The term “Super Tuscan” has been used since the 1980s to describe a wine made from grapes indigenous to Tuscany, which may be blended with non-indigenous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. There is no legal definition for the term “Super Tuscan” in Italian wine law, and these blends fit only under a lower wine classification within the law, because the higher classifications restrict which grapes can be used.
On the twelve days of Christmas my wine love sent to me:
Many wines that you are familiar with are blends including wines from Bordeaux and the Rhone valley. Wines labelled as Meritage, Cava and Port are blends. Champagne, Rioja and Priorat can be blends, too.
Ever wonder what the difference is between these wines?
California’s Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a “super AVA” that consists of multiple smaller AVAs. The Central Coast AVA extends approximately 250 miles from, San Francisco to Santa Barbara, and includes places like Santa Barbara (remember the movie “Sideways”?), Paso Robles, Monterey, and Edna Valley. These areas are known for growing a variety of grapes including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah.
