winemaking. We’ll cover the typical red-fruited, savory profile of Chianti Classico, the role of oak and aging, and how the Classico zone differs from greater Chianti in style and regulation.

Bolgheri and its Bordeaux influence

• Discover why Bolgheri’s gravelly soils and maritime climate have made it a hotspot for international varieties and Bordeaux-style blends. We’ll examine how Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other non-native grapes interact with local conditions to produce wines ranging from polished, modern blends to powerful, structured age-worthy bottlings.

San Gimignano and Tuscan whites

• Take a closer look at the lesser-known white wines of Tuscany, with emphasis on Vernaccia di San Gimignano. We’ll discuss Vernaccia’s distinct citrus, almond and mineral notes, the grape’s historical importance, winemaking techniques for freshness and texture, and how these whites sit within the broader Tuscan landscape.

Montalcino and Brunello-style depth

• Learn about Montalcino’s unique form of Sangiovese (locally called Sangiovese Grosso) and the long-aging, concentrated style of Brunello di Montalcino. We’ll cover the region’s range from powerful, tannic Brunello to more approachable Rosso di Montalcino, and the factors that produce such ageworthy structure.

About the presenter

Who should attend

• Wine enthusiasts wanting a structured, region-focused tasting.

• Home collectors seeking guidance on ageing potential and buying value.

• Hospitality professionals and students of WSET or other wine courses looking to deepen their knowledge of Italian wines.

What you will take away

• A clear framework for understanding Tuscany’s principal regions and styles.

• Improved tasting vocabulary and evaluation skills specific to Sangiovese and regional blends.

• Practical recommendations for value and premium bottles from Sensi, Calappiano and Poggio Scudieri.

• Confidence to identify and choose Tuscan wines suited to your palate and cellar goals.