Is the term "Super Tuscan" an American term or is it also used in Italy. Does it refer only to Tuscan wine that is a blend between Sangiovese & French varietals or is a blend with Italian varietals also included.
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Super-Tuscan is definitely of Italian origin although it is now used elsewhere as a very general descriptor. The term arose in response to the Italian wine legislation (DOC) adopted beginning in the 1960s. Ironically, regulations that were intended to improve quality spawned wines that were made from blends of grapes that did not conform to the rules requiring certain grape types and percentages (notably in Chianti Classico). San Guido's "Sassicaia," launched in 1968, is considered the first of the Super-Tuscans, inspiring Antinori's "Tignanello" in 1971. Many others followed.
Some Super-Tuscans incorporate Sangiovese in varying amounts, sometimes with French varietals (Tignanello, Grattamarco, Cepparello, Fontalloro), while others rely only on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and/or Merlot (Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Olmaia).
