Super Tuscan wines are high-quality red wines from Tuscany, Italy, known for blending traditional and non-native grape varieties. The term emerged in the 1970s when some winemakers began experimenting with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, alongside the native Sangiovese. This innovation broke traditional DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) regulations, which limited grape choices and winemaking methods. However, many winemakers in Tuscany felt that the rules were too restrictive and didn’t allow them to express the full potential of the region’s terroir.

In the mid-20th century, some adventurous producers began experimenting with non-traditional grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, which had gained recognition for their success in regions like Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley.

The first Super Tuscan wine was Tignanello, created by Antinori in 1971. This wine marked the beginning of the Super Tuscan movement, as it blended traditional Italian grapes with international varieties. This wine is blended with 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. 

Super Tuscan wines are often made by prestigious estates that focus on producing wines with intense flavors, sophisticated aging potential, and a distinctive sense of place (called "terroir"). Today, Super Tuscans are among the most sought-after wines in the world and have helped elevate Tuscany's reputation as one of the world's premier wine regions.

Laguna Cellar offers some well-known Super Tuscan wines, including Marchesi Antinori Tignanello, Mazzei Concerto di Fonterutoli, Petrolo Galatrona, Orma Toscana, Marchesi Antinori Solaia and Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno

 

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