Wine tasting vds: Italian
It’s a Tuscany night, all about Sangiovese grapes, that also grow in Corsica, France, Napa CA, and Washington State.
I always enjoy a glass of Super Tuscan, which, simply put, has no DOC or DOCG rating.
The four wines are very similar, except #1 Ruffino’s Chianti Classico Riserva, which is decisively dry.
The retail prices for the wine
- Ruffino, $32
- Monsanto, $34
- Rosso $27 – the best value
- Barbi $69
Italian wine label ranking:
- Vino da Tavola (VdT)
- Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT): table wine
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
A “Super Tuscan” is a Tuscan wine that intentionally broke from Italy’s traditional classification rules—often by blending in non-native grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and aging in French oak. Although many were once categorized simply as vino da tavola (table wine), they are now typically sold under the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) designation. Super Tuscans are renowned for their high quality, complexity, and rich, full-bodied style.
