When I think of Tuscan wines, I think of expressive, intense, earthy wines that are among the best in the world. Super Tuscans are stunning, complex wines that have redefined Tuscany, and can compete with the best of Burgundy and Bordeaux on prestige. Albatross is excited to bring a hand-picked selection to you!
My first pick: the Podere Sapaio 'Sapaio' Bolgheri Superiore IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2020. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc sees 18 months in French barriques, and is a full-bodied, dark-fruit driven wine with aromas of blackberries, violets, and spicy sweet tobacco. Ripe, dark fruits and powerful tannins make Super Tuscans excellent steak wines. Left-Bank enthusiasts are sure to enjoy!
My Pick: Podere Sapaio 'Sapaio' Bolgheri Superiore
If you’re looking for a little Merlot in your blend, go for the Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2021. As is common with Super Tuscans, this wine appeals to international tastes with notes of ripe red cherries, briny black olive, and sweet baking spices. This wine sees 18-20 months in French oak barriques, and the mineral-rich soil composition of their Metalliferous Hills plot potentially contributes to the unique notes of iron and salinity in the wine.
My Pick: Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana
If you’re looking for a real treat, the Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy 2022 is remarkable. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot, this wine has a strong tannin structure supporting powerful notes of blackcurrant, black plum, and savory herbs. This wine comes from the coastal region of Bolgheri, and Ornellaia, along with Sassicaia, is regarded as a world-class Bordeaux-style blend.
My Pick: Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore
P.S. Wondering why you don’t see the words “Super Tuscan” on the label? Well, Tuscan wines were not always well respected. In the 1970s, the region was suffering from a bad reputation; oceans of cheap Chianti flooded the international market, and soon the region became synonymous with those straw-covered bottles of low-quality wine. As the years went on, it became clear to the Tuscan winemakers that diluting Sangiovese with white grapes from an over-farmed area was not the way of the future. They knew the region could grow excellent grapes and had a revolutionary idea: what if they instead created a powerful, punchy blend of the internationally acclaimed varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to produce a striking Bordeaux-style wine with an Italian twist?
The only problem was this new method of winemaking and ageing was not in compliance with DOC/DOCG regulations, thus any winemaker using this approach would have their wine demoted to an IGT (a far less prestigious designation). A few brave winemakers took on that risk, and thus the Super Tuscan was born. This designation helped differentiate their innovative IGT wines from other simply declassified wines.
Beyond Super Tuscans, the region offers so many beautiful wines to explore (Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to name a few), but don’t forget about those IGTs, they just might become your new favorite!
