Valdichiana is a DOC of the famous Tuscany wine region, in central Italy; the title was granted in 1972. A broad portfolio of styles are made under the Valdichiana name, including a rosso, rosato and bianco (red, rose and white). Four varietals (three whites and a red) are also made here, complemented by sweet vin santo and sparkling spumante styles.
The name Valdichiana is a contracted form of Val di Chiana ('the Chiana Valley'), and was chosen for the obvious reason that the DOC covers the land on the east and west banks of the Chiani river. The Chiana Valley connects Siena and Arezzo in Tuscany with northern Umbria (specifically, the northern end of the Orvieto viticultural area), where the river connects with the Paglia, itself a tributary of the famous Tiber.
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Valdichiana Bianco has only one legally required component: a 20% minimum of Tuscany's favorite white-wine grape, Trebbiano. The remaining 80% may be made up of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Grechetto, individually or as a blend. Its Valdichiana Rosso counterpart is equally Tuscan at heart, with a required 50% base of Sangiovese, and complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, individually or as a blend. The rosato wines made under this title share the rosso's uvaggio.
When compared to regions such as Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, Tuscany produces very little sparkling wine, but Valdichiana obliges. Valdichiana Spumante is made from the same grapes as the bianco, and the success of the Pinot/Chardonnay pairing in the world's ever-expanding portfolio of sparkling wines means these varieties are given as large a representation as possible in the wines.
Viscous, golden Valdichiana Vin Santo is a classic Tuscan sweet wine made from the typical Trebbiano/Malvasia Bianca duo. (For more information on vin santo wines and their production, see vin santo.) To earn the mention riserva, local vin santo must be aged for a full three years prior to release.
