When I’m asked about my favorite wines, my mind immediately goes to Tuscany—especially the Super Tuscans. The term Super Tuscan emerged in the late 20th century to describe wines from Tuscany that broke away from tradition, often by using non-local grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot or creating blends that didn’t conform to the strict DOC or DOCG regulations.

The classic example is Sassicaia, first released commercially in 1968, produced in the Bolgheri zone from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rather than the region’s customary Sangiovese.  Stylistically, Super Tuscans marry Bordeaux-style structure—firm tannins, depth, and aging potential—with Tuscan terroir and, in some cases, a touch of Sangiovese character. Some of the world’s most acclaimed wines belong to this group, including Sassicaia, Tignanello, Solaia, Ornellaia, and Masseto, many of which have achieved perfect 100-point scores.

Tuscan wines are also food-friendly, pairing beautifully with rich dishes like pasta Bolognese, braised short ribs, or a pepperoni pizza. Benchmark offers an outstanding selection of Tuscan wines and vintages, with even more exciting releases available on pre-arrival.