Located in central Italy along the Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany is home to some of the world’s most notable wine regions. Along with the Piedmont, Tuscany is the country’s most important and high-yielding wine area. Perhaps the most famous, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (all made with the Sangiovese grape), and Vin Santo (a dessert wine), have been named the "Super Tuscans." They represent a large group of some of Italy’s best red wines born in the early 1970s.
Tuscany is divided into twenty-nine Denominazione di Origin Controllata (DOC) and seven Denominazioni di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). The regulations imposed by these groups were what brought about the “super Tuscans.” Producers felt restricted and made wines outside DOC/DOCG regulations that were considered to be of high quality—and demanded a high price as a result.
Some producers sought to keep away from using some legally “suggested” grape varieties, like the Italian white grapes which were considered an integral aspect of Chianti. Other winemakers began blending Cabernet and Merlot with indigenous grape varieties, which, at the time in the early 70s, wereforbidden.
While the Tuscany region produces a wide range of excellent wines for wine lovers, some of the more famous Tuscan wines, like Chianti and Brunello, are experiencing a marked decrease in bottles sold. There are many reasons for this; among them: a steep rise in prices recently; the hot Tuscan real estate market pushing some of the more experienced winemakers out; and the influx of oenological consultants who are having a negative impact on the diversity of wines. Fortunately, most recently, this trend may be reversing.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: The 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a commanding wine and a strong protagonist of both the vintage and its territory. Connoisseurs of Sangiovese will be hard pressed to find a wine more authentic, elegant, complex and...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: 95+ The 2013 Morellino di Scansano Riserva Poggio Valente is a breakthrough wine for Fattoria le Pupille and its talented winemaking team. This is a complete and balanced expression that shows its best side to all the...
Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: Made from Sangiovese grown in high-altitude vineyards, this earthy wine features aromas of perfumed berry, leather, cake spice, blue flower and herb. The palate delivers juicy sour cherry, wild strawberry, white pepper...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Forest floor, dark-skinned berry, leather and tilled earth aromas unfold in the glass. The full-bodied, elegant palate offers mature black cherry, black raspberry, ground pepper, anise and chopped mint framed in ripe...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Wow. The mouthfeel, depth and length to this red is really phenomenal. Full body, ultra-fine tannins. Blueberry, blackberry and chocolate character. Goes on for minutes. The composure and substance to this wine is...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: The 2013 Perlato del Bosco is a pure Sangiovese from a vineyard located just beyond the property's main house. This is Tua Rita's biggest seller when it comes to the USA market and with good reason. It shows a unique...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: A decadent red with white truffle, cherry, berry and hints of chocolate. Full-bodied but fresh and racy with a long, long finish. All finesse and beauty. 90% sangiovese and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Why wait? Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Tilled soil, mature berry, menthol, leather and a suggestion of game unfold on this delicious, full-bodied red. The structured, polished palate doles out juicy Morello cherry, raspberry jam, cinnamon, chopped herb and...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Very aromatic with subtle tea leaf, underbrush, dried cherry, and flower character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely acidity to this. Long and thoughtful wine. All about length and beauty...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: Made with organically farmed fruit, the 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is a dark and richly layered expression that peels off to reveal delicious tones of dark fruit, oak spice, toasted vanilla and wild herb. The heftiness...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 94 points: Dark red cherry, plum, cinnamon and crushed rock nuances flesh out in the 2012 Fontalloro. Next to most of the other wines in the lineup, the 2012 Fontalloro is floral, perfumed, fresh and vibrant, with gorgeous aromatic...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Dried flowers and dark berries come through on the nose. Full body, silky tannins and a bright and fruity finish. Crisp and very, very clean. Almost steely. Very well done this year. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Extremely floral and flavorful, with dried-fruit and violet character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Just opening now. Decant an hour before serving.
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: A solid red with dried cherry, strawberry and lemon aromas and flavors. Full and rich. This is the best Rosso di Montalcino out there. Wonderful length and finesse. Drink now.
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I purchased a lot from JJB when I previously lived in California... Always better prices and they'd hold bottles until I put together cases to ship. Great customer service. I moved to Italy 4 years ago and was out of the loop, but I'm back and happy to go with JJ!
-Joseph S., June 2017