
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.
- Pinot Noir4418
- Other Red Blends2986
- Cabernet Sauvignon2451
- Bordeaux Red Blends1853
- Syrah/Shiraz1480
- Rhône Blends1409
- Sangiovese984
- Merlot862
- Nebbiolo833
- Tempranillo828
- Other Red Wine723
- Zinfandel722
- Malbec600
- Cabernet Franc347
- Grenache344
- Barbera332
- Gamay251
- Tuscan Blends206
- Petite Sirah195
- Carmenere124
- Mourvedre113
- Dolcetto112
- Primitivo108
- Pinotage97
- Montepulciano83
- Nero d'Avola74
- Blaufrankisch58
- Aglianico57
- Petit Verdot51
- Lagrein38
- Negroamaro38
- Mencia34
- Zweigelt30
- Carignan26
- Refosco26
- Bonarda23
- Sagrantino23
- St. Laurent19
- Touriga Nacional18
- Teroldego18
- Tannat13
- Agiorgitiko10
- Trousseau10
- Bobal9
- Corvina8
- Grignolino7
- Xinomavro7
- Nerello Mascalese5
- Pinot Meunier4
- Lambrusco3
- Gaglioppo3
- Mondeuse3
- Valdiguie2
- Schiava2
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Baga1
- Frappato1
- Poulsard1
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Banfi Centine Toscana 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Castello di Verrazzano Rosso 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Argiano Non Confunditur 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Querciabella Mongrana 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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ColleMassari Montecucco Rigoleto 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2011Tuscan Blends from Umbria, Italy
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Antinori Solaia (3 Liter Bottle) 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- WS
- WE
- RP
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Il Palagio Casino Delle Vie 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Antinori Villa Toscana 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Santa Cristina by Antinori Rosso 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Frescobaldi Remole Toscana Rosso 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
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Ruffino Il Ducale 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Capezzana Barco Reale 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Cabreo Il Borgo 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WW
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Monte Antico Supremus 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Castello di Monterinaldi Chianti Classico Riserva 2011Tuscan Blends from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
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Capezzana Villa di Carmignano 2011Tuscan Blends from Carmignano, Tuscany, Italy
- JS
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Banfi Col di Sasso 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Rocca di Frassinello Le Sughere di Frassinello 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- RP
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Banfi Summus 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WE
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Il Palagio Sister Moon 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- WS
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La Braccesca Sabazio Rosso di Montepulciano 2011Tuscan Blends from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy
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Brancaia Tre 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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- JS
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Casanuova delle Cerbaie Rivale 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Il Molino di Grace Il Volano 2011Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy