All About Super Tuscans

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%

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Pairings for Super Tuscans

Grilled steak or roasted lamb

Grilled steak or roasted lamb delivers a deep, savory richness that pairs well with a variety of wines. The char and smokiness from grilling steak enhance the beef's natural flavors, while roasted lamb's tender, juicy texture offers a deliciously fatty and mildly gamey taste. Both dishes work best with robust, tannic wines that balance the richness of the meat, making them ideal for hearty meals. These dishes are often complemented by garlic, herbs like rosemary, and spices for an earthy, aromatic finish.

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Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a world-renowned hard cheese originating from Italy, known for its rich, nutty, and savory flavor. It is aged for a minimum of 12 months, giving it a granular texture and a strong umami profile. The cheese pairs exceptionally well with a variety of foods, from fruit and nuts to pasta and meats, and enhances dishes with its intense flavor. Parmigiano-Reggiano also stands up well to aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil, creating a simple yet satisfying dish. Its complexity makes it a favorite in both cooking and wine pairings​.

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Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta

Mushroom risotto, a creamy Italian dish, combines the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms with the creamy texture of arborio rice. The dish is often finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, creating a rich and savory experience. To complement these flavors, wines with earthy, fruity notes and balanced acidity are ideal. Light to medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo enhance the umami of the mushrooms, while full-bodied whites like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris provide a refreshing contrast to the risotto’s richness.

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Popular Locations for Super Tuscans

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