Region: Toscana/Tuscany
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: Bolgheri DOC, Bolgheri Sassicaia DOCG
Established: Established as DOC in 1994 for Bolgheri and Sassicaia as separate DOC in 2013.
Primary Grape Varieties: International varieties with Sassicaia focused on Cabernet Sauvignon wines of at least 80% and a minimum of 2 years of age with 18 months on oak.
Bolgheri wines cover white, red and rosato wines of International varieties and local grapes such as Sangiovese and Vermentino. The wines can be 0-100% Cab Sauv, Cab Franc or Merlot and up to 50% of either Sangiovese or Syrah.
Pairs with: Grilled or roasted beef, Pork, Wild Game, Acidic Foods, Baked Pasta, Braised Chicken in Tomato Sauce, Meat and Tomato Sauces with Pasta, Pizza
Characteristics: Base wines, Superiore, Gran Selezione and Riserva
Stainless Steel and Wood maturation
Red fruited, violet, tobacco, vanilla, cacao, cinnamon, anise
Moderate acid, two texture wine with high tannins, dusty character on the mid-palate, medium body
Serve: Room Temperature
Tuscany is famous for their Sangiovese-based Chianti wines. In the latter years of the last century, innovative winemakers wanted to make wines that did not fit the tradition of the region and expand the use of international varieties that performed well in the sea-side zones. These efforts included 100% Sangiovese wines that are now allowed but were not at the time. The wine makers were successful and the wines became so popular that Italy had a problem. These wines did not fit into any of the wine laws and protections and were essentially labeled as table wines even though their quality and price were significant.
The name "Super" is not an official term but it became the unofficial brand for these very high quality wines. Italy responded and allowed these wines to be elevated to IGT status (regional identification and still low on the quality scale). The DOC's were later created to encourage production of these wines and they are sought after today with great interest.
Super tuscan wines are Bordeaux style blends and white wines of great character. Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Trebbiano blends are common as well as varietal forms (>85%) Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino white wines. On the red side, blending rules are quite flexible with 2 years of aging required in Superiore versions.
The most famous brand is Sassicaia, a powerful wine with extensive aging potential. They are expensive but have the reputation that changed Italian wines in Tuscany.
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: Bolgheri DOC, Bolgheri Sassicaia DOCG
Established: Established as DOC in 1994 for Bolgheri and Sassicaia as separate DOC in 2013.
Primary Grape Varieties: International varieties with Sassicaia focused on Cabernet Sauvignon wines of at least 80% and a minimum of 2 years of age with 18 months on oak.
Bolgheri wines cover white, red and rosato wines of International varieties and local grapes such as Sangiovese and Vermentino. The wines can be 0-100% Cab Sauv, Cab Franc or Merlot and up to 50% of either Sangiovese or Syrah.
Pairs with: Grilled or roasted beef, Pork, Wild Game, Acidic Foods, Baked Pasta, Braised Chicken in Tomato Sauce, Meat and Tomato Sauces with Pasta, Pizza
Characteristics: Base wines, Superiore, Gran Selezione and Riserva
Stainless Steel and Wood maturation
Red fruited, violet, tobacco, vanilla, cacao, cinnamon, anise
Moderate acid, two texture wine with high tannins, dusty character on the mid-palate, medium body
Serve: Room Temperature
Tuscany is famous for their Sangiovese-based Chianti wines. In the latter years of the last century, innovative winemakers wanted to make wines that did not fit the tradition of the region and expand the use of international varieties that performed well in the sea-side zones. These efforts included 100% Sangiovese wines that are now allowed but were not at the time. The wine makers were successful and the wines became so popular that Italy had a problem. These wines did not fit into any of the wine laws and protections and were essentially labeled as table wines even though their quality and price were significant.
The name "Super" is not an official term but it became the unofficial brand for these very high quality wines. Italy responded and allowed these wines to be elevated to IGT status (regional identification and still low on the quality scale). The DOC's were later created to encourage production of these wines and they are sought after today with great interest.
Super tuscan wines are Bordeaux style blends and white wines of great character. Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Trebbiano blends are common as well as varietal forms (>85%) Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino white wines. On the red side, blending rules are quite flexible with 2 years of aging required in Superiore versions.
The most famous brand is Sassicaia, a powerful wine with extensive aging potential. They are expensive but have the reputation that changed Italian wines in Tuscany.
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