The Super Tuscan represents a revolutionary chapter in Italian winemaking, a bold reevaluation of tradition that emerged in the late 20th century. Historically, the wines of Tuscany were bound by strict appellation rules that dictated grape varieties and methods, often limiting the potential for innovation and expression. In spite of the rich heritage of Montalcino, Chianti and other traditional styles, a restless spirit among vintners began to question these constraints, seeking to create wines that better reflected the unique terroir and modern palates. This spirit of defiance set the stage for a movement that would forever change Italian wine and at its very heart was the creation of Sassicaia. This is the story of how a single pioneering vision would eventually redefine the region’s identity.
A Renegade Vision
The story of Sassicaia is one of passion, experimentation and relentless determination. In the years following World War II, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, an agronomist and nobleman with a deep appreciation for Bordeaux wines, turned his attention to Tuscany. Recognizing similarities between the Maremma region (Bolgheri) and the famed left bank of Bordeaux, he chose to cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc on his family estate, Tenuta San Guido. This was a decision that had never before even been considered in Italy.
With this defiance of conventional wisdom, Incisa ignored traditional Tuscan blends and appellation restrictions, instead opting to craft a wine that was more reminiscent of the great wines of France. Upon first creation, the project was greatly maligned. Those who tasted the first iterations of Sassicaia pointed to the lack of brightness and inaccessible structure - characters that were not consistent with the historical wines of Tuscany.
However, after reassessing the wines with more time in bottle a change in opinion gained traction. The resulting consensus was that the wine possessed remarkable elegance, structure and longevity—qualities that would eventually capture the hearts of critics and connoisseurs worldwide. Sassicaia’s innovative character and unwavering quality broke new ground, setting an example for a generation of winemakers to follow.
The Rise
The rise of Super Tuscans was swift and transformative, with Sassicaia at the helm of this innovative movement. Its debut in the late 1960s challenged entrenched ideas about quality and tradition, winning international accolades and inspiring others to defy conventions. As word spread, Tuscan vintners began embracing non-indigenous grape varieties and modern techniques, birthing a new era of wine that broke free from the confines of traditional appellation rules. Iconic wines such as Tignanello, Solaia, Ornellaia, Tenuta di Trinoro & Masseto followed in the footsteps of Sassicaia, each reflecting the bold spirit of rebellion and the tireless pursuit of excellence. Each estate assessed their specific terroir and took a different approach to the resulting wine. Whether it was Tignanello’s nod to its roots with a Sangiovese dominant blend, Franchetti’s Tenuta di Trinoro’s challenge issued to Cheval Blanc producing Cabernet Franc or the now iconic Masseto, arguably amongst the top 5 Merlot wines produced in the world.
Super Tuscans stand as a testament to the power of innovation, a legacy that continues to redefine Italian wine on the global stage, carrying forward the groundbreaking vision first ignited by Sassicaia.
