Super Tuscans Wine Description

Super Tuscans are a category of red wines from Tuscany, Italy, that broke traditional Italian winemaking rules by incorporating international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, alongside native Italian varieties such as Sangiovese. These wines emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a reaction against restrictive DOC regulations in Tuscany, allowing winemakers more freedom to experiment with different blends and aging techniques. They are known for their rich, complex flavors, robust tannins, and aging potential, combining Italian terroir with the structure of Bordeaux-style blends

Appearance:

• Color: Deep ruby to garnet, often with a dense, opaque quality due to the use of darker grape varieties.
• Opacity: High, reflecting the wine’s intensity and concentration.

Aroma:

• Primary Aromas: Dark fruits such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum.
• Secondary Aromas: Notes of herbs, tobacco, leather, and earthy elements, often coupled with hints of spice such as black pepper.
• Tertiary Aromas: With age, Super Tuscans can develop complex aromas of dried fruit, truffle, cedar, and dark chocolate, thanks to extended barrel aging in French oak.

Flavor Profile:

• Fruit Flavors: Predominantly black cherry, blackberry, and cassis.
• Other Flavors: Hints of vanilla, cedar, tobacco, and chocolate are common due to oak aging. Some wines also feature spicy and herbal notes.
• Oak Influence: Significant, as many Super Tuscans are aged in French oak barrels to add complexity and depth, imparting flavors of vanilla, spice, and a toasty character.

Structure:

• Body: Full-bodied, providing a rich and opulent mouthfeel.
• Tannins: High, giving the wine a firm structure and considerable aging potential.
• Acidity: Medium to high, contributing to the wine’s balance and longevity.
• Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 15%.