Wine Collecting: SUPER TUSCAN Wines & 5 Top Super Tuscan Wine Producers

In this wine collecting 101 video, John Jackson, DipWSET a/k/a Attorney Somm explains the story behind Super Tuscan wines and then identifies and discusses five top wineries that produce Super Tuscan wines. Attorney Somm also discusses buying strategies and some of his favorite wines produced by these five producers. #supertuscan #italianwines #italianwine
SUPER TUSCAN PRODUCERS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO
Tenuta San Guido
Ornellaia
Antinori
Montevertine
Fontodi
For all of Attorney Somm's Italian wine videos, please see the following playlist: • Italian Wine Videos
ITALIAN WINE REGION VIDEOS
Barbaresco: • BARBARESCO Overview & ...
Barolo: • Wine Collecting: BAROL...
Brunello: • BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO...
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: • Uncovering Italy's Bes...
Chianti Classico: • Tasting Tuscany: CHIAN...
MORE ITALIAN WINE VIDEOS
Super Tuscan Wines: • Wine Collecting: SUPER...
2019 Brunello: • 2019 BRUNELLO DI MONTA...
Italian White Wines: • 8 Intriguing ITALIAN W...
Navigating an Italian Wine List: • CARBONE Italian Restau...
13 Top Italian Wines: • 13 Top ITALIAN WINES Y...
VIDEOS ABOUT ITALIAN WINERIES
Biondi-Santi: • BIONDI-SANTI Brunello ...
Sassicaia: • SUPER TUSCAN Legend SA...
Ornellaia & Masseto: • SUPER TUSCAN Legends: ...
Antinori Super Tuscan Wines: • Antinori's SUPER TUSCA...
Soldera: • Tuscany's Treasures: G...
Il Poggione: • Brunello Bliss: The Al...
Roberto Voerzio: • Roberto Voerzio: Craft...
Gaja: • GAJA BARBARESCO: The P...
Bruno Giacosa: • Barbaresco Brilliance:...
Produttori del Barbaresco: • Affordable Excellence:...
ITALIAN WINE PODCASTS
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Part 2: • Feudi di San Gregorio ...
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DISCLOSURE
Some of the links above are set up through affiliate programs, which means that this channel receives a modest referral credit if you choose to purchase or sign up through the link(s) above. Affiliate links help allow me to continue to bring you great content and impartial wine reviews. Thank you for contributing to the Attorney Somm community!

[@AttorneySomm]

Learn the story behind Priorat wines and my favorite Priorat wine producers here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3PEfGp9oJqJq80

[@margauxml]

Being a Super Tuscan fan, I have read many articles about the history of Super Tuscans in the past - from Wine Folly to Masterclass, Wine Enthusiast, and other reputable publications and online sources - but this video is, for me, the most engaging and fascinating, by far. I can’t rave enough about the stellar script and superb overall content; the extensive research you did for this; and the crystal-clear reflection of your in-depth knowledge and breadth of experience and expertise. Also notable is your relaxed and confident manner of presentation which is yet another reflection of your firm and masterful grasp of this topic. Your discussion of five top Super Tuscan producers - all exceptional, fabled and legendary - is so interesting with plenty of important and fascinating details. I also greatly appreciate the vintage recommendations, and I completely agree with you particularly with regard to the epic 2010 and 2016 vintages. Congratulations on this brilliant video - certainly one of your best! All Super Tuscan fans, or any wine enthusiast for that matter, should watch this video at least twice.😁 Also, thank you for the movie recommendation. I will surely look for it and watch it. Santé, John!

[@AttorneySomm]

Merci beacoup, Margaux! Truly appreciate the eloquent comment! So pleased you enjoyed it! I put a lot of time and thought into these videos, so it means a lot! Definitely think that you will enjoy the movie as well. Hope you have a fantastic weekend! Santè!

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm De rien, John; you’re very welcome! It was an absolute delight to watch your video and learn more about Super Tuscans. Impressive work and truly beyond-excellent content!

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm Forgot to say, I can’t wait to see the movie! Thank you, once again, and happy weekend!

[@AttorneySomm]

@@margauxml I'll be interested to hear your thoughts! I should watch it again as it has been a few years for me.

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm I will look for this film and let you know when I’m ready to watch it. And, of course, I’ll share my thoughts with you. Merci beaucoup!

[@brianwettlaufer3447]

Very nice history of IGT and a great walk through some excellent wines! These wines are excellent for occasions like “let’s celebrate nothing by enjoying a great bottle on a Tuesday night”!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Completely agree with you. The bottle often makes the occasion! Cheers!

[@thomaskoons9242]

Another great upload packed with useful information for common schmucks like myself. I’ll rarely go over $100 for a bottle and the real time pricing is invaluable. Some of the other wine guys on KZbin have entertaining videos, but I see them as purely entertainment with not much in the way of value to people not in “the know”. It would be interesting to see a video of the best of the best under $50. For example, the best Nebbiolo, Chateauneuf, right bank Bordeaux, left Bank Bordeaux, Napa Cab etc. Just a thought

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! I like that idea and will see if I can work that in. I’m due for a video on top 10 wine buys. Cheers!

[@nothingleft2lose-]

@attorneysomm I bow to you.. a great video... This is a shortcut to incredible and concise info for any somm at an old school resto that is still carrying verticals of these wines... Which honestly is fewer and fewer spots ... An amazing resource nonetheless! Thank you!

[@AttorneySomm]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks very much for the kind feedback. Cheers!

[@DR-zr5rs]

New subscriber - great video!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@Luca-xj9cb]

I liked this episode very much on one of my favourite wine region in the world. I would only add one prestigious wine that got a lot of attention lately : Lodovico (from Lodovico Antinori's name) which is predominently cabernet franc. This wine comes from Tenuta di Biserno. This wine is one of my all time favorite wine. Keep doing great videos !

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers! A very worthy addition! 👍🍷

[@navarra4]

This was very informative. Now can you do one like this on Chianti

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@Level-42]

Outstanding John, huge Super Tuscan fan ! Appreciate the backstory which really clarified the history of these producers. Had many of these, some in the cellar, and more on the bucket list. All the best my friend 🍷😎

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks so much! Cheers, Doug! Very glad you enjoyed it!

[@devenstephens4221]

Very high quality video ! Thank you for being well explained and very informative ! Started my wine journey a couple years ago with my wife and its such an enjoyable experience to learn more and more on this beautiful subject. Keep doing your great work !

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! So glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the kind feedback! Cheers!

[@bobbytaj7477]

Amazing man learned so much love these wines

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan as well!

[@hxl6162]

Wow what a history, I have a Vertical of Guidalberto from 2012 to 2019😊

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Sounds like you are well stocked!

[@hxl6162]

@@AttorneySomm 😁🍷🍷🍷

[@mvplayax]

fantastic overview, as usual!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rickmurmurmur]

Great video and explanation! I’ve had my first bottle of Le Pergole Torte after I proposed to my wife in Venice, so it will always be very special to us. It seems the next ‘big’ thing in Tuscany are Cab Franc dominated wines. I’ve recently had Paleo from Le Macchiole and Lodovico from Tenuta di Biserno (after Ornellaia was sold, the Antinori brothers bought this estate). Both were amazing wines in a completely new category for me.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Appreciate the positive feedback! Also appreciate your thoughts regarding the Cab Franc-based wines. I'll definitely keep an eye out for those! Cheers!

[@TTATRANSKY]

Also, Le Macchiole Messorio (100% Merlot) could be seen as a less expensive alternative to Masseto (or Petrus). What I also like about Le Macchiole is that they produce quite affordable Bolgheri Rosso which I was able to get for approx. 30 USD. Cheers! :-)

[@Docbyday]

Thank you for this really detailed and well-researched coverage of Super Tuscans! I haven’t tasted many STs but have a Sassicaia 2015 and 2019 that I’m cellaring. I’m bringing a Le Volte 2019 to my next wine night as part of a value wine challenge. Also I’m wondering if you’d consider doing podcasts going forward, I think your content and delivery lend themselves really well to the format. Cheers!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! I have actually done many (25-30) podcast style winemaker/brand ambassador interviews and tastings on IG live. I put about 12-15 on my YT channel. I have put clips in my shorts recently to test them. I’ve thought about doing more and putting more on my channel (or a new channel). But they don’t seem to do as well as regular content.

[@carlcadregari7768]

As with all your videos, great work! I’ve been lucky to have had all the ones you’ve mentioned (with a few in the cellar still) except the Masseto.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Such outstanding wines. Glad you enjoy them too! 👍🍷

[@sookic3897]

Learned so much from this video. Great content!

[@AttorneySomm]

Very glad to hear that! Thank you for watching and the kind words.

[@timdijkema1743]

Great video John, very much in my comfort zone! Excellent historic context as well. I feel that Guidalberto and Le Serre Nuovo are excellent value and I stock these nearly every vintage. Sassicaia only in an excellent vintage, prices are becoming insane. As for the 100% Sangiovese wines, I would like to add Cepparello from Isole e Olena (Paolo de Marchi) to the list. Fantastic wine, very ageworthy. Unfortunately prices are going up fast here as well (€50 for 2015, now almost €100 for 2019..). But highly recommendable still!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it. Agree with you re the value for the second wines. And appreciate the worthy addition! 👍🍷

[@lornapires674]

I was just gifted a 2001 Tignanello. I have never tried this super Tuscan. Have you ever had or tried this vintage ? Your Chanel is amazing, entertaining and incredibly informative. Thank you.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! A very nice gift! It should still be showing well but is fully mature. It may take 30 min or so for IG to open up, but should be a nice wine. Cheers!

[@samirsajwani9966]

Very nice episode, I have tried many Sassicaia although it is over priced , But value for money in Le Volte

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Yes excellent pricing for La Volte. 👍🍷

[@Str1fe5]

We definitely hosted a tasting one evening with the Guidalberto, a Beau Vigne, and Marquis d’aleseme over the holidays. It was a ton of fun.

[@AttorneySomm]

Sounds like a terrific tasting! Cheers!

[@joannaolszewska531]

Fantastic. Thank you!🙏🙏🙏🍷👌

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Very much appreciated!

[@nickdermand7540]

Have you ever had Marchesi Mazzei - Siepi? Incredible stuff. Highly recommend. Thanks for the video!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Yes, but I only tried it once and that was a new release about 3 years ago at a James Suckling event. I'll definitely need to revisit and try one with some age. Cheers!

[@ribbitrocks]

great review !!!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@myles1428mjc]

I always get the Le Serre Nuove when it comes out. Ages really well for a second wine.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Completely agree with you. Just a tremendous wine!

[@lees5761]

Absolutely fantastic video!! I really like watching your videos. Your research and history explanation is greatly appreciated! I've had a few of these but will definitely check out your other recommendations. And looking forward to watching the movie you mentioned!!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! So glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate the kind feedback! 👍🍷

[@maryverzella9841]

Fantastic video ...Thank you !

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Greatly appreciate it.

[@kristofferhavskov]

What are your thoughts about Solengo? In my view an underrated Super Tuscan!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! I’ll have to try it again. It has been a few years and had it at a large event with dozens of others.

[@alessandrobotti8981]

Tasting right now the 2020 Poggio ai Ginepri - Tenuta Argentiera, the wine is incredible and it is an insane bargain at 15€ here in italy, I’d happily pay 30€ for it! I’d advise anyone to try it out! Btw the argentiera first wine can easily go toe to toe with sassicaia and costs like a third of the more famous one.

[@AttorneySomm]

Very nice! Thank you for weighing in! Much appreciated.

[@numanuma20]

Although I’m a big a big proponent of using native wine grapes to make your wine, I would like to try more super Tuscans. I also wonder why the other regions of Italy aren’t making super wines. I don’t see super Veneto, super Piedmonte super Sicilia etc. Thanks for the information and including Le Volte. That is delicious. I read the rules for Chianti Classico and the list of grapes you can use are a wide range of grapes to blend with Sangiovese one being Gamay.

[@AttorneySomm]

Truly appreciate it! Thank you! Very good question.

[@johnoneal4711]

Beautifully done John. Italy is one of my favorite countries for wine. I have been able to taste many of those wines, tho I have been lacking the few 100% sangiovese wines you have mentioned. I have been really looking into those as of recently. I have a decent collection of wine, but only a few years old I am lacking past vintages or many older than 2016. One of my favorite wines that I have been ever able to enjoy is a few older vintages of guado al tasso. Any suggestions on how to increase my on hand of older vintages, without paying crazily over price? I would love to trade many newer vintages for older vintages. But still have concerns of how older vintages have been stored. Any suggestions? Once again beautifully done John!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Appreciate the kind feedback. You might reach out to Antinori or its distributor to see if they have any library releases. Buying direct from the producer is the best way to ensure top provenance. I was in your exact position a few years ago when I had lots of wines from 2008-2010, but nothing ready to drink, In addition to cellar defenders, I bought back vintages strategically as opportunities arose through library releases and reputable retailers that buy wine collections and re-sell them. Cheers!

[@debmalveaux1360]

Fantastic video. Very informative!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@megatrendy1]

Thank you very much for this very good and interrsting video! Personally, I have some doubts about the real quality of cabernet based super tuscan wines after 15 years of bottle age or so. I would have added Vigna l'Apparita (100 percent merlot single vineyard of Castello di Ama), but unfortunately, prices have skyrocketed there also. I do like Le Pergole Torte, but at current prices, it's also not interesting. The biggest problem of these wines is that the prices got astronomical and there isn't a good price/quality relationship anymore. I prefer buying buying wines from Bordeaux (e.g. Giscours, Domaine de Chevalier and Phélan-Ségur) where quality is very good and prices still affordable. The problem is that in Italy, every enoteca wants to have Sassicaia and every luxury restaurant too - even around the world! The most interesting between these is imho the Flaccianello, but bought immediately after release: I bought six bottles 2016 at 85 USD. Unfortunately, quantities have been limited to six bottles for each customer.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful feedback. Completely agree about the value in Bordeaux and even featured Giscours in last week’s video. I was a bit shocked by some of the prices since I hadn’t checked them in about a year. I did enjoy a 97 Sassicaia recently that still seemed to have a long life ahead of it, but have not been as impressed with older Solaia. That is unfortunate re the 6 maximum on Flaccianello, but it does still seem to be discounted much more than the others. 👍🍷

[@trowlet1990]

Nice explanation!!!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Cheers!

[@bgsouto2]

Great content as always. Could you please.make a video on what to assess when buying vintage bottles? I can't buy cases, but can afford single bottles. And lately I was confronted with a choice of several bottles with various fill levels, capsule states etc. My doubts are should you always go for the highest fill when buying old vintages (30+ years)? I know you also love champagne and they are also all over the place with fill levels. If you can explain a little bit about it would be great.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! I’ll definitely give that some thought and see what I can do. I typically buy bottles not cases too.

[@bgsouto2]

@@AttorneySomm I'll send the picture on Instagram of the bottles. If it helps on the content you are free to use them.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@bgsouto2 Thank you!

[@gogreenmsu03]

Excellent video, as always. I’ve enjoyed the Guidoalberto since around the 2010 vintage, but have never tasted Sassicaia. How do the two compare stylistically?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! They are both Cab S dominant, but with Guidalberto they add Merlot rather than Cab F. Guidalberto is definitely the best choice for early consumption much like the second wines of Bordeaux producers. It is made in a more approachable style and designed to enjoy while your Sassicaia ages. Guidalberto certainly offers compelling value for the quality. Cheers!

[@gogreenmsu03]

Thanks for the info! Definitely agree it’s a compelling value. I buy a bottle or two just about every vintage.

[@ls1184]

missing Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore!!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! Haven’t tried one with age, unfortunately. Need to do so! Certainly top notch.

[@phishfoo8280]

Great content! 👌

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@dennisrosa1551]

Great video, I have not purchased any of the Higher End Super Tuscans yet, I have some Castello Dei Rampolla Sammarco 2015 I purchased for around $70/bottle. This is Cab Sav with Sangiovese and Merlot. We had some at a Truffle wine pairing dinner in the fall of 21 and it went well with the truffles. Leathery and rustic. I would like to see your recommendations on some of the lesser known or $50 to $100 similar wines. How about a tasting trip?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Sounds like an excellent buy and a terrific pairing! Bolgheri is definitely on my radar for a trip this year, but probably not until the fourth quarter. In the meantime, the Ornellaia and Sassicaia second wines offer excellent quality in that price range. Cheers!

[@johnoneal4711]

The Sammarco is a awesome value!!

[@matts9034]

Great information and video. Question: I’m sitting on a 2016 Sassicaia. How long before it’s ready?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! That depends a bit on your taste preferences. I’m still holding most of my 09 and 10s, but did open an 09 3-4 years ago and it was terrific after an hour or two in the decanter.

[@timdijkema1743]

I would leave it in the cellar at least until 2026. Salute!

[@milfweed20]

What is your opinion on the Mazzei produced wines?

[@AttorneySomm]

I have not tried any for a few years. I'm attending a large Italian tasting for the trade on Wednesday. I'll keep an eye out and hopefully they will have some there.

[@lornapires674]

@@AttorneySomm Ser Lapo Chianti Classico. Priced right, elegant, gets better in glass and very nice wine for dinner guests too.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@lornapires674 Thank you! I’ll have to try it!

[@justinseah4011]

Can you review Pintia?

[@AttorneySomm]

Hi Justin: I discuss Pintia and do a tasting of Pintia with the Vega Sicilia brand ambassador in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6abiGqlnqhmo9k Diana does a great job explaining it!

[@mattiadepasquale4655]

Great video, really informative discussing history and blend ratios. Would be even better f you could pronounce Italian a bit better.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you. Believe me, I was working on it. I watched KZbin pronunciation videos before pronouncing many of the names.

[@mattiadepasquale4655]

@@AttorneySomm I can imagine it’s harder for Americans to pronounce Italian words, but good luck I’m sure you’ll manage

[@AttorneySomm]

@@mattiadepasquale4655 Thank you. And I do appreciate that you were constructive with your feedback. Many are not as nice.

[@elektrik_exekutioner6822]

It's pronounced Roth-schild (schild meaning shield), not Roths-child

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes, I understand the meaning and that the way you described it is the typical French pronunciation. I live in the US and use the English pronunciation which is perfectly fine for those in the U.S. according to Julien Miquel. I listen to Julien's pronunciation videos before I hit record.

[@elektrik_exekutioner6822]

@@AttorneySomm It's not the French pronounciation, it's the German pronounciation because it's a German name. There is no English pronounciation to a German name, just like there is no German pronounciation to an English name.

[@NaderAli-px8ir]

Good 👍 very nice pic super congratulations 👏🎉 star ✨⭐ gift 🎁🧧❤

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers!