Super Tuscan: Innovative unconventional Italian Wine

As discussed in a previous article, Italian Wines: Mastering Classification, the term Super Tuscan was coined in the early 1980s by wine enthusiasts, it is an unofficial term to describe high quality red wines from Tuscany. History records that the term originated as a result from the frustration winemakers had towards a slow bureaucracy in the changing Italian Wine Laws during that time.

Italian Wine producers began mixing other grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the non-indigenous grape varieties into their blends of wines to create high-quality wines.

Though there is not official classification system to classify Italian Wines as a Super Tuscan, it is a term used to describe a specific style of red wine that were produced from Tuscany, Italy. It is said, the Italian Wines would need to contain the following characteristics to be termed as a Super Tuscan.

Region: The grapes must be grown in Tuscany, Italy

Grape Varietals: Typically features non-indigenous grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. While certain Super Tuscan’s can contain Sangiovese grapes, it is not the dominant grape.

Wine Profile: The wines are generally full-bodied, bold red wines aged in small French oak barrels

Quality: Super Tuscan wines can range in quality, but most are known for being high-end Italian wines, such as I Balzini, one of the great Super Tuscan wine producers from the region.

Unlike Organic Wines, where an identifying icon can be displayed on the labels of the wine bottles, Super Tuscan is more of a stylistic term where it will not be printed on the label of the wine bottle.

As there is a bit of a misnomer as to what is considered a Super Tuscan wine, it can be a challenge in order to identify from the label itself. Wine Folly mentions one of the best methods to identify a Super Tuscan wine based on the Toscana IGT classification term that normally are used to tie them together, this notation will mostly always be printed on the labels.

Super Tuscans has challenged the status quo and put Italian wines on the global map. Their success ultimately led to the creation of the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) classification, offering more flexibility for innovative wines that didn’t fit neatly into existing DOC or DOCG regulations.

Whilst traditional classifications offer a sense of place and guarantee a familiar style. Super Tuscans, on the other hand, provide a world of exploration and innovative blends, a breath of fresh air that embraces new production methods, resulting in bolder and greatly more unique Italian wines.

When it comes to food pairings with Super Tuscans, their bold and full-bodied nature offers a delicious range of possibilities and food pairings. The robust tannins within the Super Tuscan wines are great when paired with hearty meats, the acidity of the wines balances the richness of the dish, making each bite more enjoyable.

Besides, Independent Wine, a leading specialist in Italian Wines shared, rich and savory dishes are also a classic pairing to be paired with the likes of Super Tuscan wines. Dishes like paste with meat sauces, sausages and grilled or roasted vegetables are a perfect match in the bold character of a Super Tuscan.

With Love From Italy boasts a collection of over 250 meticulously chosen wines with a portfolio exceeding 300 unique grape varieties, among the many Italian Wine that we import, Super Tuscan wines are part of our ever growing portfolio as well, with more than 30 years of history producing Super Tuscan wines, With Love From Italy recommends I Balzini.

I Balzini was born thanks to Vincenzo D’Isanto’s love for wine and his determination to create a unique product, characterized by personality and elegance. The estate’s first vineyard was planted in 1980 and trusted into the care of Giulio Gambelli, the master taster behind some of Tuscany’s most prestigious wines.

Since 2017, I Balzini is in the capable hands of his daughter Diana. Her approach combines the winery’s traditional search for excellence with an environmentally-sound approach stressing on sustainability and organic farming, while producing great Super Tuscan wines like no other.