If you have never wrapped your lips around a glass filled with a Super Tuscan, here is your chance! Super Tuscans evolved in the mid 20th century when a handful of Tuscan growers veered away from solely using the sangiovese grape during vinification. They cultivated clones of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, the most widely planted grapes in Bordeaux. At times they blended these newly harvested grapes with their indigenous sangiovese and sometimes they didnt. Importantly, they broke rules that had been in practice for decades but sometimes the results were spectacular. So Super Tuscans carved a name for themselves throughout the world. And because they couldnt be classified using the strict traditional DOCG regulations, they created their own classification system, known as Indicazione Geografica Tipica or IGT.

These days, Super Tuscans enjoy global cult status and this example makes you understand why! It comprises 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc, is medium to full bodiedand very complex. It’spacked with raspberries and blackberries on the nose and palate, ever present tannins yet super soft and fine. You seem to always be able to taste that trace of Tuscan soil in every fruit packed mouthful. This is a masterful wine that was destined to be a Popsy & JJ. We couldnt keep our hands off it!

We paired this with BBQ five spice smoked pork loin (click for recipe)for our tasting. You could just imagine a family of vignerons resting on the rustic hills of Tuscany tucking into a couple of glasses of Il Riccio, fresh pork on their plates, cooked on a farmhouse barbie. A blissful thought!