SUPER TUSCAN

Italian Wine Made In Tuscany And It's Not Chianti?

The term Super Tuscan seems to have many descriptions, though it does not have a distinct definition. Wine enthusiasts, and those in the wine industry with insider information have given explanations and descriptions of what they believe is a Super Tuscan wine, though many times the explanations get lost in the translation.

I've often heard the term but I did not really know what Super Tuscan actually meant -- was it the style of wine or was there some other reason to which I was clueless.

So I researched Super Tuscan and found some interesting facts. Those Tuscan wine-makers were quite the innovators.

A Phenomenon

The Super Tuscan phenomenon started when wine producers were frustrated with the outdated restrictions and laws of the DOC and DOCG designations. They began to use alternative grape varietals to create a "new breed" of premium wines outside the DOC(G) regulations.

The new wines made in Tuscany did not include the traditional Chianti grapes and were aged in French barriques. As a result, they could no longer be labeled with the DOC or DOCG designations for Chianti wines. Instead they were using IGT (Idicazione Geografica Tipica) or VdT (Vino da Tavola) designations.

Originally, these two designations (IGT and VdT) were used for inexpensive table wines, though these new wines were of exceptional quality and were becoming more expensive as they were the region's best wines ever.

What's In A Name?

With all the press and hoopla surrounding these new wines, the press coined the term "Super Tuscan" when reporting on the happenings as they unfolded in the wine-world regarding these new wine-making techniques. It really started as the "nickname" for the three new red wines in Tuscany that were made with Bordeaux blend varietals rather than the traditional Chianti blend.

These new red wines were Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello. Hence, the term "Super Tuscan" became popularized with the production of these three new wines. However, today the term has become an overused consumer term, as well as a term used as a marketing ploy by producers and distributers. It is never used on a wine label as the term 'Super Tuscan' does not have an official designation.

Super Tuscan's Quality

The Super Tuscan wines are made with the Bordeaux varietals and aged in barriques which makes them good candidates for ageability. You can drink them young if you don't mind the heavy tannins. Decant them for a while which will soften the tannins a little, and there is quite a bit of fruitiness.

To really enjoy the whole experience of these wines you should try one with some age on it. They are a bit expensive, but if you are celebrating a special occasion you should definitely include one of these Super Tuscans.

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