Alta Valle della Greve IGT covers wines from the upper valley of the Greve river, in the Tuscan hills south of Florence and closely connected, geographically and culturally, with the Chianti landscape. The area is defined by undulating slopes, varied exposures and changing elevations. Its soils form a mosaic that may include calcareous marl, clay, sandstone, galestro and alberese. This geological diversity meets a continental-Mediterranean climate, where warm, sunny days are moderated by cooler nights and air currents moving through the surrounding valleys. Such conditions encourage gradual ripening while helping grapes retain aromatic definition and freshness.
The denomination accommodates Tuscany’s historic diversity of grape varieties. Sangiovese, the region’s leading red grape, has a central role and commonly contributes cherry fruit, floral notes, savoury nuances, lively acidity and structured tannins. It may be accompanied by traditional local red varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Ciliegiolo and Malvasia Nera. The rules also permit other authorised Italian and international grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Nero. For white wines, Tuscan varieties such as Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca Lunga may appear alongside Chardonnay, Sauvignon and other authorised white grapes.
Viticulture is based on matching each variety to its soil, exposure and water conditions. Pruning, canopy management and selective harvesting are used to preserve sound fruit and achieve balanced maturity. In the cellar, styles range from temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, intended to preserve fruit clarity, to longer skin contact and maturation in wood for more structured reds. White and rosé wines are generally made with cool, protective vinification, while wines from dried or naturally sweet grapes rely on gentle pressing and carefully managed ageing.
The IGT draws on the long-established vine-growing tradition of the Greve valley. It provides a framework for wines that can express local origin and varietal identity while allowing contemporary Tuscan winemaking approaches alongside more classical regional styles.
