Supertuscans represent a category of wines that have revolutionized the Italian and international wine landscape. These wines, born in Tuscany, have challenged the traditional rules of Italian denomination, often using international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, in addition to local grapes like Sangiovese.
The term “Supertuscan” was coined in the ’70s to describe high-quality Tuscan wines that did not fit within the strict rules of the DOC and DOCG denominations.
The Best Supertuscans
Among the best Supertuscans, some have achieved worldwide fame, becoming true symbols of Italian wine excellence.
Sassicaia
Produced by Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia is one of the most famous Supertuscans. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Marquis Incisa della Rocchetta, with the help of winemaker Giacomo Tachis, decided to experiment and produce Sassicaia, the precursor of Super Tuscans.
The soil near Bolgheri, where Sassicaia is produced, has rocky characteristics, similar to the Graves area near Bordeaux. This made it unsuitable for Sangiovese production, which he decided to abandon in favor of high-quality international grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Tignanello
Produced by Antinori, Tignanello is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Marquis Antinori combined Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon, thus creating the first real Super Tuscan: Tignanello.
The wine itself was revolutionary, but the underlying idea was even more radical: to produce aging wines of nobility comparable to Bordeaux wines, but using Sangiovese as the main engine.
Ornellaia
Ornellaia, produced by Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
This wine has become an icon among Supertuscans, appreciated for its structure and complexity. Its bouquet is rich and intense, with notes of ripe fruit, spices, and chocolate.
On the palate, Ornellaia is powerful but balanced, with soft tannins and a persistent finish. This wine is known for its aging ability, improving with years in the bottle.
Solaia
Solaia, produced by Antinori, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. This wine is known for its elegance and aging ability.
Its aromatic profile is characterized by notes of red fruit, spices, and vanilla. On the palate, Solaia is full and round, with velvety tannins and a long, spicy finish.
This wine is ideal for aging, developing complexity and depth over the years.
Le Pergole Torte
Le Pergole Torte, produced by Montevertine, is a 100% Sangiovese wine. This wine is known for its elegance and complex structure.
On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe cherries, flowers, and spices. On the palate, Le Pergole Torte is full and rich, with fine tannins and a long, fruity finish.
This wine has great aging potential, improving over time in the bottle.
Masseto
Masseto, produced by Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, is one of the few Supertuscans based on Merlot. This wine is famous for its intensity and tannic structure.
Its bouquet is rich and powerful, with notes of black fruit, chocolate, and spices. On the palate, Masseto is full and opulent, with dense tannins and a long, persistent finish.
This wine has excellent aging potential, developing complexity and depth over the years.
Cepparello
Cepparello, produced by Isole e Olena, is another 100% Sangiovese Supertuscan. This wine is appreciated for its elegance and aging ability.
On the nose, it offers aromas of red fruit, flowers, and spices. On the palate, Cepparello is full and round, with fine tannins and a long, spicy finish.
This wine has great aging potential, improving over time in the bottle.
Guado al Tasso
Guado al Tasso, produced by Antinori, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. This wine is known for its complexity and tannic structure.
On the nose, it offers aromas of black fruit, spices, and chocolate. On the palate, Guado al Tasso is full and rich, with dense tannins and a long, persistent finish.
This wine has excellent aging potential, developing complexity and depth over the years.
Flaccianello della Pieve
Flaccianello della Pieve, produced by Fontodi, is another example of a 100% Sangiovese Supertuscan. This wine is appreciated for its intensity and structure.
On the nose, it offers aromas of red fruit, flowers, and spices. On the palate, Flaccianello is full and round, with fine tannins and a long, spicy finish.
This wine has great aging potential, improving over time in the bottle.
These are just a few examples of the best Supertuscans. Each producer has their unique interpretation of what a Supertuscan should be, making this category of wines so interesting and varied.
If you are interested in further exploring the world of Supertuscans, we invite you to visit the online wine shop ENOTECA DI PIAZZA.
This wine shop offers a wide selection of wines to purchase online safely, with exclusive offers and fast shipping. The best Tuscan wines are just a few clicks away.
Visit their website at https://enotecadipiazza.com/ to discover their selection of excellent wines.
