Marchese Mario Incisa della Roccheta is widely credited for initiating the “Super Tuscan” movement. He and his wife carried Cabernet Sauvignon vines from Bordeaux when they moved to coastal Tuscany in the 1940s and planted them to make wine solely for personal family consumption. His wine garnered international acclaim when his relative Piero Antinori convinced him to sell to the general public, but the local wine DOC governing body was upset that he used French varieties instead of indigenous Italian grapes. As punishment he was forced to label these wines as vino da tavola, or table wine, but this did not stop his Sassicaia, nor similar wines made by his neighbors from obtaining cult status in the American market.
Excerpt Taken From: Robb Report
Author: Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
