A Guide to Super Tuscan Wines

Italy is renowned for producing premium red wines, but Super Tuscans are the country’s breakthrough blends. These high-quality red wines from Tuscany defy the region’s traditional winemaking rules. They were born out of a desire for innovation and helped elevate the status of Italian wines on the global stage. Super Tuscans are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors for their quality, innovation and expressive character.

What Are Super Tuscan Wines?

Super Tuscan wines are high-quality red blends from Italy’s prestigious Tuscany region. Unlike traditional Tuscan wines that rely heavily on the native Sangiovese grape, Super Tuscans can include non-native or “international” grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, either blended with Sangiovese or used exclusively.

Because these wines are not made under the strict Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) regulations, which dictate everything from the grape varieties to the winemaking techniques, Super Tuscan wines were initially labeled as Vino da Tavola (table wine), the lowest designation in the Italian wine classification system—allowing winemakers more freedom and flexibility in the types of wines they were able to produce.

Super Tuscan wines can be made anywhere in Tuscany, but the coastal region of Bolgheri and the Maremma, Montalcino and Chianti are well-known for their red blends. Despite their non-conformist character, Super Tuscan wines have gained international fame for their premium quality and character—they often have high price tags on par with traditional Tuscan DOC and DOCG wines.

There are a few white Super Tuscan wines, although these are much less common.

When Was the First Super Tuscan Made?

The name “Super Tuscan” was first used in the 1970s, but the first bottle to fit the category’s definition was made in 1968. The pioneer behind this revolutionary style was Tenuta San Guido, a winery on the Tuscan coast. This groundbreaking wine was Sassicaia, a Bordeaux-style red.

The owner of Tenuta San Guido was inspired by the wines of Bordeaux and believed that his estate’s soil type and climate were more suitable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot rather than Tuscany’s flagship grape, Sangiovese. He planted these varieties in the 1940s, began making wine for personal consumption and later released Sassicaia commercially in 1968. Although initially met with skepticism, the wine became famous thanks to its quality and distinct style.

As these wines were, in many cases, superior in quality to traditional Tuscan wines, journalists and wine critics coined the term “Super Tuscan” to describe them. The name helped these wines gain international recognition and acclaim.

Super Tuscans sparked a winemaking revolution across Italy. Traditional winemaking regulations were reconsidered, and in 1992, a new category called Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) was created, which included Super Tuscans.

Today, Super Tuscans are among Italy’s most respected and popular wines—a testament to innovation and quality winemaking.

What Grapes Are Used to Make Super Tuscan Wines?

The main grape varieties used in Super Tuscan wines are Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Sangiovese, a native Italian variety, is frequently the star of the blend, but the additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, both international varieties, are significant.

Other grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot, can appear in smaller amounts.

The proportions can vary greatly—some Super Tuscans mostly use Sangiovese, while others might lean heavily on the popular Bordeaux grape varieties. It all depends on the winemaker’s style and preference.

What Does Super Tuscan Wine Taste Like?

The taste of Super Tuscan wines will vary depending on several factors, including where in Tuscany the wines were made, the winemaker’s style and the proportions of the grape varieties used. However, typical flavors and aromas are in line with France’s Bordeaux blends, including plum, red cherry, cassis and black berry.

Sangiovese-based Super Tuscan wines are typically medium-bodied with a lift of freshness due to their high acidity. They have flavors of red cherry, strawberry and herbs, often with an earthy undertone. On the nose, look for hints of fresh red fruit and violets, tomato leaf and balsamic vinegar.

In contrast, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for producing robust, full-bodied Super Tuscan wines with high tannins. Flavors typically include darker fruit like black currant, plum and black cherry, sometimes with subtle notes of green bell pepper or mint.

Super Tuscan wines are typically aged in oak barrels, contributing to their complex taste and depth. This process adds warming notes of spice, cedar, tobacco and vanilla.

How Do I Know if a Tuscan Wine Is a Super Tuscan?

In Italy, winemakers are regulated by strict DOC and DOCG rules. These rules protect Italy’s premium winemaking reputation and ensure the wines are high in quality.

Super Tuscan wines don’t follow these strict rules, but there are a few ways to identify some of the best Super Tuscan wines to try. Look for the use of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Toscana IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) written somewhere on the label. This is a classification for wines made in a specific area that adhere to certain quality standards but don’t necessarily conform to traditional regulations. Super Tuscan wines will also usually have a higher sticker price than other Tuscan blends.

Several DOC and DOCG classifications, like Bolgheri DOC and Maremma Toscana DOC, have expanded their regulations to include Super Tuscan-style wines. If you find a more expensive red blend from these DOCs, it is likely to be a Super Tuscan.

Pairing Food With Super Tuscan Wine

Super Tuscan wines are deliciously food-friendly red blends that pair well with rich, hearty dishes. A Sangiovese-based Super Tuscan, known for its high acidity and medium body, beautifully complements simple tomato-based pasta dishes and pizzas.

A Super Tuscan featuring more Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs well with grilled red meats, game or hard cheeses, thanks to its dark fruit notes and tannins.

Do Super Tuscan Wines Age Well?

Super Tuscan wines are known for their exceptional aging potential. Part of this is down to the grape varieties used—Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are all high in acidity and tannins. These act as natural preservatives, which help the wine to age well.

Over time, the wine’s tannins soften, and it develops more complex flavors. High-end Super Tuscans are produced with careful winemaking techniques and aged in oak, so they can often be cellared to evolve for a decade or more.

How to Serve Super Tuscan Wine

Super Tuscan wines should be stored at a cool, consistent temperature, ideally at 54-59°F. Just before you’re ready to serve, allow them to warm slightly to 60-65°F so you can fully appreciate their complex layers of flavor.

If you’ve chosen a younger, more tannic Super Tuscan, decanting it for 1-2 hours before serving will allow the tannins to soften slightly and the wine to release its delicious aromas.

Once opened, reseal the bottle tightly and store it in the fridge. While the wine will last 1-3 days after opening, it’s best enjoyed within one or two days.

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