Introduction to Super-Tuscans

No other Category of Italian Wine has had such an impact as that of the Super-Tuscan.  It is single handedly responsible for the “Renaissance” of Italian Wine. Specifically, the term arose as more and more Chianti producers opted out of their historical designation (“Chianti Classico”) in order to make a more modern/expressive wine.  Many of them are of high quality and are normally expensive. They are typically Sangiovese (the main grape of Tuscany) with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, a French Import not allowed in the Chianti blend.  However, a Super-Tuscan can be pretty much anything.  It can take the form of a mono-varietal (e.g. Isole e Olena’s 100% Sangiovese “Cepparello” or Ornellaia’s 100% Merlot “Massetto) or any blend of varietals (e.g. Antinori’s blends of Sangiovese and Cabernet “Tignanello” and Solaia).  In the end, a Super-Tuscan is the true expression of a winemaker, not bound to any rigid tradition.