Antinori, Masseto, Sassicaia, Orneallaia... what do these estates have in common? They are Super Tuscans - world-renowned Italian wines grouped in an elite status for their dynamic qualities, innovative winemaking, and revolutionary histories. More than just a fluffy marketing term or trendy buzzword, these estates have captured global wine audiences by breaking molds and setting trends that keep everyone on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next big move.
What Is A Super Tuscan Wine?
In the 1960s and 70s, a small group of estates in the prestigious Chianti region of Tuscany began to rebel against Italy's strict winemaking regulations, which forced wineries to use native grape varieties in their blends. Tuscan vintners frustrated with the strict rules began to make subversive wines that incorporated foreign varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a small proportion of Italy's prized Sangiovese. While the Italian DOC and DOCG tried to diminish these wines calling them "Vino de Tavola" - or table wines - the exquisite taste and experimentation of these wines soon gained international notoriety, paving the way for a new era in Italian winemaking.
While not an official designation, Super Tuscans created enough momentum to force Italian regulators to create the IGT, allowing winemakers to use different varieties and winemaking processes from DOCG and DOC requirements.
Super Tuscan Blends
Veering away from pure Sangiovese wines or domestic white grape varieties like those found in Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, Super Tuscans looked to Bordeaux for inspiration. Strong proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot were preferred and First Growth style winemaking techniques were adopted. In the early years of the Super Tuscan revolution, this led to a slight period where Super Tuscan wines were known as "Bordeaux-lite" bottles, however, the production of brilliant vintages like the 1981 Solaia and 1985 Sassicaia quickly put these remarks to rest. Once reputable critics such as Robert Parker praised the drinks with 100-point scores, the prices quickly shot up and demand skyrocketed.
The Labels That Made The Name
Sassicaia is universally regarded as the first Super Tuscan, sparking the revolution of counter-culture wines from the region. Under the legendary expertise of Giacomo Tachis, the estate blossomed into one of Europe's top estates. Through immense backlash from the Italian DOC and DOCG, Sassicaia prevailed and stunned audiences. Tachis then took his magic touch to Antinori where spearheaded the creation of Solaia and aided in the renaissance of Tignanello. Almost single-handedly leading the Super Tuscan revolution, Tachis created an unfathomable impact in Italian wine that carried on through his passing in 2016.
Other Super Tuscans include Masseto, Ornellaia, and Fontodi, who have each created some of the best Super Tuscan vintages known to the world. Shop Grand Cru Liquid Asset's top Super Tuscans, with an incredible back stock of ready-to-drink vintages, must-have classics, and everything in between.
