Super Tuscan is not a formal appellation, but a nickname for some of Tuscany’s most prestigious and innovative wines. These high-quality reds are often made outside traditional DOC or DOCG regulations, using international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah—sometimes blended with Sangiovese.
Born from a desire to break free from restrictive winemaking laws, Super Tuscans embody freedom, experimentation, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Today, many stand shoulder to shoulder with the greatest wines of Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
Grapes & Wines
- Typical varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and/or Sangiovese
- Aging: Frequently matured in new French oak barriques for 12–24 months or longer
- Wines: Primarily blends, though producers enjoy complete creative freedom
Because many Super Tuscans did not adhere to DOC/DOCG rules, they were initially labeled as simple Vino da Tavola (table wine). To better reflect their quality and origin, a new category was later introduced: IGT Toscana (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)—offering freedom while recognizing regional identity.
History
The Super Tuscan movement began in the late 1960s, when visionary winemakers such as Mario Incisa della Rocchetta (Sassicaia), Piero Antinori (Tignanello), and others grew frustrated with outdated DOC rules that prioritized quantity over quality. Their response was radical: ignore the system, make the best wine possible, and let the results speak for themselves.
Wines like Sassicaia, Tignanello, Solaia, and Ornellaia soon became cult classics—praised by critics, coveted by collectors, and impossible to classify under existing regulations. These wines forever transformed Italy’s reputation in the world of fine wine.
Behind many of these pioneering labels stood one guiding figure: Giacomo Tachis, often called the father of modern Italian enology. He introduced French varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot into the Tuscan landscape, championed aging in barriques, and believed Italian wine could rival the best in the world—not by copying, but by innovating with scientific precision. His influence touched Sassicaia, Tignanello, Solaia, San Leonardo, and many more.
Curiosity: The term “Super Tuscan” was coined by American wine journalists in the 1980s to describe these non-traditional wines that didn’t fit any Italian wine law—yet consistently outperformed their regulated counterparts. The name stuck, and today it represents a category of excellence.
Producers of Iconic Super Tuscans
- Tenuta San Guido – Sassicaia
- Marchesi Antinori – Tignanello and Solaia
- Tenuta dell’Ornellaia – Ornellaia and Masseto
- Petrolo – Galatrona, Merlot-based, from eastern Tuscany
- Tua Rita – Redigaffi, coastal, pure Merlot
Where to Taste or Buy
- La Fortezza (Montalcino) – Offers vertical tastings of Super Tuscan labels
- Enoteca Tognoni (Bolgheri) – Extensive Super Tuscan selection
- Enoteca Alessi (Florence) – Historic wine shop with rare bottles