90 pt. Super Tuscan for Less Than $20!?! $20 Tuesday

When you think of the category of ‘Super Tuscan’, there are one of 3 things that come to mind:

  1. “Oh my gosh, great quality and powerful!”

  2. Tignanello

  3. “This is going to be EXPENSIVE!”

Super Tuscans come with a special preconceived notion with the name, generally because of the history behind them and the ‘Castelli’ (castles, or, as the French call them, chateaus) that produces the mysterious juice. But today, we are going to give you an excellent option that will knock your socks off, and won’t break the bank when doing it!

Clemente VII Settimo Rosso di Toscana, 2013 - $19.99 - 90 pts. Wine Spectator

Traditionally, I try not to pick up wines that plaster their score on the bottle as a marketing tactic when in the wine store. However, I couldn’t help it when I saw the price tag and the ‘Toscana’ indication on the label… it instantly peaked my interest.

$19.99 immediately triggered my uncontrollable hand to pick it up and place it in my basket for purchase, without even a quick scan on the infamous ‘Vivino’ app (yes, I use it! Another tool in the tool belt).

Coming in at 90 points Wine Spectator and 3.8/5 on Vivino, this wine packs a punch of value that is drinkable right now! I picked up the 2013, and I was not disappointed.

History

This wine producer has a unique history that lends to the wine’s character. As the 1960’s were a troubled time in the land of Chianti, it was very hard to be in the wine business. Economic downturn and technical regulations/methods of producing were hindering the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany.

In an effort to save the rich history of the region, as well as the expression of great Italian wine, Sir Armando Nunzi developed an idea to create a modern cooperative of winegrowers to safeguard future partners, land, and the fruit that will grow there. This was ambitious, especially since the laws and regulations around wine were so strict. One miscalculation, and the cooperative would be unable to achieve it’s ultimate goal: produce high quality wine.

Now, over 50 years later, Castelli del Grevepesa is the largest Chianti Classico family passing on wine-growing knowledge from generation to generation.

The expressions of Super Tuscan wines are considered some of the world’s best wines. However, these wines were a happy loophole in a very strict law. With adventurous (and rebellious) winemakers in the 1970’s looking for new ways to express the rich flavors of the region, Super Tuscan wines were born. What’s even more interesting about this is that the wines were labeled as 'vino da tavola’, or table wine, to expose the loophole in the wine regulations restricting them. One of the first to be released was the famous Tignanello by the Antinori family, and the rest is history.

Wine Notes

Super Tuscans are typically a blend of several grape varietals. With this wine, there is no exception. The traditional Chianti grape of Sangiovese is prominent with a supporting cast of Syrah and Merlot varietals to balance the powerful leading fruit.

Visuals

The color is deep, powerful purple center with little color variation. Heavy tearing with light staining on the glass indicates that this is going have two potential characteristics on the palate: heavy body & high alcohol.

Nose

On the nose, there is a beautiful red fruit notes: underripe cherry adding to a bit of a sour smell, fresh plum, and jammy raspberry. Leather notes and black peppercorn come through with a bit of baking spice indicating the aging in oak.

Palate

On the palate, the cherry comes forward with a bit of black currant jam, followed by a tobacco-esk note and dried green herbs. Earthy button mushrooms and minerality hit home.

Other

The original deduction of power is confirmed as well, with a full-bodied powerful red that has been made to pack a punch. It’s a beautiful expression of the great world of Italy. Medium acidity, medium plus tannin, medium plus alcohol.

Pairings

There are a few things I would definitely suggest this wine with! For you meat-lovers out there, this one’s for you.

  • A beautiful ribeye with a bleu cheese crust would be perfect, with the acid and tannin cutting the fat and melting it in your mouth.

  • BBQ!!! A nice brisket or pulled pork would go toe-to-toe with this wine, with the tannin and oak enhancing the smokiness of the meat and increasing the spicy pepper notes.

  • My childhood favorite: Venison spaghetti! The gamey taste is matched and balanced with the Sangiovese, creating a worldly experience for your taste buds.


Well, there you have it! This $20 Tuesday was a doozy, with tons of flavor, power, and boldness. Super Tuscans are a great expression of modern Italy’s wine world.

Did you enjoy this? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!