
Tuscan Blends
Learn about Tuscan Blends — taste profile, popular regions and more …
Big, bold and modern in style, Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and indigenous. In the 1970s, disenchanted with constraints of Italian winemaking laws, a few rebellious Tuscan winemakers decided to get creative. Instead of following the tradition to bottle Sangiovese by itself, they started blending it with various international varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, applying their own creative spin for the blend. Luckily all of these marry well with Sangiovese, and even make great Tuscan wines on their own. As a result, these producers experienced near-immediate success.
Tasting Notes for Tuscan Blends
Tuscan Blends are dry, red wines and have a full body, silky tannins and good complexity. Typical aromas and flavors in Tuscan Blends include blackcurrant, plum, black cherry, licorice, cedar, camphor, wet earth, violets, sweet spice and cocoa.
Perfect Food Pairings for Tuscan Blends
Anything protein-rich will pair with Tuscan Blends. Filet mignon, venison, a grilled portabello with pecorino & rosemary, lasagna and anything off the barbecue are all great choices.
Sommelier Secrets for Tuscan Blends
The most famous and revered Tuscan Blends from Italy are called “Super Tuscans.” One of the most well-known, ‘Tignanello,’ created by Antinori in 1971, is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Ornellaia, established by Marchesi Lodovico Antinori in 1981, with the help of renowned agronomist Andre Tchelistcheff, remains a stellar example today; since 2002 Marchesi de' Frescobaldi has been the sole owner. Ornellaia is typically a blend of about half Cabernet Sauvignon, a third Merlot and the rest filled in with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sassicaia, another, has earned itself an extraordinary reputation and global esteem, so much so that the Sassicaia property was actually awarded its very own appellation with the 1994 vintage. It is typically 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.
- Cabernet Sauvignon722
- Pinot Noir683
- Bordeaux Red Blends595
- Other Red Blends340
- Tempranillo210
- Rhône Blends175
- Syrah/Shiraz150
- Sangiovese146
- Malbec146
- Merlot128
- Zinfandel101
- Nebbiolo82
- Grenache61
- Cabernet Franc54
- Gamay38
- Tuscan Blends36
- Barbera28
- Petite Sirah26
- Carmenere20
- Other Red Wine19
- Montepulciano15
- Mourvedre15
- Carignan12
- Mencia12
- Nero d'Avola11
- Dolcetto10
- Pinotage9
- Aglianico8
- Primitivo7
- Nerello Mascalese7
- Agiorgitiko5
- Bonarda4
- Corvina4
- Cinsault3
- Negroamaro3
- Tannat3
- Touriga Nacional2
- Frappato2
- Sagrantino2
- Zweigelt2
- Petit Verdot1
- Valdiguie1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Freisa1
- Gaglioppo1
- Grignolino1
- Refosco1
- St. Laurent1
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Petra Zingari Toscana 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Antinori Villa Toscana 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Mazzei Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo 2018Tuscan Blends from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
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Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Ruffino Modus 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Il Palagio Roxanne Toscana Rosso 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Castellani Monsalaia Maremma Toscana 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Tenuta Luce Lucente 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Donna Laura Ali 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Michele Satta Marianova Bolgheri Superiore 2016Tuscan Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Toscana Rosso 2020Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Banfi Col di Sasso 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Michele Satta Rosso 2019Tuscan Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
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Poggio Antico Lemartine Toscana 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Monte Antico Rosso 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Frescobaldi Remole Toscana Rosso 2020Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Tenuta di Ghizzano Il Ghizzano Made with Organic Grapes 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Petra Hebo Suvereto Rosso 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Il Molino di Grace Il Volano 2019Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Argiano Non Confunditur 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2018Tuscan Blends from Italy
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La Lecciaia Lupaia Toscano Blend 2016Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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La Massa Toscana 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Uccelliera Rapace Toscana 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Il Palagio Sister Moon 2016Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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