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.
Wine Spectator, 95 points: An intense perfume of juniper, bay laurel, sage, rose and berries marks this silky red. The structure is there, yet superb balance and refined tannins help this retain elegance through the long finish. Almost ethereal...
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: Wild-berry, fragrant purple-flower and crushed aromatic herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather on this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty...
Vinous, 93 points: Bright ruby-red. Aromas of raspberry, red currant and fresh herbs are complicated by roast coffee, licorice and mocha. Plush, pliant and sweet, offering seductive red berry, coffee and tobacco flavors lifted by a candied...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Very intense aromas of ripe dark fruit with plums and cherries, intermingled with aged meat, warm stones and sweet, dried-wood nuances. The concentrated palate has a suave and plush core with tannins building in...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: There's a purity and clarity of fruit in this young Brunello. Cherry and berry character follow through to full body, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows depth and intensity. Drink in 2020.
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: This is a Brunello with a beautiful purity of fruit and balance of ultra-fine tannins. Full body, totally integrated and holistic. Fresh and focused. Drink in 2020 but already a joy to taste.
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: The citrus, dark fruit and leaf aromas are intense. Full body, polished and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Extremely structured and beautiful. Needs two or three years to soften.
Vinous, 93 points: The 2013 Valletta is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot from the Ba¨r family's holdings in Panzano, just a stone's throw away from Rampolla. Black cherry, plum, lavender, mint and spice all meld together in an...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Cedar, red licorice, tar, Christmas pudding, orange peel and dried plums. Full body, chewy tannins, driven acidity and a medium-long finish. Drink in 2020.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: The 2013 Giusto di Notri is a proud, proud, proud achievement. This is an enormously profound red wine that raises a noble and majestic banner that flies high above the enological coast of Tuscany. The blend is mostly...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Plenty of smoke and berry character with dark tea and sweet tobacco. Full body, silky and fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Seriously classy. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: A vivid and bright red with intense blueberries and raspberries. Floral undertones and tons of citrus, too! Full-bodied, dense and layered. Polished tannins and fantastic fruit. The muscularity of the structure is what...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: (94 points) This shows lovely depth on the nose with dark licorice, dried fruit, red meat, blood oranges and Indian spices. Full-bodied and intense, but with real linearity carved out by the bright acidity and firm...
Showing 15 of 28 wines
Dear Customer We are having problems processing your request. Please contact our sales office between 9 AM and 5 PM (PST) for further assistance at 1.888.859.4637.
The experience working with JJ Buckley is always easy. The customer service is top notch, which is why I keep going back!
-Robert O., February 2019
Please close this tab