In the world of wine, few categories carry the same mix of rebellion, prestige, and collectability as Super Tuscans. Born out of frustration with Italy’s rigid classification system, these wines turned the rules upside down — and in doing so, created a whole new benchmark for Italian fine wine.
Today, Super Tuscans sit among the most coveted bottles in the world, often compared with Bordeaux First Growths or Burgundy’s Grand Crus in both quality and price. But how did they get here? And what makes them such compelling wines to collect, cellar, and invest in?
What exactly is a Super Tuscan?
The term “Super Tuscan” isn’t an official classification. It was coined in the 1970s to describe Tuscan wines that didn’t fit into Italy’s DOC/DOCG rules but were far too good to ignore.
At the time, regulations required producers in Tuscany to blend Sangiovese with lesser local varieties. Using international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot disqualified wines from the prestigious Chianti DOCG — relegating them to the humble Vino da Tavola (“table wine”) category.
Some of Tuscany’s most ambitious winemakers — tired of sacrificing quality for tradition — decided to ignore the system and make wines their own way. The result? Super Tuscans.
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The pioneers: Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia
- Sassicaia (first commercial vintage: 1968) – Created by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Sassicaia blended Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, modelled after Bordeaux rather than Chianti. Today, it’s Italy’s only single-estate wine with its own DOC: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC.
- Tignanello (1971) – Marchesi Antinori shocked Italy by bottling a Sangiovese blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and aging it in small French oak barriques. This wine put “Super Tuscan” firmly on the global map.
- Ornellaia (1985) – Founded by Lodovico Antinori, this Bolgheri estate added richness and polish, becoming another benchmark Super Tuscan with global acclaim.
These wines — once dismissed as rebels — are now firmly established as Italy’s most collectible labels.
Style in the glass
While each Super Tuscan has its own personality, some general traits stand out:
- Cabernet-driven blends: Dark fruit, cassis, structure, and tannins.
- Merlot influence: Plushness, spice, and velvety mouthfeel.
- Sangiovese core: Red cherry, acidity, and savoury edges.
- French oak ageing: Layers of spice, cedar, and polish.
The result? Wines that combine Tuscany’s sun-drenched ripeness with Bordeaux’s structure and ageability.
Collectability and investment
Super Tuscans are firmly in the top 1% of the wine world, often featuring in global auctions and on the Liv-ex indices.
- Scarcity: Limited production, often a few thousand cases per year.
- Critical acclaim: Frequent 95–100 point scores from leading critics.
- Ageability: Many vintages can evolve beautifully for 20–30+ years.
- Proven track record: Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Tignanello consistently perform on the secondary market.
💡 Example: A case of 1985 Sassicaia sold for over circa £18,000 at a Sotheby's auction in 2015, and the current average global price is circa $6,000 per 750ml bottle according to WineSearcher.
Caption: 1985 Sassicaia average global price. Source: WineSearcher
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For collectors, Super Tuscans offer both drinking pleasure and portfolio diversification — often at a lower entry point than Bordeaux First Growths.
Today’s Super Tuscans
The category has expanded beyond the “big three.” Labels like Masseto (Merlot-based, often compared with Pomerol’s Petrus) and Guado al Tasso (from the Antinori family) are equally sought-after.
While prices for top names have soared, younger estates and second wines (like Ornellaia’s Le Serre Nuove) offer entry points into the style at more accessible levels.
Final sip
Super Tuscans started as outsiders — wines that broke the rules. But today, they’re among the world’s most respected and collectible. They represent the best of both worlds: Tuscan sunshine and Bordeaux finesse, rebellion and refinement.
Whether you’re looking for a cellar-worthy investment or simply want to taste one of the most exciting chapters in wine history, a Super Tuscan is always a good idea.
