What is a Super Tuscan?
Super Tuscan: the English term is widely used in Italian wine conversation as-is.
Ask when you see names like Sassicaia, Tignanello, or Ornellaia on a menu or in a cellar. These wines broke Italian wine law to create something extraordinary.
Super Tuscans are wines from Tuscany that use international grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) outside traditional DOC regulations. They were classified as lowly Vino da Tavola until the IGT designation was created for them in 1992.
Il Sassicaia è il primo Super Tuscan?
Is Sassicaia the first Super Tuscan?
Yes — Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta created it in the 1940s-60s.
Perché usano uva non autoctona?
Why do they use non-native grapes?
To achieve international style and quality — a controversial choice in the 1970s.
Costano più del Brunello di Montalcino?
Do they cost more than Brunello di Montalcino?
Top Super Tuscans (Sassicaia, Masseto) can exceed €500 per bottle.
The Sassicaia 1985 vintage scored 100 points from Wine Spectator — the first Italian wine ever to achieve a perfect score. Sassicaia was awarded its own private DOC (Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC) in 1994 — the only single-estate DOC in Italy, a testament to its historical importance.