Supertuscan is a term used to describe some high quality red wines produced in Tuscany, Italy.
The term "Supertuscan" is not an officially recognized denomination, but rather an informal, marketing-oriented term that emerged in the 1970s.
Traditionally, Italian wine production was governed by strict regulations that established the grape varieties and winemaking techniques that could be used in specific regions. Some Tuscan winemakers have begun experimenting with non-traditional grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, using French oak barrels for aging
Innovative and therefore non-conforming wines, which have gained popularity for their rich taste, complexity and great aging capacity. However, these wines did not fall within the established Italian wine classification system and were initially labeled as "Vino da Tavola | Table Wines " and thanks to their exceptional quality and uniqueness of character they achieved international recognition and great demand.
The term "Supertuscan" then emerged to describe high quality non-traditional wines produced in Tuscany.
Over time, some of these wines have gained official recognition within the Italian wine classification system and are often labeled as "IGT" (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), which indicates a wine with a specific geographical origin , but which does not respect the traditional regional rules.
Supertuscans can vary in grape composition, but often incorporate international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Sangiovese blended with these international grapes or even be single varietal. The resulting wines can be full-bodied, intense, and complex, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and oak.
Notable examples of Supertuscan wines include Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia and Masseto, among others.
These wines are highly appreciated and sought after by wine enthusiasts all over the world due to their exceptional quality and distinctive character.
BS WINE TIP
Always think about your personal preferences when it comes to wine.
Do you prefer full-bodied and intense wines or lighter and more elegant ones?
Do you like wines with fruity flavors or ones with more earthy and herbaceous notes?
Understanding your preferences will help you narrow down your choices.