Alta Valle della Greve is one of several IGT titles used in Tuscany, central Italy. A quick translation of its name, 'upper Greve valley', leaves little doubt as to the geographical area covered.
The Greve in question is a narrow, fast-flowing river in the south-eastern corner of the Firenze province in central Tuscany. From its source on Mount Querciabella, the river flows northwards through the classic Tuscan vineyard landscape. Its first port of call is the town of Greve-In-Chianti, whose name betrays something vital about the wines produced here: this is Chianti country – some of the very finest, and the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Names such as Antinori, Fontodi and Poggio Scalette dot the wine map here.
Not surprisingly, wines produced under the Alta Valle della Greve IGT title typically contain a fair quantity of the traditional Chianti grape varieties (Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino). But, thanks to the stylistic freedom of the IGT category, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot are also conspicuous in the wines. These are the grape varieties local winemakers would like to use freely in their Chianti wines, but can't, due to the Chianti DOC production laws (the Cabernets are restricted to just 15%, and Merlot is not permitted at all).
If their average price (and the caliber of the local producers) is anything to go by, Alta Valle della Greve IGT wines are made to very high standards. Typically, IGT wines have a global average price between $10 and $20, but the average here is more than $50; these are IGT wines de luxe. This could happen only in Tuscany, home of the 'Super Tuscans', the precursors of the IGT category. (For more information, see Toscana IGT.)
