Affordable Super Tuscans
Many of the Affordable Super Tuscans of central Italy are comprised of Cabernet – Merlot – Sangiovese. The blend can be made to any number of variations, but the combination typically draws on the power and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the sweet, juicy fruit flavors of Merlot and the rustic, sour-cherry tang of Sangiovese. The wines may be produced in a style suited to early consumption, or built into robust cuvees that require many years of bottle maturation to reach their peak.
Sangiovese is the defining grape in the blend and gives the wine a distinctively Italian accent. The variety’s black-cherry flavors and forest-floor aromas offer a fresh interpretation of the traditional Cabernet – Merlot blend.Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese blending
Cabernet Sauvignon arrived in northern Italy sometime in the early 19th Century during the time of the Napoleonic Wars with initial plantings located near the French border in Piedmont and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. When grown in Tuscany, the Cabernet typically takes on the flavors of the region and show more undergrowth aromas than the wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Franc is also occasionally used in the blend, which can add depth and spicy elegance to Sangiovese-based wines.
Merlot ripens earlier than the Cabernets and consequently can be grown in a wider range of vineyards. In Tuscany, Merlot tends to be planted inland, while the Cabernets require more coastal locations where the diurnal variation is less pronounced. When grown in Italy Merlot is usually round and sweet, but lacks the tannic backbone of its Bordeaux cousins.
Affordable Super Tuscans – 2016 Ornellaia ‘Le Volte dell’Ornellaia’ Toscana IGT
2016 Ornellaia ‘Le Volte dell’Ornellaia’ Toscana IGT
PRICE $31
CRITICS SCORE 91
The 2016 vintage was mostly excellent.
Indicative blend: Sangiovese wit Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The third wine of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. Ownership: Eastablished by Marchese Lodovico Antinori the Estate is now owned by Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi.
Indicative blend: Sangiovese wit Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The third wine of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. Ownership: Eastablished by Marchese Lodovico Antinori the Estate is now owned by Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi.
This producer makes many wines including those from grapes Petit Manseng, Grappa, Sauvignon Blanc – Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux Blend Red.
One of the top Toscana IGT wines people are searching for. This wine has been climbing in popularity during the year.
Super Tuscans – 2016 Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT
2016 Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT
PRICE $55
CRITICS SCORE 93
The slight initial reduction that I love in refined wines slowly gives way to notes of pressed red flowers, cherries, black cherries and Goji berries.
The quality of the fruit here is extraordinary, pure and with a high profile. Medium-full body, silky and fine-grained tannins and a taut and incredibly vibrant finish.
A wine designed for aging but that does not detract from the pleasure in the present. Certified organic. Best from 2021 to 2026 and beyond.
Affordable Super Tuscans – 2018 Podere Sapaio ‘Volpolo’ Bolgheri
2018 Podere Sapaio ‘Volpolo’ Bolgheri
PRICE $35
CRITICS SCORE 91
Modern and visionary the sensory profile that gives emotions right away in the deep and true notes of pressed must, blueberry juice, pressed blue flowers, hot stone and subtle reduction perfectly fused in the matrix that gives complexity.
In the background there is more in the notes of agapanthus and cedar in pieces that give juiciness and brightness to the secondary matrix.
The slightly opaque soul of the substrate creates a protection that will enhance the work over time. Full body, very extracted tannins slightly rigid at the moment and an incandescent finish that releases vibrations and tension during the progression making the taste of length that tends to infinity. Certified organic. Better from 2022.
Italian Red Wine – 2013 Poggio Bonelli Poggiassai Toscana IGT
2013 Poggio Bonelli Poggiassai Toscana IGT
PRICE $31
CRITICS SCORE 91
A Super-Tuscan with great personality, intense ruby red in color. The nose opens with a bouquet of red fruits, mushroom, tobacco, pepper and chocolate. Soft on the palate, its texture is lavish and well-structured, rich in well-balanced tannins, never too exuberant in alcohol and freshness.
Serve with grilled and roast red meat and medium to mature cheeses.
Blend: 75% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Affordable Super Tuscans – 2018 Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana IGT
2018 Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana IGT
PRICE $18
CRITICS SCORE 91
NC is a wine with a decisive, full-bodied character, smooth tannins and a persistent finish.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah andSangiovese reveals an exciting potency, with the innate gentleness of Merlot creating a bridge between the evident earthiness of Sangiovese, the aromatic blackcurrant flavour of Cabernet and the warm red berries of Syrah.
The result is a generous, rounded red wine, destined for short to medium aging, with delicious aromas of currants and generous fruit flavors, versatile enough to develop in greater depth during long months in the bottle.
Indicative blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese
Italian Red Wine – 2012 Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso
2012 Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso
PRICE $39
CRITICS SCORE 90
Already on the nose an intense and full-bodied wine is announced. Notes of plums, chocolate, tobacco and black currant. Absolute seduction of the palate.
The elegant concentration of fruit drops with a refined smoothness, with hints of plums and cloves. A wine with a full flavor in every drop.
The tannins are right and delicate, the balance is perfect. Balsamic pleasantness, is the first step towards the excellent wines of Grattamacco.
Pairs well with grilled meat, game, pasta, mushroom risotto, and seasoned mountain cheeses.
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 6% Sangiovese, 4% Petit Verdot
Affordable Super Tuscans – Terrabianca Campaccio 2013
Terrabianca Campaccio 2013
PRICE $33
CRITICS SCORE 91
Lively, deep ruby color; bouquet of brushwood and berry fruit, cocoa, toasted almonds and leather; structure, concentration and freshness are perfectly balanced on the palate. Complex, elegant, with full body and smooth tannins.
Pairs well with red meats, game, and aged cheese.
Italian Red Wine – 2015 Tenuta di Ghizzano Veneroso Terre di Pisa
2015 Tenuta di Ghizzano Veneroso Terre di Pisa
PRICE $33
CRITICS SCORE 91
Powerful yet weightless, it presents a beguiling interplay between the aromatic lift of Sangiovese and the darker flavors of the Cabernet Sauvignon. With polished tannins, great persistence, and a lush texture.
Blend: 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Affordable Super Tuscans – Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2016
Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2016
PRICE $40
CRITICS SCORE 90
The 2016 harvest was a winemakers dream in terms of quality. Quantity however was down from the previous season due to a rough growing season.
The season saw cooler then average temperatures that led to a slight reduction in yields. This was followed by a very warm and dry summer – with only one rainfall in August to help the vines.
Harvesting began in the beginning of October and the resulting wines have wonderful flavors with exceptional profiles.
Bright ruby red. Complex with a prevalence of small red fruits and floral notes. The body is beautifully balanced with a long finish.
85% Sangiovese, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Italian Red Wine – 2018 Piaggia – Vannucci Il Sasso
2018 Piaggia – Vannucci Il Sasso
PRICE $31
CRITICS SCORE 91
Intense and thick ruby red color. Complex on the nose, reminiscent of fruits of the forest jam, sweet spices, thyme and cocoa.
Full-bodied. The body is beautifully balanced with a long finish.
Excellent balance between acid and tannins, with a persistent finish and a pleasant sweet, fresh and fruity follow-through.
It goes well with mature cheeses, red meat and game.
Indicative blend: Sangiovese 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc 20%, Merlot 10%
