Wine History with Professor Paul | Super Tuscan Wines

Have you ever wondered what a super Tuscan wine is? Do you just want a history lesson on an interesting topic? Our resident historian, Paul Quaglini, is here to tell you all about the history of Super Tuscan Wines.
00:00 Introduction
00:38 The Etruscans
01:07 The Great Renaissance
01:47 The 1800s
03:05 20th Century
06:49 New Wine Category
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[@tolytube1]

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[@ABCFineWineSpirits]

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[@michaelczerwinski190]

You indicate that there are no hard or fast rules of what constitutes a Super Tuscan. I have been at restaurants where there is no sommelier and they describe or list what i would consider a common upscale table wine as Super Tuscan such as a Chianti classico or Reserva. I am a fan of Brunello De Montalcino (100% Sangiovese) and Dolcetto, the former being one of my favorites. It is my understanding that Brunello this is one of the better true Super Tuscans, typically what i would describe as the Mercedes of Chianti. IT is also my understanding that all the Brunellos are casked for 3 years and bottled for 2 to before they are sold to allow the flavor/body etc of the wine to mature and allowing them to be consumed immediately/young (after decanting) or to save for much later. I am not sure but i would believe and have heard that the Tignanello (80% Sangiovese ,15% Cab Sav and 5% Can Franc), Piedmont Barbera and Barbaresco (Nebbiolo grapes) Dolcetto, Barollo, and Ornellaia described as Super Tuscans. Are these also casked and bottled for as long as the Brunello? If so, they should be provided the "true" designation of Super Tuscan. I would appreciate your feedback.

[@ABCFineWineSpirits]

Hi Michael! Here is what our expert Paul has to say: There is no legal definition for what a Super Tuscan must be. That said, to be considered a Super Tuscan, it must come from Tuscany. Brunello di Montalcino has a legal definition. It must be from the designated vineyards around the town of Montepulciano. It must be aged for five years before release, two of which are in wood. So because Brunello has a prestigious legal DOCG, this would not be considered a Super Tuscan either. I also wouldn’t consider Brunello the Mercedes of Chianti. A long story but Chianti and more specifically, Chianti Classico have a very long, confusing history but both have their own DOCG and so they are not considered Super Tuscan either. The Super Tuscan name was given to wines that did not follow the rules of the appellation and were not able to get the DOC or DOCG recognition from the Italian government. We hope this helps!