The story of Super Tuscans is one of revolution, innovation, and ultimately, unprecedented success. As someone who has spent years researching this fascinating chapter of Italian wine history, I never tire of recounting how a handful of visionary (some would say rebellious) winemakers chose to break with centuries of tradition—and in doing so, forever changed the face of Italian wine on the global stage.
Today, wines like Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia command some of the highest prices and critical acclaim in the wine world. Yet just fifty years ago, they were considered outlaws in their own region, forced to label their creations as humble 'table wines.' This is their remarkable story.
What Exactly Are Super Tuscans?
Before we delve into their history, let's clarify what we mean by 'Super Tuscan'—a term that, interestingly, wasn't invented by Italians but by foreign wine journalists.
Put simply, Super Tuscans are high-quality wines made in Tuscany that intentionally break traditional local regulations, particularly by:
- Using international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc (either alone or blended with the native Sangiovese)
- Employing modern vinification techniques often inspired by Bordeaux methods
- Aging in new French oak barriques instead of the traditional large Slavonian oak casks
These wines emerged as a direct challenge to the rigid Italian DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) regulations established in the 1960s, which many forward-thinking producers felt were stifling quality and innovation rather than protecting it.
