In a world constantly chasing the new and the novel, the Vinitaly International Wine and Spirits Exhibition, slated for April 14-17, 2024, in Verona, promises to offer a rare glimpse into the enduring legacy and evolving narrative of one of Italy’s most prestigious wine categories: the Super Tuscans. Amidst a comprehensive programme of tastings and masterclasses, a particularly noteworthy session dedicated to 16 historical Super Tuscans is poised to captivate enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The term “Super Tuscan” has long been synonymous with innovation within the Italian wine sphere. Emerging in the 1970s, these wines challenged the conventions of traditional Tuscan viticulture, embracing Bordeaux blends and varietals that were then excluded from the region’s strict DOC regulations. Crafted with a mix of native and international grape varieties, Super Tuscans quickly gained international acclaim for their quality and complexity. It was the British wine critic Nicholas Belfrage who, in the 1980s, coined the term “Super-Tuscan” to describe these trailblazing wines that stood out not just for their depth and concentration but for their bold departure from established norms.

Fast forward to 2024, and the narrative of Super Tuscans is one of continued evolution. The upcoming masterclass at Vinitaly, under the auspices of the Comitato of Historical Super Tuscans, underscores this ongoing transformation. Presenting the session is Andrea Lonardi MW, a newly certified Master of Wine and a luminary in the contemporary wine landscape. Lonardi’s insights into the journey of Super Tuscans from their groundbreaking inception to their current renaissance promise an illuminating experience for attendees.

At the heart of this evolution is a marked shift towards a more pronounced territorial identity, moving away from a predominantly production-driven character to one that deeply resonates with the unique terroir of Tuscany. This change, as discussed by Lonardi, is driven by several factors including climate change, advancements in viticulture, improvements in Sangiovese genetics, and a refreshed approach to varietal composition. Modern Super Tuscans, as a result, are not just a reflection of quality winemaking but also a testament to their intrinsic Tuscan identity—an allure of territory, history, and style intertwined.

This evolution is emblematic of the broader trends within the wine industry, where there’s a growing emphasis on expression of terroir, sustainability, and adaptation to climate variability. The masterclass is an opportunity to delve into these dynamic shifts, providing a platform to understand the historical significance of Super Tuscans, the external and internal forces shaping their development, and their enduring legacy amidst changing tastes and environmental challenges.

The Vinitaly 2024 edition, building on the success of its preceding events, continues to serve as a global stage for Italian wine, offering unparalleled access to the depths and breadths of the country’s wine heritage. The masterclass on historical Super Tuscans, featuring wines from illustrious names like Marchesi Antinori, Castello di Monsanto, and Badia a Coltibuono, among others, is not just a tasting session. It’s an educational journey that charts the course of these venerated wines through the lens of tradition and innovation—a narrative that, much like the wines it celebrates, is rich, complex, and endlessly fascinating.

As the world of wine looks forward to converging in the historic city of Verona, the essence of Super Tuscans—balancing between reverence for history and the impulse for evolution—echoes the very spirit of Vinitaly. It is a reminder that in the realms of wine, innovation is tradition in motion, and the story of Super Tuscans is far from over; it is simply evolving.