What’s So Super About These Tuscans?

If you’ve ever been left wondering what people mean when they say “Super Tuscan” but have been too afraid to ask – we are here to save the day!

The term “Super Tuscan” is essentially a nickname given to wines made by rebellious Tuscan winemakers in the 70s in response to strict DOC rules regulating the wines being produced in Italy. These rules dictated the entire vinification process: the grapes allowed to be blended, what barrels could be used, how long the wine needed to age, etc.

Frustrated with the rigidity and itching to experiment with different techniques, Tuscan winemakers started growing and producing wines with grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot in addition to the traditionally grown Sangiovese.

International audiences LOVED these new wines coming out of Tuscany and thought they deserved a title other than “Vino Da Tavola” or Table Wines – a term used to describe a wine made in any way that isn’t the standardized method of the region – so Tuscan wine fans started using “Super Tuscan” to refer to these wines. Thus, the term Super Tuscan was born!

Today, we use the term “Toscana IGT” to classify wines coming from Tuscany that don’t fit into the DOC/DOCG guidelines like Chianti DOCG. IGT stands for “Indicazione Geographica Tipica” or “Indication of Geographical Origin”, meaning that at least 75% of the grapes in a particular bottle of wine are from the indicated region on the label. This new labeling style gives credibility to the many high-quality wines being produced in Tuscany while also assuring consumers where the grapes they are drinking come from.

An important piece to remember: all Super Tuscans are Toscana IGT, but it’s up to you to decide which Tuscan wines fall into the “super” category!

If you’re curious to see what all the hype is about, we’ve rounded up 4 of our favorite Super Tuscan wines below.

Cabreo Il Borgo

A quintessential Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot makes up Cabreo Il Borgo. This wine features notes of cherry, coconut, chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of tobacco – perfect for a steak dinner, but also a great fit for cheeseboards with friends.

Sette Ponti Crognolo

Named for the Cornelian Cherry plants that grow around the vineyard, Sette Ponti Crognolo is a smooth and delicate example of a Super Tuscan. Delicate floral notes of violet and orange peel contrast with sweet spice notes to make up this elegant red wine. We recommend enjoying this wine with friends at your next grillout!

Biserno Insoglio del Cinghiale

Ready for an Italian lesson? “Cinghiale” translates to wild boar, and this wine name Insoglio del Cinghiale refers to the place where the wild boar goes to root and roll. With complex aromas of cherries, sour cherries, rosemary, and myrtle, this vibrant wine aptly represents the soul and culture of Maremma much like the wild boar.

San Guido Guidalberto

Hailing from a famed Super Tuscan producer, Guidalberto certainly does not disappoint. This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend has intense notes of strawberry, juniper, berries, and spicy oak. This wine is a perfect pair for dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese or roasted meats.