I’m a great fan of myths and legends because, as odd as they may seem, there is always some truth to them.
Today I’d like to tell you about one of my favorites (there are plenty on this subject) because it involves wine, my country…and an American tourist: the legend of Supertuscan wine.
We all love a good Supertuscan but what is it really and how was it born?
In the beginning of 1970, legend says that an anonymous American writer was visiting Tuscany and while having a meal ordered a simple glass of wine.
As soon as he tasted the delicious nectar he promptly called the waiter, asking which kind of wine it was. the slightly annoyed waiter answered: “red??”
Our unknown hero laughed heartily before specifying: “yes, I know… but where is it made, and with which delicious grapes!”
Again, the waiter was puzzled. “In the backyard” he answered, pointing to the nearby garden, “with my grandpa’s grapes…”
It is in that very moment that the tourist realized there were hundreds of amazing and unknown wines in Tuscany produced everywhere, even outside the Chianti and Montalcino areas (the two main appellations at the time).
And thus, the Supertuscan was born. “Super” in Latin doesn’t mean “better” as in English but instead “over, beyond”, so any wine, produced in Tuscany, in any region but those two, using any locally grown grape, with any vinification method may be considered a Supertuscan,
In its blend you may taste the dark and sexy cherry of Cabernet, the austerity of Sangiovese, the elegance of Merlot, the spiciness of Syrah, or the fresh and green Cabernet Franc.
It is because of this that Supertuscan wines are so interesting and complex, being born out of the experience and passion of the wine maker himself.
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