Introduction
Super Tuscans represent one of the most fascinating revolutions in wine history. Born out of rebellion and the pursuit of excellence, these Italian wines defied centuries of tradition to become some of the most prestigious and expensive in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Super Tuscans: their history, key producers, how to choose, and how to appreciate these oenological masterpieces.
What Are Super Tuscans?
Super Tuscans are wines produced in Tuscany, Italy, that do not follow the traditional rules of DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) or DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) appellations. Instead of exclusively using indigenous Italian grape varieties like Sangiovese, Super Tuscans incorporate international grape varieties, mainly French, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Key Characteristics:
- Use of international grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)
- Aging in new French oak barrels
- Limited and exclusive production
- IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) classification
- Premium prices and appreciation potential
- Aging potential of 20-30 years or more
The Revolutionary History
The 1940s-1960s: The Beginning
The history of Super Tuscans begins in the 1940s when Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, owner of Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, began experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties on his property. Inspired by the great Bordeaux wines he had tasted during his travels, the Marquis believed that Bolgheri's terroir - with its stony soil and Mediterranean climate - would be ideal for these French grape varieties.
1968: The Birth of Sassicaia
In 1968, the first commercial vintage of Sassicaia was released, marking the official birth of Super Tuscans. Initially produced only for family consumption, the wine quickly gained international recognition. The name "Sassicaia" comes from "sasso" (stone in Italian), referring to the stony soil of the property.
1970s-1980s: The Revolution Gains Momentum
Inspired by the success of Sassicaia, other Tuscan producers began experimenting. In 1971, Piero Antinori released Tignanello, another Super Tuscan landmark. These wines, despite their exceptional quality, were classified as simple "Vino da Tavola" (table wine) because they did not follow the rules of traditional appellations.
The Classification Paradox
A fascinating paradox then arose: some of Italy's most expensive and prestigious wines had the same legal classification as the most basic table wines. This paradox was only resolved in 1992, with the creation of the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category, which allowed Super Tuscans to have a more appropriate classification.
The Icons of Super Tuscans
1. Sassicaia - The Legendary Pioneer
Producer: Tenuta San Guido Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany Grape Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc First Vintage: 1968
Sassicaia is considered the father of all Super Tuscans. This revolutionary wine proved that Tuscany could produce wines that rivalled the best Bordeaux. With intense aromas of black fruits, cedar, spices, and graphite, Sassicaia is known for its elegance, structure, and exceptional aging potential.
Memorable Vintages: 1985, 1988, 1997, 2015, 2016, 2019
Scores: Regularly receives 95+ points from major international critics
Price: €200-€500+ depending on the vintage
Available at Garrafeira Canhoto: Sassicaia 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015 and rare vintages
2. Masseto - The Rare Jewel
Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany Grape Varieties: 100% Merlot First Vintage: 1986
Masseto is a single-varietal Merlot produced in extremely limited quantities (around 30,000 bottles per year). The name comes from "massi", the rocks that characterize the clay soil of the 7-hectare vineyard. Considered one of Italy's most expensive and coveted wines, Masseto is known for its opulence, velvety texture, and aromatic complexity.
Characteristics: Aromas of black plum, chocolate, coffee, oriental spices, and flowers
Scores: Frequently 98-100 points
Price: €600-€1,500+ depending on the vintage
Exceptional Vintages: 2001, 2004, 2006, 2015, 2016, 2018
3. Ornellaia - Elegance and Complexity
Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany Grape Varieties: Variable blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) First Vintage: 1985
Ornellaia is a harmonious blend that represents the best of Bolgheri. Each vintage is unique, with the composition adjusted to reflect the characteristics of the year. The wine is known for its elegance, perfect balance, and aging potential.
Price: €150-€400+
Artistic Project: Each year, an international artist creates exclusive labels for limited editions
4. Tignanello - The Innovator
Producer: Marchesi Antinori Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany Grape Varieties: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc First Vintage: 1971
Tignanello was one of the first Super Tuscans and revolutionized Tuscan winemaking by blending Sangiovese with French grape varieties. It is more accessible than Sassicaia or Masseto, but maintains exceptional quality.
Price: €80-€150
5. Solaia - Power and Elegance
Producer: Marchesi Antinori Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany Grape Varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc
Tignanello's more powerful sibling, Solaia, is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and offers an impressive structure.
Price: €150-€300+
6. Bibi Graetz - The Modern Artist
Producer: Bibi Graetz Region: Tuscany Main Wines: Testamatta, Colore
Bibi Graetz, a plastic artist turned winemaker, creates modern and expressive Super Tuscans. His wines are known for their intensity, character, and unique artistic labels.
Testamatta: 100% Sangiovese from old vines Colore: Powerful and concentrated blend
Price: €100-€300+
The Bolgheri Region: The Perfect Terroir
Bolgheri, a small village on the Tuscan coast, has become synonymous with excellent Super Tuscans. What makes this region so special?
Terroir Characteristics:
Soil: Stony, well-drained, with a mixture of clay and limestone Climate: Mediterranean, with maritime influence moderating temperatures Proximity to the Sea: 5-10 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea, bringing refreshing breezes Sun Exposure: Excellent south/southwest exposure Altitude: 50-200 meters above sea level
These conditions create an ideal microclimate for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties, allowing for slow ripening and the development of complex aromas.
How to Choose a Super Tuscan
1. Define Your Budget
Entry (€50-€100): Wines from established producers, more recent vintages Medium (€100-€300): Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Tignanello from good years Premium (€300-€600): Masseto, Sassicaia from great vintages Collector (€600+): Rare vintages, large format bottles
2. Consider the Occasion
Immediate Consumption: Choose vintages that are 5-10 years old Aging: Invest in recent vintages from great years Special Gift: Masseto or Sassicaia in a wooden box Investment: Exceptional vintages with appreciation potential
3. Know the Vintages
Great Years in Bolgheri:- 2015, 2016, 2019: Exceptional vintages, 5 stars
- 2010, 2013, 2018: Excellent years, 4 stars
- 2017, 2020: Very good years, 3-4 stars
4. Choose the Style
Elegance and Finesse: Sassicaia Opulence and Texture: Masseto Balance and Complexity: Ornellaia Tradition with Innovation: Tignanello Modern Intensity: Bibi Graetz
How to Serve and Appreciate Super Tuscans
Ideal Temperature
Young Wines (less than 10 years old): 16-17°C Mature Wines (10+ years old): 17-18°C
Avoid serving too hot (above 19°C) or too cold (below 15°C)
Decanting
Young Wines: Decant 2-3 hours before to soften tannins Mature Wines: Decant 30-60 minutes to remove sediment Very Old Wines: Decant immediately before serving
Recommended Glasses
Use Bordeaux-style glasses, wide and with a generous bowl, to allow for aeration and concentration of aromas.
Perfect Pairings
Red Meats:
- Grilled entrecôte
- Picanha on the grill
- Beef Wellington
- Roast ribs
Game:
- Stewed wild boar
- Venison with red fruit sauce
- Roast partridge
Cheeses:
- Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Pecorino Toscano
- Aged Portuguese cheeses (Serra da Estrela, Azeitão)
Pasta and Risottos:
- Pappardelle with wild boar ragu
- Risotto with black truffles
- Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms
Investing in Super Tuscans
Super Tuscans have shown excellent appreciation potential over the years.
Factors Influencing Value:
Producer: Sassicaia and Masseto lead in appreciation Vintage: Exceptional years appreciate faster Scores: Wines with 95+ points are in higher demand Rarity: Limited production increases value Condition: Proper storage is crucial
Appreciation Examples:
- Sassicaia 1985: Appreciation of 500%+ since release
- Masseto 2001: Increase of 400%+ in 20 years
- Ornellaia 2015: Consistent appreciation since release
Tips for Investors:
✓ Buy from reliable sources (like Garrafeira Canhoto) ✓ Store in ideal conditions (12-14°C, 70% humidity) ✓ Keep original boxes and documentation ✓ Consider large format bottles (Magnum, Jeroboam) ✓ Diversify among producers and vintages
Storage and Aging
Ideal Conditions:
Temperature: 12-14°C constant Humidity: 70-75% Light: Total darkness or minimal light Vibration: Stable environment, no vibrations Position: Bottles laid down to keep the cork moist
Aging Potential:
Sassicaia: 20-30 years (great vintages 40+ years) Masseto: 25-35 years Ornellaia: 20-30 years Tignanello: 15-25 years
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Super Tuscans and Chianti?
Super Tuscans use international grape varieties (Cabernet, Merlot) and do not follow DOC/DOCG rules. Chianti primarily uses Sangiovese and follows traditional regulations.
2. Why are they called "Super" Tuscans?
The term emerged in the 1980s to describe these exceptional wines which, despite their superior quality, were classified as simple "Vino da Tavola".
3. Is the price worth it?
For connoisseurs and collectors, yes. The quality, rarity, and appreciation potential justify the investment.
4. Which one to buy first?
For beginners: Tignanello or Ornellaia For connoisseurs: Sassicaia For collectors: Masseto
5. How to know if a vintage is good?
Consult scores from critics (Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator) and experts. At Garrafeira Canhoto, we offer free consultation.
Conclusion
Super Tuscans represent one of the most fascinating stories in the wine world: the courage to challenge traditions, the pursuit of excellence, and the triumph of quality over rules. From the pioneering Sassicaia to the modern wines of Bibi Graetz, these wines continue to delight and surprise connoisseurs worldwide.
At Garrafeira Canhoto, we offer a curated selection of the best Super Tuscans available in Portugal, including Sassicaia, Masseto, Ornellaia, and Bibi Graetz. Each bottle is stored in ideal conditions and delivered with the utmost care.
Explore our Super Tuscan collection and discover why these revolutionary wines have conquered the world.