Lorenzo Manfredi Terra dei Tusci Chianti 2023 DOCG

The effortless, food-loving side of Tuscany

Lorenzo Manfredi “Terra dei Tusci” is a classic young Chianti made for the Italian table, bright, savoury, wonderfully smooth and full of fresh cherry fruit.

Produced near Vinci, between Florence and Pisa, it captures the relaxed generosity of central Tuscany. This is not an overly heavy or oak driven red. It is a vibrant, medium bodied wine with fresh acidity and gentle tannins the qualities that make Sangiovese one of Italy’s greatest food wines.

Open it for pasta, pizza, grilled meat or a simple plate of Pecorino and salumi. This is Chianti as it is enjoyed in Italy not saved for an occasion, but shared generously around the table.

What does “Terra dei Tusci” mean?

Terra dei Tusci can be translated as “Land of the Etruscans.”

The ancient Romans called the Etruscan people Tusci. They were the early inhabitants of this part of central Italy, and their name eventually gave rise to Tuscia and, later, Toscana, Tuscany.

The name connects the wine to a land with thousands of years of agricultural, cultural and winemaking history.

Who is Lorenzo Manfredi?

Lorenzo Manfredi is located near the historic town of Vinci, in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Pisa.

Rather than producing an extensive collection, the project focuses on a small selection of traditional Tuscan wines, including this approachable expression of Chianti.

The fruit is sourced from selected vineyards in the hills surrounding Florence, with an emphasis on consistency, regional character and excellent value. The aim is simple to make an honest Chianti that expresses Sangiovese clearly and belongs naturally on the table.

The 2023 blend

Terra dei Tusci combines two traditional Tuscan grapes:

90% Sangiovese brings red cherry, wild berries, violet, dried herbs, freshness and fine tannins.

10% Canaiolo softens Sangiovese’s natural acidity while adding ripe fruit, perfume and a more rounded texture.

Canaiolo has been blended with Sangiovese in Tuscany for centuries. Here, its small contribution makes the wine smoother and more immediately approachable without taking away Chianti’s characteristic freshness and savoury personality.

What is Sangiovese?

Sangiovese is Tuscany’s signature red grape and the foundation of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Its name is traditionally translated as sangue di Giove “the blood of Jupiter.”

Unlike grapes that rely mainly on weight or sweetness, Sangiovese is loved for its balance of fruit, acidity, tannin and savoury flavour. Expect cherry rather than blackberry, dried herbs rather than jam and a freshness that makes you immediately think of food.

For Australian drinkers, its weight can sit somewhere between Pinot Noir and Shiraz more structured and savoury than many Pinot Noirs, but generally fresher and less powerful than a warm climate Shiraz.

How is it made?

Following a delicate crushing, the must remains in contact with the grape skins for approximately one to two weeks.

This maceration extracts the wine’s ruby colour, cherry fruit, perfume and fine tannins without making it excessively powerful or astringent.

The winemaking focuses on preserving freshness and the natural personality of Sangiovese. The result is a smooth, youthful Chianti designed to be enjoyed for its vibrant fruit and easy compatibility with food.

No specific oak maturation is declared for this cuvée, so it should not be presented as an oaked or barrel-aged Chianti.

What does it taste like?

Light ruby red with subtle garnet reflections, this Chianti opens with aromas of sour cherry, redcurrant, wild berries and plum.

Floral notes of violet appear alongside dried Tuscan herbs, black pepper and a gentle touch of earth and spice.

The palate is dry, fresh and medium-bodied, with lively acidity and agreeable tannins. Juicy red fruit sits at the centre, followed by a savoury herbal character and a clean, appetising finish.

It is smooth enough to enjoy on its own but truly comes alive beside food.

Is Chianti the same as Chianti Classico?

No. Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG are two separate appellations.

Chianti Classico comes from the historic central zone between Florence and Siena and is identified by the black rooster the Gallo Nero. Chianti DOCG covers a broader area of Tuscany and often produces fresher, more approachable wines intended for earlier drinking.

Terra dei Tusci is a Chianti DOCG, not a Chianti Classico. Its strength is its accessibility authentic Tuscan character without the greater weight, extended ageing or higher price often associated with Classico and Riserva wines. 

Its natural acidity cuts through tomato, cheese and richer sauces, while its cherry fruit complements herbs, grilled meat and charcuterie.

Serve at approximately 16°C. In warmer Australian weather, give the bottle 15–20 minutes in the fridge before serving. 

An authentic, easy to love Tuscan red that offers genuine Chianti DOCG provenance at an accessible price.