November 2016

The origin of the Super Tuscan comes from very restrictive DOC practices in the Chianti region prior to the 1990’s. During this time Chianti could only be composed of no more than 70% Sangiovese and had to include at least 10% of the local white grapes.

Producers in the area who deviated from these regulations could not use the Chianti name on their wines and would be classified as Vino da Tavola – Italy’s lowest wine designation.

But by the 1970’s the consumer market for Chianti Wines was suffering and the wines were widely perceived to be lacking in quality. So, many Tuscan wine producers thought they could produce a better wine if they were not hindered by the DOC regulations.