Super Tuscan Wine

“Super Tuscan” is the name for a red wine from Tuscany that foregoes the regional wine laws and includes international grape varieties (most commonly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc), which are often blended with their signature Sangiovese. While you’ll never see this term on a label, you will see Toscana Indication Geografica Tipica (IGT), which guarantees the grapes are from Tuscany.

Super Tuscan wines are a red wine, typically a blend of Italy’s signature Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Some, particularly those from cooler micro-climates in Tuscany, are structured and have palate reminiscent of fine Bordeaux with an Italian flair (plum, blackberry, cassis and tobacco), while less expensive offerings deliver easy-going ripe fruit flavors.

Super Tuscan wines range from medium- to full-bodied and make excellent partners for red meats, traditionally Bistecca all Fiorentina (a rich, thick cut steak), bolognese and aged Pecorini Toscana. With their full flavors and structure, Super Tuscans can be paired with all kinds of fatty meats with rich sauces.

Most Super Tuscans are labeled IGT Toscana (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), a classification created in 1992 specifically to accommodate these high-quality wines that didn't fit strict DOC rules. Bolgheri, the home of the original Super Tuscans, is the only Tuscan region that allows international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc most famously) to be used and still carry the "Bolgheri" DOC.