In recent history, no other category of Italian wine has had such an impact as that of the Super Tuscan. It is single-handedly responsible for the “Renaissance” of Italian wine. Specifically, the term arose as more and more Chianti producers opted out of their historical term “Chianti Classico” in order to make a more modern and expressive wine. Many are of high quality and are normally somewhat higher priced. They are typically Sangiovese based with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, a varietal not permitted in the Chianti blend. However, a Super Tuscan can be pretty much anything. It can take the form of a mono-varietal, like Isole e Olena’s 100% Sangiovese Cepparello or Ornellaia’s 100% Merlot Masseto, or any blend of varietals, for example Antinori’s blends of Sangiovese and Cabernet in its Tignanello and Solaia wines. In the end, a Super Tuscan is the true expression of a winemaker, with no bounds to any rigid tradition.
Recently I had the pleasure of tasting of two of Italy’s second labels of iconic wines, Ornellaia and Sassicaia. Ornellaia and Sassicaia are the two wines that put Italy on the world map in terms of winemaking. Both producers actually create second labels that offer consumers a taste of the wines, but at a lower price. Both wines are produced from the same fruit/vines used to make their iconic parents, but from younger vines which are not considered ready to be included in the first blend. The two gems below are wonderful, and they offer an affordable introduction to Super Tuscans.
“Mocha, espresso, plums and cloves form a highly expressive mosaic of aromas and flavors in the 2011 Guidalberto. Wonderfully open and seductive, the 2011 captures the essence of Bolgheri in a style that is resonant and super sensual. Silky tannins make the 2011 impossible to resist today. San Guido hit it out of the park with the 2011 Guidalberto.” 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“A gorgeous wine, the 2011 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuovo dell-Ornellaia (57% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 12% Cabernet Franc) opens with an inky dark, almost impenetrable appearance and beautifully chiseled - but abundantly intense - aromas of blackberry, dried cherry, rum cake, leather, moist pipe tobacco and chewy black licorice. The balance and harmony are seductive and impressive and the wine lasts many long seconds on the palate. Noticeable tannic backbone gives us hope in its cellar potential.” 94 Points, The Wine Advocate