SIPPING SUPERS

As you disembark your cruise ship in Livorno, meet your private driver and enjoy a full-day excursion to the Bolgheri wine-making region. Running parallel to the Tyrrhenian coast of northern Maremma, between the towns of Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, far from inland Tuscany’s most famous centres, this is the home of exclusive Super Tuscans. Wine enthusiasts will have the chance to visit two wine estates and learn all about the unique terroir, superb climate and grape varieties that contribute to creating some of Tuscany’s most prized wines.

What is a Super Tuscan? The term describes a high quality red blend that does not adhere to traditional blending regulations and may include non-indigenous grapes, such as Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the 1970s some inventive Tuscan producers, frustrated by Italy’s restrictive laws which prohibited blending-in non traditional grapes, coined the term so as to distinguish this prestigious wine from inexpensive, poor quality table wine.

Today Bolgheri ranks among the most acclaimed wine regions globally and has gained a solid reputation due to its creative, innovatory approach to wine-making and, of course, its outstanding wines. The area’s sunny, dry and breezy climate together with its composite terroir are particularly suited to the cultivation of French grape varieties. Indeed, the fine Super Tuscans produced in Bolgheri use either exclusively Merlot, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah or unusual blends combining Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.

Your day begins with a pleasant ride to Bolgheri. Upon arrival, you will visit a boutique wine estate founded in 1983 and run by an adventurous, pioneer wine producer, the first to cultivate Syrah, Teroldego and Viognier and make wines out of 100% Vermentino and 100% Sangiovese grapes. After a tour of the vineyards and cellar, indulge in a wine tasting experience accompanied with freshly baked bread and locally produced olive oil.

You will then enjoy some free time for lunch before setting off for one of the greatest and most revered Super Tuscan estates. Here, after a private tour of the premises, you will be treated to the second wine tasting of the day.

Take in gorgeous views of Bolgheri’s castle and famous cypress-lined road before returning to the cruise ship in Livorno.