Tuscan Treasures

Over the centuries, Italy produces low quality wine for daily drinking. Eventually, they realize that the world would never take their wines seriously unless they create rules and standards for wine making. Now, they have some. For example, Chianti Classico must contain at least 80% Sangiovese and a maximum of 20% of other red grapes Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Now, these wines have the status of DOCG which guarantee their quality. Eventually, some of Italy’s top producers make wines with different percentages. And, they make some awesome wines which have the broader classification of IGT. There is no guarantee of quality with IGT. However, the top producers make some of Italy’s best IGT wines. And, that is guarantee enough! Of course, with success came hefty prices. Now, these Tuscan Treasures are Super-Tuscans.

Tuscan Treasures Wines

First on the scene is Antinori with Tignanello. The best price is about $100. They make it with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Eventually, a new wine zone begins on the coast where the town of Bolgheri lies. Guado al Tasso is one of the first wines to come from this area. And, the primary grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This is very unusual for Tuscan wines. They are an overnight success. The best price is about $150. Antinori is one of the top three producers in Tuscany.

Another top wine is by Castello Banfi. And, it has the perfect name of Excelsus. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Also, it is reasonable at about $80. Banfi is another one of the top three producers in Tuscany. Produced in the coastal town of Bolgheri is the award winning Ornellaia. It is a cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot grown organically in a special plot. This one costs over $200.

In the heart of the Chianti Classico region lies Castello Dei Rampolla. Their IGT wine is Sammarco. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and only 5% Sangiovese. Also, this one is reasonable at $65 or more. Back in the coastal town of Bolgheri comes the stellar Masseto. It is 100% Merlot. Also, it is a cult wine. Owned by the Frescobaldi family who round out the top three producers in Tuscany. And, you are lucky to find it for less than $800!

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