A Super Tuscan wine refers to red wines produced in Tuscany, Italy, that don’t adhere to the traditional wine-making rules of the region.
In the 1970s, some Tuscan wine producers began to feel constrained by the strict wine-making regulations of the region. These rules dictated which grape varieties could be used, the methods of production and even the ageing process. To experiment and innovate beyond these regulations, a few producers started crafting wines using non-traditional grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Though these wines couldn’t be labelled with prestigious denominations like Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino because they didn’t adhere to the rules, they quickly gained a reputation for quality and excellence. Due to their superior quality, they often commanded higher prices than their traditionally-made counterparts.
The term ‘Super Tuscan’ was coined by wine critics and enthusiasts to describe these high-quality Tuscan wines that didn’t fit into the traditional categories. It’s not an official classification, but rather a colloquial term that denotes a Tuscan red wine made outside the established DOC or DOCG regulations.
Key grapes used in Super Tuscan wines include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Some of the most notable Super Tuscan wines include Sassicaia, Tignanello and Ornellaia.
In response to the success of Super Tuscan wines, the Italian wine regulatory body introduced the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) classification in 1992, allowing more flexibility in wine production while still offering a recognised quality designation. Many Super Tuscans now carry the IGT Toscana label.
