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 Enthusiast, 96 points: Ripe plum, cassis, cedar, underbrush and tobacco aromas slowly appear on this compelling red. It's full bodied and elegant, delivering prune, black cherry compote and exotic spice alongside smooth, enveloping tannins...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Underbrush, ripe berry, new leather and Mediterranean herb aromas slowly take shape in the glass. Showing youthful tension, the vibrant palate delivers red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and pipe tobacco notes framed...
Vinous, 94 points: Captivating aromatics, bright fruit and silky, ripe tannins give the 2014 Paleo Rosso much of its inviting personality. Arresting in its beauty, the 2014 is translucent, pretty and highly nuanced. The cold, late-maturing...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Very complex aromas of crushed berries, yet the fresh herbs, dried berries, sandalwood and Spanish cedar add complexity and brightness. Full-bodied with tannins that melt into the wine. Savory. Cabernet franc, merlot...
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...
Wine Spectator, 95 points: Polished and complex, featuring ripe black cherry, plum, mint, vanilla, chocolate, leather and tobacco aromas and flavors. Dense and tannic, with concentrated sweet fruit for balance. Finishes long and harmonious. Merlot...
Vinous, 98 points: Ama's 2015 L'Apparita is shaping up to be phenomenal. That is the good news. But readers are going to have to give the 2015 at least another 8-10 years before the wine starts to drink well, as today, the flavors are...
Wine Enthusiast, 90 points: Clearly not the greatest of Tignanellos, but still a fine wine in its own right. One of the founding super Tuscans, this rendition features chunky, grapy, flowery aromas backed by blackberry and black cherry flavors. It's...
Wine Spectator, 93 points: A solid wine, with wonderful structure for aging, but still closed and not giving much at this stage. Dark-ruby color, with smoke, berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Loads of velvety tannins, full body and a long...
jamessuckling.com, 91 points: Some savory notes of earth and walnuts here, as well as a slightly dusty array of dried cherries. The palate has a tart red-fruit core and approachable, if firm tannins. Drink now.
Vinous, 95 points: Fèlsina's 2007 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is terrific. Silky, expressive and gracious, the 2007 is all class. Orange zest, mint, cinnamon and dried flowers grace the palate. The aromatics are especially pretty in this...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: I drank this at one of my favorite wine destinations in Tuscany: L'Enoteca Marcucci in Pietrasanta. 1994 is a weak year for Tuscany, but this wine goes. Pleasant and fruity but a little diluted. Medium body with fine...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: I love the dried flowers and smoked meats with hints of plums and berries. Full body, layered and refined with an extremely pretty and textured palate. Tea and dark fruits. Deep and fantastic. Savory. 20% whole berry...
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