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16 wineries from the Chianti Classico area have founded a new committee for "Historic Super Tuscans". According to vice-president Davide Profeti of the San Felice winery, they are "pioneer producers who have not only abandoned the designation of origin, but have downgraded their best wines to simple table wines, because the Toscana IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica - General Geographical Indication of the Region) we use today has only existed since 1994".
Initially, only wineries in the Chianti Classico area were invited because "the concept of Super Tuscan wines was born as a reaction to the rigid production rules of Chianti Classico", Profeti explained. For example, at that time it was not allowed to produce a Chianti Classico from 100 per cent Sangiovese. Also, international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and others were not allowed. Now, Super Tuscans that came on the market after 1994 and are produced outside the Chianti Classico region can also apply for membership.
Profeti got the idea for the association when he was planning an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Vigorello. In 1968, this was the first wine from the Chianti Classico region to be made exclusively from red grapes, when regulations still required the use of white grapes.
The founding members include the wineries San Felice****, Antinori, Castellare di Castellina, Montevertine, Castello di Monsanto***, Isole e Olena, Badia a Coltibuono****, Querciabella****, Castello di Fonterutoli****, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari, Riecine****, Fèlsina****, Castello di Volpaia, Castello di Ama, Castello di Albola*** and Brancaia****.
(al / Source: decanter.com; Photo: Comitato Historical Super Tuscans)