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Supertuscans are the result of the renaissance of Tuscan wine in the 1970s and 1980s. In the production regulations for Chianti Classico, the most important denomination in the central hills of Tuscany, the addition of white grape varieties was still mandatory at the time. In response, many committed winegrowers began experimenting with French varieties, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They wanted to give the then weak-chested and highly acidic Sangiovese more substance. Other winegrowers concentrated on the traditional Sangiovese variety and produced a single-varietal wine from it. Both variants were not permitted by wine law, the creative way out was called "Vino da Tavola".
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