Born from a spirit of rebellion, the "Super Tuscan" represents a pivotal moment in Italian wine. For our Discovery Series, we traveled to Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast—the epicenter of this movement—to find a wine that captures the polish and power of a world-class Bordeaux blend, but with an unmistakable Italian soul. This is a wine that punches well above its tier, delivering the depth and complexity that made this region famous.
Our buyers taste thousands of wines a year. Here's why this one made the cut for our Discovery Series.
K&L Italian Buyer
"I’ve long admired a particular estate in the heart of Bolgheri, known for its powerful and structured Bordeaux blends. In the hot 2022 vintage, their meticulous vineyard work resulted in fruit of incredible concentration and balance. We worked with them to create this special cuvée, which has all the hallmarks of a top-tier Bolgheri red. It’s rich with notes of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is full-bodied and intense, with powerful but polished tannins and a freshness that defies the vintage. A true taste of Bolgheri's "magic mile" at a fraction of the price."
The small, prestigious DOC of Bolgheri on the Tyrrhenian coast is a world away from the rolling hills of inland Tuscany. Its terroir is perfectly suited to ripening Bordeaux varieties, earning it comparisons to the great estates of Napa Valley and Bordeaux itself.
The gravelly, clay-rich soils are remarkably similar to those of Pomerol and Pessac-Léognan, providing excellent drainage and minerality. Constant sea breezes moderate the hot summer temperatures, preserving the grapes' acidity and ensuring a long, slow ripening season. This unique coastal climate is the secret to creating wines with both powerful fruit and refreshing balance.
In the 1970s, a group of visionary winemakers grew frustrated with the restrictive rules of the Chianti Classico DOCG, which they felt limited quality. They began crafting wines outside these laws, often blending Sangiovese with non-traditional grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or bottling 100% Merlot.
Because they broke the rules, these wines were initially labeled as simple "vino da tavola" (table wine). However, their exceptional quality quickly gained international acclaim, earning them the unofficial—but highly prestigious—title of "Super Tuscan." They represent a rebellion that forever changed the face of Italian wine.
Unlike traditional Tuscan wines based on Sangiovese, this wine is crafted from a blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties. Grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot found a second home on the Tuscan coast, where the climate and soils allow them to ripen perfectly.
Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, blackcurrant notes, and longevity. Merlot brings softness, plum flavors, and a plush texture. Together, they create a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with a complexity that unfolds with every sip.
This Supertuscan is just one chapter in our Discovery Series. Each bottle is a story—a place, a person, and a flavor we believe in. Explore the full series, or dive deeper into the world of Bordeaux.