What Are Tannins in Wine?
April 5, 2023
If you are a fan of Italian wines, or have heard someone ordering an Italian wine for dinner, you may have heard the term “Super Tuscan”.
What exactly is a Super Tuscan? Is it really “super,” and if so, what makes it so special? Here we explore the history and characteristics of Super Tuscan wines.
History of Super Tuscan Wines
The term “Super Tuscan” was first used in the 1970s to describe a kind of new wine being produced in Tuscany. At the time, Italian wine law required that certain grape varieties—and only those grape varieties– be used to make Chianti wine, the most famous wine of the region. But some winemakers wanted to try to make a high-quality wine utilzing different grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which were not traditionally used in Chianti.
And they did. But because these new wines did not meet the strict regulations of Italian wine laws, they were classified as “vino da tavolo,” or “table wine”, which is the lowest quality classification. But quality usually attracts attention, and these wines began to be noticed, despite their classification, and to quickly gain favor among wine enthusiasts and the wine press.
But what to call them? In the end, “Super Tuscan” became the (more or less) the accepted vernacular for these rule-breaking, unconventional but high-quality wines.
Characteristics of Super Tuscan Wine
Super Tuscan wines are typically made from a blend of traditional Italian grape varieties such as Sangiovese and international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. This blend of grape varieties gives Super Tuscans their distinctive flavor profile, which often includes dark fruit, tobacco and leather.
Today’s Super Tuscan wines are known for their fullness, high tannins and aging potential. They are usually aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months, which adds complexity and depth to the wine.
Unlike traditional Tuscan wines, Super Tuscan types of wine are not bound by any strict production rules, allowing winemakers to experiment with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques. This results in a wide range of styles and flavors, making Super Tuscan wines some of the most versatile and exciting in Italy.
Tips for enjoying Super Tuscan Wines
Super Tuscan wines are best enjoyed with rich and flavorful foods such as grilled meats, pasta with rich sauces and aged cheeses. Due to their high tannin content, Super Tuscans accompany foods rich in protein and fat, which help soften the tannins and enhance the taste of the wine. When serving, these wines will benefit from decanting at least one hour before serving. This allows the wine to breathe and the oxygenation “opens up” the aroma and flavor. Serve at room temperature—which does not mean warm—usually at 60-65°F. That means for many of us in American introducing a slight chill to the wine before opening.
In summary, Super Tuscan wines come in a wide variety of flavor profiles. So look for one made with a grape varietal that you enjoy, keep an open mind, and no doubt it won’t take much experimentation until you find a new favorite to grace your dinner table.
“Super Tuscan” style wines to try:
https://orvinowine.com/our-collection/villa-san-giovanni-maremma-toscana/
