The Mysteries and Blessings of Tuscany

After getting a quick taste of Enrico Tavarnelli’s research at our opening session at San Miniato in the first few days, he came back to give us a more detailed depiction of the geography of the Tuscany region and how the geology lent itself to produce one of the finest wine-making territories in the world.  Preparing ourselves for a trip into the Chianti wine-making region next week, his presentation was an excellent introduction to why some of the wines we will get to taste are some of the best in the world!

Enrico started his presentation by explaining the formation of the Apennines, a mountain range that runs down the spine of Italy from the Alps to the very tip of the boot.  A long time ago, between the Jurassic and Upper Cretaceous ages, the European and African tectonic plates were drifting apart from each other, creating a sea between the two plates.  Between the Paleocene and Eocene times, this directional movement switched, and Europe and African began to converge.  When the plates collided, they naturally scrunched together pushing the sea to higher altitudes and starting the formation of the Apennines.

The fact that the sea was pushed upwards with the creation of the Apennines has helped propel the Tuscany region to one of the most well-known areas in the world.  Following the compression of the two tectonic plates, a push of extension through the area created a unique region.  The simultaneous cycle of compression followed by extension created a series of ridges followed by troughs forming the Tuscany region (this cycle also explains why the Apennines aren't very tall).  The sea that was pushed up through compression during the Paleocene and Eocene times slowly drained down to the smaller ridges and troughs.  This drainage deposited marine clays, silts, and sand throughout the various ridges and troughs.  It is because of these deposits that the fertile region lays claim to some of the best wines in the world created on the ridges, while boasting premium grain products produced in the troughs.

Soon we will get to visit this region and explore two vineyards.  Luckily, Enrico will be joining us to help point out the geography descriptions he already explained in his lecture.  The best part is that we will get to visit a place with some of the best wines and grains in the world, a combo that will undoubtedly lead to some of the best meals in Italy, which is no small feat!

The region around the Apennines today is undergoing some changes in how the motion of the plate tectonics develops.  This has caused many earthquakes on the fault line which have sent tremors throughout Italy.  Hopefully, this change in movement will have very little effect on the Tuscany region, allowing a tradition of excellence to continue for many more years.

References:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/29434/Apennine-Range

http://www.npr.org/news/graphics/2009/apr/italy-earthquake/

(and obviously Enrico’s work)