The 23nd Wine Tasting (2013-05-17) - Italy (Super Tuscan)

Sangiovese, is from the Latin sanguis Jovis, which means the blood of Jove. Jove (or Jupiter) is the god of sky and thunder (equivalent to Greek Zeus). It's also the most important grape variety in Tuscany (in Italy: Toscana). We tasted Super Tuscan, an non-official category from Tuscany. Regardless of the Chianti regulation, Super Tuscan wine producers had experimental wine-making to use either 100% Sangiovese, or blend with any number of local or international varieties: for instance, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Wines, Super Tuscan, were originated in the Chianti region, where is the central Tuscany, central Italy. In the middle of 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli created the Chianti recipe of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, and 15% Malvasia bianca (white). This recipe had been strictly applied to Chianti wines, and modified few times; 1984, the use of Sangiovese can be increased to 90%; 1996,  the use of Sangiovese can be increased to 100%. Then, the modern Chianti formula had been made: 75-100% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo, up to 20% of any other approved red grape variety. It also implies that how important Sangiovese is.

In 1971, Antinori released a new wine called Tignanello, and it is generally regarded as the first Super Tuscan. It was a 100% Sangiovese wine, which was not permitted in the Chianti laws. Later on, some wine makers started to produce blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. It wasn't the first time that Italian produce Bordeaux blend, but it was successful. After 1996, 100% Sangiovese and approved Bordeaux blends were permitted. Many wine producers have started to label back to Chianti/Chianti Classico. Don't be surprised that you drink "Bordeaux" from Tuscany.


1. San Pio, Mastrojanni - 2009
Denomination: IGT
Grapes:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Alcohol:  14.5% Vol.
Comments: It's a decent table wine. medium-light body, so it's still Sangiovese dominant wine. However the aromas was overridden by Cabernet Sauvignon.

2. Chianti Classico Riserva, Castello della Paneretta - 2008
Denomination: DOCG
Grapes:  Canaiolo, Sangiovese
Alcohol:  13.5% Vol.
Comments: This is a traditional Chianti Classico, which is the savor of Chianti Classico I'm familiar with.

3. Le Pergole Torte, Montevertine - 2008
Denomination: IGT
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14 % Vol.
Aging: 18 months in slavonian oak barrels, 6 months in Allier barriques and approx. 6 months in the bottle
Comments: Even this bottle was still young, but I can feel the power of 100% Sangiovese. Tannin was smooth, and the aftertaste was pleasant. I like the bottle design very much. The only problem is too expensive.

4. Chianti Classico, Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro, - 2007
Denomination: DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5 % Vol.
Aging: 36 months in barrels and 6 months in bottle.
Comments: fruity aromas, cherry, plums. Full body with fruity notes. powerful tannin but smooth.

5. Piccini, Villa al Cortile, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - 2006
Denomination: DOCG
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14 % Vol.
Aging: 36 months in Slavonic and Allier oak barrels and 6 months in bottle.
Comments: color between red and orange; nice structure and backbone; I believe it's still too young to drink.

6. Icario Vitaroccia, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - 2004
Denomination: DOCG
Grapes: 100% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese)
Alcohol: 13.5 % Vol. Comments: jammy, rusty orange color. tannin were softened and turned wine into old leather and wooden furniture. It's pleasant. It's just about time to enjoy.

We were doing blind tasting for last three bottles. The rule was to guess what type of Super-Tuscan wine, 100% Sangiovese or with Bordeaux blend. It was really successful, and almost everybody get the right answers. Bravo ! ! !

Conclusions
Who says Italian red wines can only drink while eating. I don't believe that. The reason I chose the topic Super-Tuscan Wine but not Tuscany Wine is to remind me to be open-minded and think out of the box. Before everyone know the price, #3 Le Pergole Torte, Montevertine - 2008 & #6 Icario Vitaroccia, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - 2004 got the highest votes. They are all 100% Sangiovese. The last bottle really showed me the aging potential of Sangiovese.