There's No Need to Fear...Super Tuscans are Here! #ItalianFWT

What are Super Tuscan wines and what makes them super?  Should you fear this wine?  This wine blend from Tuscany was developed in the 80s to use wine grapes that are not from Italy.  That means grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot were added to Italian wines to give them higher quality.  Hense, Super Tuscan!  Hosted this month by Jill Barth at jillbarth.wordpress.com

The first Super Tuscan wine is Tignanello and was created in 1971.  It's a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Blanc.  It sells for over $80 a bottle.  It's hard to put a definition on a Super Tuscan as the flavor profile is a huge range.  You know when you get one though because Toscana IGT is always on the label.

There is a real question that remains unanswered in my research and that is:  Why are they called SUPER Tuscans?  What do you think?

We participated in an event sponsored by Cooper's Hawk. The event was a celebration of their release of the wine Liberte. The event is a virtual party where we purchased a beautiful charcuterie board which I will describe later. While the Liberte is a good wine to discuss, I want to talk to you about the Super Tuscan Cooper's Hawk has for its members. 

The Cooper's Hawk Super Tuscan is a beautiful red/purple wine, deep color, with a garnet rim.  The nose is earthy, with leather, raisins, nutmeg, and cherry being predominant for me.  The palate is full-bodied and proud, with moderate tannins.  Definitely decant.  It went beautifully with our charcuterie.

Speaking of the charcuterie, this board contained Cypress Grove Purple Haze Goat Cheese, Sartori MonAmore, genoa salami, Marcona almonds and dried figs, a teeny piece of honeycomb (ridiculously small) lavish crisps, candied bacon, apricot preserves and a dark chocolate bar from Oakville Grocery.  We added smoked gouda and some rosemary crackers.  It was a delicious combination to serve with our Cooper's Hawk Super Tuscan wine.

Here's what we have planned:

Super Tuscans, Take-Out Pizza, and a Spicy Summer Salad | This post comes to you from the kitchen magician behind Culinary Adventures with Camilla.

Super Tuscans: What's It All About? | This question will be answered by the founder of #ItalianFWT, VinoTravels.

A Stop at Brancaia and a Pizza Night | A perfect combo from California's own Somm's Table.

Super rating, super price - Is this Super Tuscan super? | The question will be answered in full by My Full Wine Glass.

Have You Tried These Super Tuscans? | Get the opportunity to explore with The Wining Hour.

There’s no need to Fear, Super Tuscans are here! | Hear the heroic call from Our Good Life.

Are Super Tuscans still relevant and worth my time and money?| Find out all there is to know with Crushed Grape Chronicles.

Cooper's Hawk: A Great Concept and a Super Super Tuscan | Get the inside scoop on this treat from A Day In the Life on the Farm.

I Colazzi and a Big Ol' Steak | Don't miss this outstanding combo from Joy of Wine.

No Super Tuscans for Me! | The point of view from FoodWineClick is super clear.

Super Tuscans: Keep Your Sassicaia, I’ll take the Sangiovese | A message from WinePredator to all readers.

Supertuscan Is All About The Name, Not In The Wine | According to an Italian wine expert, GrapeVine Adventures.

Looking Beyond the Name Super-Tuscans | Insight from Avvinare that goes deeper than the title.