Super Tuscan Wine

Super Tuscan wines are an excellent example of wine innovation. The Super Tuscan story is a classic success story; quality and innovation overcoming adversity and rising to the top. Super Tuscan wine is now a popular drink in Tuscany, Italy, and even around the world. But what is Super Tuscan wine, and how did it come to be? Join us as we dive into Super Tuscan wine’s history, food pairings, and a special recommendation of our favorite bottles. 

What Is Super Tuscan Wine?

Super Tuscan wine is a unique wine that was developed in Tuscany in the 1970s. It was an “unsanctioned” wine designation used by growers in the region who are producing high-quality wines that don’t fit the standards laid forth by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) classification system. These wines are often a blend of Sangiovese mixed with a French grape such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. In addition to being blended with French grapes, they are also sometimes aged in oak barrels, which is not the case in traditional Tuscan wines. 

The History of Super Tuscan Wine

As noted above, Super Tuscan wines found their roots in Tuscany in the 1970s.  The Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) classification system left no room for the use of French grapes, and their use lowered any wine to the lowest rank in the rating system regardless of the wine’s actual quality. And so, the Super Tuscan wine was invented. While these wines were being relegated to the lowest class in the DOC system, they quickly gained a reputation for quality.  Super Tuscan wines were found to be so successful that the DOC has long since integrated them into the DOC system, but the name remains. Super Tuscans combine French and Italian grapes and viticulture practices to produce some of the highest quality wines in the world. 

Super Tuscan Wines We Recommend

There are countless excellent Super Tuscan wines available worldwide. We’ve highlighted 3 of our favorites below, which are well suited for a dinner party, wedding, anniversary, or any other special occasion.

Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia

The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a masterpiece, but you don’t have to take our word for it.  Here is what Robert Parker’s “The Wine Advocate“ had to say about it. 

"The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is complete and seamlessly stitched together with extreme care and precision. This is an almost technical blend of Merlot (at 50% of the blend for the first time), 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot that offers a true sense of wholeness and consistency that speaks to the blending expertise and experience of the winemaking team. “ 

2019 Bolgheri Sassicaia

The 2019 Bolgheri Sassicaia is expressive and fruit-forward while remaining balanced amongst notes of tobacco, iron, and thyme. It’s clean, defined, structured, and poised to age well for many years to come. These are just a few of the reasons that this wine has seen so many glowing reviews, including a score of 99 from Wine Enthusiast. 

2017 Aia Vecchia Lagone

The 2017 Lagone is primarily Merlot and lends itself to boisterous notes of cherry and plum that mingle with herbal and earthy undertones. It’s balanced, full-bodied, and an easy choice for red wine drinkers. 

What Food Pairs Well With Super Tuscan Wine?

Now that you’ve found the perfect bottle of wine, you just need to decide on the meal to enjoy it with. While Super Tuscans can vary greatly, we generally love to pair these high acidity red wines with savory red meat, whether beef, lamb, or pork. Pair this with rich cheeses, mushrooms, or grilled vegetables, and you’ll have a meal with enough flavor to match what’s in your glass. 

Where to Buy Super Tuscan Wine Online

You don’t have to travel to Tuscany to sip on a Super Tuscan wine. We offer a great selection of Tuscan wines, which includes many well-renowned Super Tuscans, including those noted above. We have the perfect Super Tuscan for any occasion and budget in our vast selection of Italian wines.