Behind the Cork™ - Red Wines of Maremma Toscana

July 27, 2022

Red Wines of Maremma Toscana

These red wines from the Maremma Toscana sub-region of Italy’s Tuscany are considered “Super Tuscans” using non-native Italian grapes and/or blends.

Many fine examples of Super Tuscans come from the region of Maremma, on the Tyrrhenian Sea coast in the southwest of Tuscany.

Here are five wonderful examples:

2017 Cantina I Vini di Maremma Sangiovese ($12)

This wine is a blend of “no less than 40% of Sangiovese with other red grapes according the production protocol restrictions” of the region. It was fermented on the skins and aged in concrete tanks. It is medium garnet in color with aromas of black cherry and plum. On the palate it has deep, rich fruit flavors, medium acidity, medium-low tannin and a hint of caramel on the finish.

2016 I Cavallini Pause Merlot ($18)

This wine is produced from 100% Merlot that is hand harvested and undergoes spontaneous fermentation in small barrels with indigenous yeast for four to six weeks. It is then aged sur lie for 12 months in barrels with weekly battonage. It is medium garnet in color with an aroma of black cheery. On the palate it has distinct black cherry flavor with just a hint of tartness on the finish.

2016 Fattoria di Magliano Perenzo Syrah ($23)

This wine is 100% Syrah that is fermented in stainless steel vats for 20 to 25 days. It was aged 12-24 months in medium toasted oak barrels that have a minimum of 24 months seasoning. It is pale ruby in color with a delicate aroma of black fruit. On the palate it has good depth of character and complexity, medium tannin and a nice finish.

2013 Villa Pinciana Terraria ($24)

This wine is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petite Verdot. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for 15 months in small French oak barrels. It is deep garnet in color with aromas of black fruit and spice. On the palate it has flavors of cherry and raspberry, medium tannin and good acidity.

2015 Prelius Prile ($12)

This wine is produced from 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot. It was barrel aged in French oak for 18 months. It is medium ruby in color with delicate aromas of black fruit and spices. On the palate it shows sweet red cherry and black fruit flavors, good depth of character, with moderate tannin and acidity.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Francesco Mazzei, President of the ‘Consortium for the protection of Maremma Toscana Wines’ (via ZEDCOMM)

A Break from Tradition in Italy: The Super Tuscan Wines

July 23, 2022

Much like France, Italy has a long tradition of wine. In the 1960s, Italy formalized their wine appellation system modeled after the French system. Under this system, each wine region in Italy was required to operate under strict rules for the types of grapes they were allowed to grow and how their wines were to be produced.

Under this system, native Italian grapes were required to be used in Italian wines. These native grapes included Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Montepulciano. But these regulations were quickly criticized as being overly restrictive and led small groups to push-back against them. By the end of the ’60s, these groups were producing wine blends with non-native grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

But, these producers of wines using non-native Italian grapes were forced to bottle their wines using the generic title of Vino da Tavola (Table Wine) that is associated with Italy’s lowest-quality wines. Instead of settling for this, they chose to unofficially call their wines “Super Tuscans” so as to distinguish them from inexpensive table wines.

Finally, in 1992, the Italian government created a new wine classification called “Toscana IGT” for these Super Tuscan wine blends.

Many fine examples of Super Tuscans come from the region of Maremma, on the Tyrrhenian Sea coast in the southwest of Tuscany. Look for several in the next Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week feature. Cheers!