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.
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: There’s something ethereal in the nose with flowers, cherries, strawberries and shitake mushrooms. Full body. This grows on the palate with super tannin and fruit structure. So much berry flavor and round, caressing...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Dark-cherry and floral aromas with citrus and dried-lavender undertones. Full body and firm,chewy tannins with a solid structure and length. Needs time to soften and come together. Better after 2021.
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: There’s a cascade of dried florals here, ranging from rose petals to lilacs; the glazed strawberries and cherries are equally intense. So much power and ripeness to the full-bodied palate, but there’s a savory, stony...
Wine Spectator, 97 points: Aromas of juniper, rosemary, thyme and Szechuan peppercorn segue to strawberry, cherry and rose hip flavors in this elegant red. Intense and balanced, with the structure to develop over the next two decades. Shows...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: A dense and rich Brunello with lots of ripe fruit, spices and hints of new wood. Full-bodied, chewy and rich. A muscular wine that needs time to come together. Better after 2022.
Vinous, 95 points: Good full red. Perfumed aromas of red cherry, kirsch, mocha and herbs on the inviting nose. Despite its size, this is graceful and impeccably built, with very precise flavors of red plum, blueberry, milk chocolate and...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: What beautiful clear fruit here with plums and spices and hints of flowers. Class. Full- bodied and luscious this Brunello fills your mouth with polished velvety tannins and gorgeous fruit. So wonderful and gorgeous...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Terracotta, earth, iron filings, cedar and leather make for an undergrowth-driven Brunello 2015, which doesn’t fall short in the fruit department either, where there are red plums and red cherries. The tannins are neatly...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Now we're talking. I tasted the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino after tasting the other samples from La Gerla, and it's amazing how clearly and convincingly that brawny Brunello character comes through. This is a robust and...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: A very polished red with cloves and caramel, on top of black cherries, mushrooms and forest floor. Black olives, too. It's full-bodied with polished tannins and lovely depth all the way through. Lightly chewy. Juicy...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Some earthy and savory aromas dominate the dried red cherries initially, then dried wild herbs and quite intense notes of spicy dried red cherries emerge. The palate has a very taut, structured feel with handsomely...
Wine Spectator, 96 points: Firm and dense, this red sports cherry, leather, cigar box and sweet spice flavors. A juiciness midpalate adds depth. Finishes with tannins and a combination of earth, mineral and tobacco notes. Best from 2022...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: The Mastrojanni 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto shows a creamy and robust constitution with loads of black fruit and spice. If you are looking for a soft and more contemporary expression of Sangiovese, this will...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Fantastic aromas of orange peel and dark berry with plenty of plum and cherry. Sweet tobacco and mushrooms. Full body, juicy and fruity with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Complex and gorgeous. Fine and very long. Drink...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Plum and ripe-berry with cedar and fresh-mushroom aromas and flavors. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Hints of chocolate. Shows intensity and focus. Drink or hold.
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