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“Super Tuscans: The Unconventional Masters of Italian Wine Excellence”

While DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest classification for Italian wines, it doesn’t always indicate the best quality. Many exceptional wines, particularly Super Tuscans, are not classified as DOCG but are highly regarded in the wine world.

Super Tuscans often fall under the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) classification, which allows winemakers more flexibility in grape varieties and production methods.

This freedom has led to the creation of some of Italy’s most prestigious and innovative wines. Here are 10 examples of renowned Super Tuscan wines and their characteristics:

Sassicaia: A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Franc. Known for its elegance, perfume, and moderate alcohol levels.

Ornellaia: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Offers complex flavors with cool maritime influences.

Tignanello: Comprises 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Known for its refreshing flavor profile.

Siepi: Displays aromas of cherry, plum, and violets with elegant palate and supple tannins.

Solaia: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. Known for its power and elegance.

Masseto: A 100% Merlot wine, offering rich, opulent flavors and silky texture.

Guidalberto: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese. Offers a more approachable style compared to its sibling, Sassicaia.

Le Macchiole Paleo: A 100% Cabernet Franc wine, known for its aromatic complexity and elegance.

Cepparello: A 100% Sangiovese wine, showcasing the potential of this grape when crafted in a modern style.

Luce: A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, offering a harmonious balance of Tuscan tradition and international appeal.

These Super Tuscans are generally characterized by their full-bodied nature, rich dark fruit flavors, and often a good punch of oak spice.

They typically feature international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, either blended with Sangiovese or on their own.

The use of French oak barrels (barriques) for aging imparts additional complexity with notes of vanilla, cedar, and spice.

Super Tuscans often showcase a balance between red and black fruit flavors, with the potential for long aging. Their innovative approach and high quality have earned them recognition among wine enthusiasts worldwide, despite not always carrying the DOCG designation.