Super Tuscans are a fascinating category in the world of Italian wines, blending traditional Tuscan grape varieties with international ones like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These wines originated in the 1970s when innovative winemakers sought to break away from strict appellation regulations and create unique, high-quality blends. The result is a range of bold, complex wines that showcase both Old World elegance and New World richness.
Difference Between Super Tuscans and Other Italian Wines
One key factor that sets Super Tuscans apart is their ability to age gracefully, evolving over time to reveal new layers of flavor and nuance. Additionally, their flexibility in winemaking allows for experimentation with different grape combinations and aging techniques, resulting in a diverse array of styles within this category of fine wine.
Despite not having a formal classification system, Super Tuscans have gained global recognition for their excellence and continue to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of wine.
So let’s find out all there is to know about Super Tuscans so that you can become a veritable expert by the end of this article!
What Makes A Wine A Super Tuscan Wine?
So what is a super tuscan wine what exactly are Super Tuscans? The term Super Tuscans was coined way back in the 70s to describe a red wine that has come from Tuscany, in Italy.
This was because wineries were producing high quality red wines using grapes that didn’t necessarily fall under the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) classification that was used at the time.
It’s all to do with the grapes that they were using at the time. These wineries were making use of grapes that weren’t native to the region, so they couldn’t fall under the DOC classification for these reasons. The wineries produced wines outside the classification which led to the tuscan igt indicazione geografica tipica.
Most Super Tuscan wines would make use international grape varieties of grapes such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, alongside the Sangiovese grapes which are considered to be classic to Tuscany.
Generally speaking, a Super Tuscan wine will be full bodied, rich, have lots of spice from the oak barrels the wine has been stored in, as well as lots of tannins from the array of grapes used to craft the Super Tuscan wine.
If you were to look for a bottle of Super Tuscan wine on the wine list, you could be paying a couple of hundred dollars depending on the vintage.
So How Does A Chianti Differ From A Super Tuscan Wine?
As well as Super Tuscan wines, Chianti Classico is another red wine that is made in Tuscany. So how can you tell the difference between them? It all comes down to the classification of the wine.
This is because in order for a red wine to be classed as Chianti, it needs to use around 80% Sangiovese grapes, and have these grapes grown in one of the several Chianti approved areas around Arezzo, Sienna, Florence.
However, your standard Super Tuscan wine doesn’t have to follow the strict rules that are outlined for Chianti wines. They can vary the grapes that they use, as well as the quantities that they use them in.
You can typically tell whether a wine has been classed as a Super Tuscan wine because it will only be labeled IGT indicazione geografica tipica. In the early 1970s wine lovers in the USA were unhappy with these wines being labelled as a simple vino da tavola resulting in the super tuscan movement. Vino da tavola wines are inexpensive table wines which
The toscana IGT classification, indicazione geografica tipica designation is something that started around 2013, which shows that the quality level differs from that of a Chianti Classico. The IGT label allows more flexibility in the choice of grapes compared to the DOC wine regulations. This allows the winemakers to use non indigenous grape varieties.
However, this doesn’t mean that your Super Tuscan wine will be any cheaper than an official Chianti – quite the opposite, in fact. Super Tuscan wines are often some of the most expensive wines on the menu.
What Is The Difference Between A Tuscan And Super Tuscan Wine?
So we now know that the main difference between a DOC Toscana wine and a Toscana IGT or Super Tuscan wine is in the grapes that are used. Chianti Classico requires 80% of Sangiovese grapes Super tuscan wines make use of international grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc which are known as bordeaux varieties.
Chianti is classed as a DOC Tuscan Chianti Classico wine because it uses at least 80% Sangiovese grapes and has been grown in designated Chianti areas in Italy based on the existing appellation status.
Super Tuscans, on the other hand, don’t follow rules that are as strict. They avoid to use tuscany’s reigning Sangiovese grape and grow non indigenous grapes like cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, pinot noir and merlot. So the wineries have more freedom when it comes to how they can make italian wine.
Not all super tuscans are red wines!
Super Tuscan white wines are a hidden gem in the world of Italian winemaking, often overshadowed by their red counterparts. These unique blends combine traditional Tuscan grape varieties with international white grapes like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in complex and intriguing flavors. The result is a wine that perfectly captures the essence of Tuscany while also offering a modern twist that appeals to a global audience.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Super Tuscan white wines is their versatility when it comes to food pairing. Their crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors resulting from the belnd of white grapes make them excellent companions for a wide range of dishes, from seafood to pasta to light salads. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delicious meal, Super Tuscan white wine never fails to leave a lasting impression with its balanced structure and elegant finish.
What Does Super Tuscan Wine Taste Like?
Seeing as there is a less strict classification for Super Tuscan wines, the style and flavor of the wine can differ from winery to winery.
As for a classic thread between these wines, you can typically notice a certain spiciness in table wine that comes from the oak barrels that the wine is usually aged in during the winemaking process.
Flavors typically range from fruity notes of plums and cherries, as well as the individual tasting notes that are dictated by the grapes used for the wine.
Most Famous Super Tuscan Producers
What are the best super tuscan wines? One of the most renowned Super Tuscan producers is Antinori, a family-owned winery with over 600 years of history. Their flagship wine, Tignanello, revolutionized the Italian wine industry by blending traditional Sangiovese with international grape varieties.
Another standout producer is Sassicaia, known for creating the first Super Tuscan in 1968. This iconic winery produced a Bordeaux-style blend that set a new standard for quality and elegance in Tuscan wines.
Moving on to Ornellaia, this producer has gained global recognition for producing opulent and complex wines that beautifully showcase the Bolgheri terroir. Their flagship wine, Ornellaia, consistently receives high praise from critics and collectors alike.
Each sip offers a sensory journey through layers of flavors and textures, making Ornellaia one of Italy’s most sought-after fine wines.
In Summary
Which Super Tuscan wine will you opt for? Or do you have a certain favorite that you just love to enjoy every now and then?
No matter which bottle of Super Tuscan wine that you opt for, it will give you an interesting insight into the variety of red wines on offer from Italy.
