Val d’Arbia DOC dates from 1985 and covers white and pink (‘rosato’) wines grown in eleven communes across a vast territory in Siena province in south-western Tuscany. The production zone lies both to the south and north of Siena, along the Arbia river (see the 1260 Battle of Montaperti). Val d’Arbia DOC has been described as the “white Chianti” because it occupies land also allowed either the Chianti DOCG or Chianti Classico DOCG but excludes red wines.

Communes: Val d’Arbia DOC wine can come from anywhere in Siena city and from parts of the communes of Castellina in Chianti (which is where the Arbia rises), Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Monteriggioni, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Sovicille, Asciano, Monteroni d’Arbia, Murlo, and Buonconvento, where the Arbia flows into the Ombrone.

Viticulture: New vineyards must be replanted at a minimum vine density of 3,000 vines per hectare (1,215 vines per acre)

Wines

Val d’Arbia DOC Bianco: 30-50% Trebbiano Toscano and/or Malvasia bianca lunga (Malvasia del Chianti) plus 50-70% other non-aromatic grapes permitted in Tuscany. Varietal wines can be made from 85-100% Chardonnay, Grechetto, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Trebbiano and Vermentino and 0-15% non-aromatic white grapes allowed in Tuscany.

Val d’Arbia DOC Rosato DOC: From 50-100% Sangiovese plus 0-50% non-aromatic red grapes allowed in Tuscany.

Val d’Arbia DOC Vin Santo DOCG: 50-100% Trebbiano Toscano and/or Malvasia bianca plus 0-50% other non-aromatic white grapes permitted in Tuscany. The grapes must be dried to achieve a minimum potential alcohol of 26.6%. The wine can be released from the 01st December in the fourth year after harvest, or after five years for Vin Santo Riserva. Minimum 16% alcohol for both.

Wineries

Certified organic: Castello di Volpaia.

No certification: Fattoria della Aiola.