What is a Super Tuscan Wine?

You know how parents say they don’t have a favorite child…but secretly they really do?  As a wine connoisseur, it’s the same thing. I love so many different types of wine, Italian or otherwise. But I do have a favorite…Super Tuscans.  I love them so much that I decided that Intravartolo’s first ever wine- Drink With Sunday Sauce™- would be made in the Super Tuscan style.

If you’ve heard the term Super Tuscan before but don’t know exactly what it means, please keep reading and I’ll explain everything you need to know about it.

The TL;DR version is: A Super Tuscan is basically a cross between a Chianti and a Bordeaux. Still confused? Let’s get into a little more detail.

The Origin of Super Tuscan Wines

To understand how Super Tuscans came about, you first have to understand how the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) system in Italy works.

If you’ve ever opened a bottle of Italian wine, you may have seen an official-looking seal that says DO, DOC, or DOCG.  But what does it mean? Italy’s DOC is a rigorous set of regulations designed to ensure the quality and authenticity of Italian wines. DOC rules strictly dictate the permitted grape varieties, winemaking techniques, geographical boundaries, and production yields associated with each designated wine region (Hint: Remember all of that for later!).

Controlling the quality of wine and protecting the country’s reputation for producing great wine seems like a noble intention, right?  Well, when the DOC debuted in 1963, many Italian winemakers thought otherwise.  These vintners felt they were losing their creative freedom to blend, experiment, and craft the highest quality wines.

This sentiment was shared by many winemakers across Italy, but none more so than the winemakers of the Chianti region of Toscana (Tuscany) who made traditional wines primarily from Sangiovese grapes. The reason the Chianti winemakers felt so strongly about this was that in the mid-20^th century, the quality of Chianti wines began to decline due to overproduction and the use of inferior grape varieties. In response, some producers started experimenting with different blends and aging techniques, leading to the creation of more structured and complex wines that differed significantly from the typical light and fruity Chiantis of the time.

They started mixing in French Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with the Sangiovese. The result? Wines that were richer, bolder, and more complex than their traditional counterparts.

These wines were initially labeled as Vino da Tavola (“table wines”) due to their non-compliance with DOC regulations, but their high quality was undeniable. The world took notice, and they were eventually dubbed “Super Tuscan”, which was a badge of honor, not an official classification. 

The success of Super Tuscans led to changes in Italian wine regulations. In 1992, the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) classification was introduced to recognize the quality of these wines, allowing more flexibility in grape varieties and winemaking techniques.

The Taste & Style of Super Tuscan Wines

As described above, these IGT wines as they are now known, focus on mixing Tuscany’s native grape Sangiovese with Bordeaux varietals.  Each of these varietals potentially brings something different to a blend:

·         Sangiovese: Contributing earthiness, cherry, and a touch of acidity.

·         Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its bold black currant, cedar, and spice notes.

·         Merlot: Adds roundness, plum flavors, and a velvety texture.

·         Cabernet Franc: Hints of bell pepper, spice, and a touch of perfume.

·         Petit Verdot: Brings power, tannins, and deep color to the blend.

Some IGT wines may even contain only Sangiovese, with none of the French varietals added. The specific blend of grapes will determine the body and flavor profile of the wine, with wines heavier on Sangiovese being lighter and more acidic and wines that are made primarily from the Bordeaux varietals being fuller-bodied.

Generally speaking, though, Super Tuscans are typically full-bodied, with rich, dark fruit flavors, and often exhibit characteristics of French oak aging, such as vanilla and spice notes. They are known for their complexity, depth, and aging potential. They are also known for:

·         Boldness: Expect concentrated flavors and a powerful structure.

·         Complexity: Layers of aromas and flavors – think ripe dark fruits, herbs and spice.

·         Elegance: Despite their power, the best Super Tuscans have balance and finesse.

·         Aging Potential: Many Super Tuscans improve with time, developing even more complexity over the years.

While Super Tuscans are generally considered premium wines and can be quite expensive, there are also more affordable options available that still offer a taste of the Super Tuscan style (Looking at you… Drink With Sunday Sauce™).

What to Eat With Super Tuscan Wines

The name of Intravartolo’s Super Tuscan style wine kind of gives it away…drink it with Sunday Sauce!  This is not a wine that you eat with a salad or light appetizers. These wines go with the main course.

That’s right. Super Tuscans will generally pair well with almost any dish featuring a red, tomato-based sauce.  Pizzas, pastas with meat sauces, lasagna, and even seafood. Pair it with hearty dishes—think grilled meats, aged cheeses, and rustic pasta. 

Sangiovese-forward Super Tuscan wines like Drink With Sunday Sauce™ should focus on herby, spicy meats and mushrooms, and tomato-based pasta dishes like lasagna.