Super Tuscan Wines – Episode #701

July 9, 2009

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Today Gary Vaynerchuk sits down with 3 Super Tuscan’s and some cheese.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(178) Leave a comment ›

  • “I am a fan of the STs, but they have gotten pretty pricey, as I guess …” by Dan-o
  • “QOTD: amazing food, amaaaazing olive oil, amaaaazing wine, gorgeous la…” by Brittany
  • View all 178 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Felsina FontalloroSuper Tuscan play review at cork'd
2006 Ornellaia Le Serre NuoveSuper Tuscan play review at cork'd
2005 Biserno Il PinoSuper Tuscan play review at cork'd

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Cheese mentioned in todays episode.

  • Pecorino Bigio Ash
  • Pecorino Formagiotto

If you’d like additional help with the above item or would just like to know a little bit more, please email Justin Novello ( justin@winelibrary.com ).

178 Responses

  1. July 9, 2009

    crank

    I’m in.

  2. July 9, 2009

    ChrisR

    Sweet, number 2!

  3. July 9, 2009

    Vanguy

    Cool – look forward to this

  4. July 9, 2009

    Mike Pos

    Top 10!

  5. July 9, 2009

    John Farrin

    5

  6. July 9, 2009

    Jeff S.

    I’m glad that you are continuing to nerd it up for us. I was just about to ask how to tell if a wine is “Super Tuscan”, when you showed us the label. Good job, GV!

    QOTD: When you say “Tuscany”, I say “Pass the Vino.”

  7. July 9, 2009

    purplejuicebruce

    I say Sangiovase, and I’m in.

  8. July 9, 2009

    sharon

    qotd: Umbria

  9. July 9, 2009

    Kirk

    Top 10?

  10. July 9, 2009

    Laurie in VT

    QOTD: vacation

    i liked this ep. Strange but fun!

  11. July 9, 2009

    Jeff H

    QOTD: Florence

  12. July 9, 2009

    Banknote

    Late start today Gary. I’ll watch this a little later, perhaps with some wine and cheese in hand.

  13. July 9, 2009

    John Farrin

    QOTD: Tuscany? Diane Lane in “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Sorry, but she’s sooooo hot for the over 50 crowd :)

  14. July 9, 2009

    Gary & Ray

    QOTD: casanova di neri brunello di montalcino 2001

  15. July 9, 2009

    mattyb_58

    QOTD: Go Meat! Made me think of the Hillshire Farms commercial.

    Never knew what Super Tuscan meant. I have been enlightened!

    Fung Shui Mott!!!

  16. July 9, 2009

    Kirk

    QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say Avvoltore.

  17. July 9, 2009

    jwink

    Thanks for the ustream behind the scenes look into the show and how hectic your world truly is.

    QOTD: I think of great Italian food and I’m NOT talking Olive Garden hahaha.

  18. July 9, 2009

    jwink

    Thanks for the usteam feed eariler to see the behind the scenes and how truly busy your world is with all of the other stuff going on too. (Liked the virgin video and long distance keynote too)

    QOTD: I think of great Italian food and I’m not talking Olive Garden HAHAHA

  19. July 9, 2009

    Jeff Smith

    Going to watch the show when I get home from the gym.
    Glad it is now up and am looking forward to 701.

    Thank you in advance

  20. July 9, 2009

    Jeremy

    I say, “Best food and wine, anywhere.”

  21. July 9, 2009

    Dr T in NC

    QOTD Tuscany = the Etruscans!

    Always glad when expensive wines make you pull those expressions; I feel a lot better with the great $12-25 wines I usually drink!

  22. July 9, 2009

    Elias

    Great episode! I actually love the Il Pino… I think it is a great food wine that goes well with a hearty braised lamb shank. It is a very weird wine, I will give you that. But I am all for the weirdos, I am a flavour weirdo myself, but I find the class of green and oak is quite dramatic. I understand where you come from though, it might feel a bit disjointed.

    QOTD: I think of a place in Italy I have not visited yet…

  23. July 9, 2009

    Alex of Los Angeles

    QOTD- drinking brunello in a villa with family and friends and a little old Italian lady cooking homemade pasta that has sausage and fresh pick tomatoes. Looking out of a window smelling the countryside. The villa is shadowed by a big shady tree. the next villa is 5 miles away. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh, heaven on earth.

  24. July 9, 2009

    Scott EJ

    What? A 92+ wine (No. 1) is now disappointing? Nah…the last two were bad enough, I get it.

    QOTD: Where I’m going in two years. Next year Spain…the following Italy. I’ve been a major wine vacation kick lately and Tuscany seemed as good a place as any. Still does.

    Thanks, G.

  25. July 9, 2009

    manonthemoon

    nice follow up to the big 700.

    QOTD: Either overrated or Italian food

  26. July 9, 2009

    ZachB

    …Diane Lane

  27. July 9, 2009

    KAHUNA

    Can I pay for the FoodNetwork Events with Funnymoney?

  28. July 9, 2009

    hugh

    QOTD: Brunello

    701 episodes, and i think, the first time u mention Springsteen. Let the record show that I am a huge fan-you’re a jersey boy-go get his ass on the show…or Little Steven at least!!!!!

  29. July 9, 2009

    KAHUNA

    QOTD: San Gimi

  30. July 9, 2009

    Mr Taz

    Woah! Dissing Bruce! I can’t believe it! You’re up there but he’s still the #1 Jersey Boy. If you forced me to choose between never drinking another bottle of wine and never hearing another Springsteen song, I’d definitely give up the wine.

  31. July 9, 2009

    Vinny

    Great show. I haven’t had the best luck choosing Super Tuscans, either. QOTD – Chianti.

  32. July 9, 2009

    Martin E

    QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say, “fusscany” – Great show!

  33. July 9, 2009

    Mike Dougherty

    Great episode. Love the Super Spray of Saliva. Congrats for entering the 700’s.

  34. July 9, 2009

    Thomas D.

    QOTD: When I hear Tuscany, the first thing that comes to mind is Guillaume du Fay and the wonderous motet he wrote for the consecration of the Duomo in Florence entitled “Nuper Rosarum Flores”. I admit that first and foremost, I am a music nerd.

    Also, is the only thing that differentiates super tuscans the price point?

  35. July 9, 2009

    Dominus

    I like the cheese pairing.

    QOTD: Beautiful place where I had an excursion where I hiked through the hills of the Carlo-Rossi villa and ended with a home cooked meal in one of their barns and, of course, a glass of their Chianti. Quite memorable.

    Cheers!

    P.S. Remember: No Jets players have ever “panned out.”

  36. July 9, 2009

    Adam J

    The first couple of minutes of tasting the last wine were classic. Your facial expressions were hilarious. Good show!
    QOTD: Chicken Liver

  37. July 9, 2009

    Sasha M.

    do they call them Super Tuscans in Italy or Tuscany?

    QOTD: You say Tuscany I say The Palio of Siena

  38. July 9, 2009

    oscar falcon lara

    Super Tuscans have been appearing in the local catalogs lately, specially from Vistorta and Sassicaia, and yes they’re expensive ( or at least they have higher prices )

    QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say: Medici.

  39. July 9, 2009

    guymandude

    I say ,Great wines. Sassicaia, Tignanello,Solaia,Summus,Excelsus, should I go on?

  40. July 9, 2009

    laposte

    QOTD:
    Dante Alighieri

  41. July 9, 2009

    Chateau_Plonk

    QOTD: A goodie basket of both modern and traditional wines at multiple price points.

  42. July 9, 2009

    Ian L

    Nice show to followup a great northern Tuscany dinner I had last night.

    QOTD: Wines that I cannot afford.

  43. July 9, 2009

    Nancy

    Gary,
    Fun show. Did you notice that the names of the wines you had on the show didn’t match the names printed on the bottom of the screen?

    QOTD- when I think tuscany I think future romantic vacation with the hubby! And hopefully a chance to learn traditional Italian cooking!

    Thanks Gary!

  44. July 9, 2009

    Andrew S

    Great show Gary, but I agree that it’s time for some value episodes again! Bring on the next J.Verdeens!

    QOTD: Boar

  45. July 9, 2009

    Gobi

    QOTD: I say Tignanello (my all time favorite) and great food.

  46. July 9, 2009

    Couves

    QOTD: Tuscany = Villas where one of the “amenities” for lodgers is picking wine grapes.

  47. July 9, 2009

    WineWoman

    QOTD: Under the Tuscan Sun….

    Loved the Vocab lesson–houligan, brouhaha. Not sure about the spelling??

  48. July 9, 2009

    melbourne rob

    nice wine nerd breakdown at the end there
    i haven’t had any of these ’super tuscans’ – so qotd: i look at you blankly

  49. July 9, 2009

    Glen,....winecrazy.com

    I like this episode. I am a big lover of the Supers. I remember drinking the Sassicaia, Ornelia and Tignanello all the time 10-12 years ago. They were very good back in the day and worth the money. But you are right, they have gone down in quality and up in price. Not good.

    QOTD: You say Tuscany, I say…book it Dan O!!! Let’s go… Montecatini baby!

  50. July 9, 2009

    David T (@ONUMello)

    QOTD: Florence

  51. July 9, 2009

    Everett Duke

    When you say Tuscany, I say new pastas at Pizza Hut.

  52. July 9, 2009

    RANDI

    GARY!!!!

    Great episode!

    QOTD: LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    XO
    ;)

  53. July 9, 2009

    PrimoVino

    Good show, GV… you hit quite the note with that whistle when pronouncing the ‘S’ that my dog popped his head up and looked around.

    QOTD: You say Tuscany and I think of Elisabetta Gregoraci and oil paint.

  54. July 9, 2009

    A-Gar

    Nice episode.

    Best moment, hands down: (Cue “seductive” look) “Gooooooogle him, non-sports fans.”

    QOTD: I say…Val d’Orcia. Beautiful.

  55. July 10, 2009

    Slushpuppy

    Tuscany-Bobuscany
    Smell it first. TR

  56. July 10, 2009

    Jeff Smith

    Good episode
    QOTD: I think of Simpsons Season 17 Episode 8 “The Italian Bob” Bob moves to Tuscany.

    Keep pumping the content. Hope the family is well.

  57. July 10, 2009

    paryb

    That was fun watching it the second time! You totally need to do more ustream buddy, I love it! (also when you are going to ustream in a tweet mention it by name, or be specific, so we know to turn it on)

    QOTD: You say Tuscany, I say Alfami Coast! Now if you say Italy I say Jessica…my sister and her fam are stationed in Italy for the next 4 years, and I can’t wait to get there to visit her!

  58. July 10, 2009

    Mike Nelson

    You say Tuscany and I say “green hills”. First thing that popped in my head. I hate bad wines too. I had an 2006 “Zinman” zinfandel that got a 86 WS score. It cost $11.99. It tasted like 2 buck chuck. I’m not sure what sucks more the bad taste in your mouth or the money stolen from your wallet that paid for the bad taste in your mouth.

    Did you like the cheese?

  59. July 10, 2009

    Earl

    I remember the trees, you know, those trees that are tall, but almost cedar like that really stand out against the fields.

    My first experience with toscany was when i met these other canadians and we camped illegally outside Siena and we drank this fantastic wine full of cherries and prunes alongside hotdogs over a fire at dusk to best hide the flame.

    Ah, I really need to get back to Tuscany and Italy in general to experience the finer life!

  60. July 10, 2009

    Mark

    Gary,
    This was one of the most On-Point, Real, True, Authentic (all those catch phrasey, bullshit words) episodes man.
    Your analysis and explanation and style in this episode was one of the best I’ve ever seen. You didn’t get too excited, and you shared a bunch of great information from beginning to end. Awesome episode.

  61. July 10, 2009

    castello

    qotd: The first thought is bad Chianti.
    Awesome show!
    I’ve had a couple decent tuscans but none could wear the Superman shirt. Overrrrraaaated, but, I will try the Fontanello. Shouldn’t you decant the big ass wines?
    What did the last wine do to your palete. Will it recover by Monday?

  62. July 10, 2009

    Rob from Vancouver

    Yo yo.

    Great show Gary V!

    QOTD: Seinfeld. “What do you mean there isn’t anywhere to rent.”

    I started watching your show about 6 months ago and it is the only reason that I am obsessed with wine now. It has been an amazing journey learning about wine from my own experience and from watching your show. I recently went up to the Okanagan (first time every going to a winery) to do some wine tours/B&Bing with my girlfriend and of course we watched your Okanagan episode and on the last legs of our trip we drove by the Tantalus winery and we had to stop and taste the fantastic riesling that you loved. Wine #1 link it up Mott! http://tv.winelibrary.com/2009/01/21/oh-canada-oh-kanagan-episode-611/

    So I made a video for you from the winery and posted it on youtube.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imjnj2JYXNU

    Leave a comment! Or email me back if you like the video. If not I will keep bugging you until you watching! haha

    Rob

  63. July 10, 2009

    Robert F

    Great episode, Gary. Have never tried a super tuscan – been too busy with obscure regions in France – Cahors, Vacqueyras, Bourgeuil, Madiran (love the tannat – just had one yesterday), etc.

    QOTD: The episode of Seinfeld where the maestro tells Jerry there aren’t any villas to rent in Tuscany, so he goes to Poppy’s family and rents one.

  64. July 10, 2009

    Medo

    I say Maremma! I had a great Sangiovese/Alicante blend out of the Maremma region last night and enjoyed it very much. Btw, did you every made a show about Maremma?!

    Cheers from Germany,

    Nico aka the big german guy from the Cruise :)

  65. July 10, 2009

    Seb

    Dear Gary,

    Big fan, have been watching all past episodes the last weeks. I think it’s great to see someone with such passion telling me about something I feel passioned about;wine.
    The Super Tuscans, I don’t know, price-quality wise I rather have a good Vino Nobile or something like Lungarotti Rubesco,Di Majo Norante Molise or Barbera d’Asti/Alba
    Congr. on your 700 + episode !
    Sebastiaan
    the Netherlands

  66. July 10, 2009

    Helge Hagener

    QOTD: Chianti (bad ones and good ones)

  67. July 10, 2009

    BrianAF

    Gary, great episode. I would like to comment on having expensive wines on the show. I think it is of great importance to have both expensive and inexpensive wines on the thunder show. And for the same reason. It would be nice to know what expensive (50-150$) bottles are worth getting. Although most wines people buy are not in this price point, it is good to know which ones to gravitate towards when a vayniac wants to go there.

    Qotd: Need to try more of them.

  68. July 10, 2009

    Richie

    QOTD: I say: Really ridiculous prices on german beer in Florence. About 4,50 euro for a small bottle which would cost about 0,50 euros in Germany. Thats what I remember from my trip to Tuscany.

  69. July 10, 2009

    Tracy

    The wines listed in the wines tasted this episode is completely wrong in fact 2 are the same wine.

    OOTD- Guado Al Tasso 2003 awesome wine!

  70. July 10, 2009

    Anders

    Good episode. Didn’t know about supert’s before. But have drunk IGT, some good, some not so good.

    QOTD: Amedei chocoalte and the year 2007, me and the girlfriend driving our motorhome down to Tuscany and spending 10 days there and another 15 on the road through France and Germany.

  71. July 10, 2009

    Phredd

    Nice episode. Will all due respect to Robert Parker, I hate the term “Super Tuscan”. It doesn’t tell you anything about the wine. It could be 100% sangiovese and taste just like a Chianti Classico, or it could be mostly cabernet sauvignon and taste like a Bordeaux, or it could be a blend and taste like a California meritage. It might be a good wine, or it might completely suck. All you can be sure of is that a “Super Tuscan” is going to be pricey. Stupid term. You clarified as best you could, though, and I enjoyed the episode.

    QOTD: You say, “Tuscany”, and I say, “stalemate line”. Word association goes weird places. That’s a reference to the game of Diplomacy, which I’m sure 93.2% of the people who read this won’t know anything about. It is the first exposure to the region I ever had, so it sticks. Still the best game ever, too.

  72. July 10, 2009

    Nick P

    I say retirement.

  73. July 10, 2009

    Glen

    QOTD: La Magia Brunello 2001 Riserva

    Nice episode.

  74. July 10, 2009

    mjr

    Buscany!

    the 1st wine sounds good. i’ll try n chase it down in tokyo.

    mjr
    tokyo

  75. July 10, 2009

    Phil Oxera

    Tuscan wines are 100% food wines. Congrats on the #700. You have eaten the dirt, not to mention the cat’s pee and the sheep’s butt. Is there anything you would’nt do for us?

  76. July 10, 2009

    David

    ..if your buying im flying

  77. July 10, 2009

    Chippewamike

    You say Tuscany, I say pasta (not sure why ;) ).

    Nice show. Like the “giddyness”.

  78. July 10, 2009

    GlennB

    wines in show don’t match the wine listed as tasted?

  79. July 10, 2009

    Uncle Meate

    AOTD: Oven (?)

    PS – Who has the job of cutting the cheese. That would be the life!

  80. July 10, 2009

    SiggiWine

    QOTD: You say Tuscany I think sour, funny, wired but good wines exp. with food…

  81. July 10, 2009

    RichE

    QOTD:
    You say Tuscany
    I say Show me your Olives, Grapes and Beautiful Architecture.

  82. July 10, 2009

    arvino

    Good focus on the wines! I was very enthusiastic when gary started the show with the introduction of the pecorino (cheese), it seems he was not that in to it? Maybe he did like the cheese but where to focus on the wines to go a little bit deeper in to the cheese. Try the pecorino with some honey, that is delicious!

    QOTD: Hope to see you there, at the end of september in the vineyards for grape harvest.
    My father, brothers and me go every year to italy for an active vacation to friends in SanGimignano who have a vineyard.

  83. July 10, 2009

    MaRc

    thanks for the tuscan nerd-pisode…unfortunate enough that it wasn’t superb.

    When you say Tuscany, I say, “Baby, pack up…we’re going on a road trip!”

  84. July 10, 2009

    zeppo55

    Gary,

    Bruce is like a $200 bottle of wine. You think its all hype and overpriced but then when
    you experience it you get the nuances and understand its value.If your going to diss any
    band from NJ please make it Bon Jovi from now on.

  85. July 10, 2009

    Phil G

    QOTD – The maestro said there are no places available there. In all of Tuscany…

  86. July 10, 2009

    SurfCityJay

    Great show… always have liked the STs… found the Felsina at a local shop… can’t wait to try it…

    QOTD: Diane Lane… ohhhhh, baby!!!

  87. July 10, 2009

    Jacob L.

    Thanks for clarifying the whole “Super Tuscan” thing. For some reason, I always had some weird image in my head of a wine bottle with a cape, and I never bothered to educate myself out of it.

    QOTD: Hills and villas and beautiful Italian ladies.

  88. July 10, 2009

    CHICAGO MARK

    TUSCANY…MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN CHICAGO…ESPECIALLY THE ONE ON TAYLOR ST !!

  89. July 10, 2009

    Myles

    As you were describing grape breakdown of the Ornellaia, as soon as I heard the 6% and that flicker in your eyes I KNEW the words PETIT VERDOT were coming! I have to admit even when you describe a wine as like eating an action figure dipped in dirt and bird poop, you say it so enthusiastically that it makes me want to try it anyway!

    Congrats on 700, keep em’ cominng!

  90. July 10, 2009

    chef

    Diane Lane! shes my dream milf. soo hot want to touch the hiney. AAOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!

  91. July 10, 2009

    ChicagoMatt

    Gary,

    I’m new to the show and am trying to catch up. My boss has been on a two-week vacation, so I’ve logged some serious Thunder Show time. Question: Does Mott like anything??? Dude dissed the sake guy…hates the nose on all the wines lately…maybe he needs a hug.

    QOD: Honeymoon. Florence & Siena with a day in Montalcino. Great trip. I love the wines of that region. My first region of true wine obsession.

  92. July 10, 2009

    Terence Fox

    Pecorino and Tuscan wine is still my favorite pairing of all time, I wish you had talked about the cheese a little more. But maybe that’s just because I’m hungry.

    I’d be excited to see some $10 and under wines next week.

    QOTD: I say “Americans”. The only place in Italy I heard English being spoken on a regular basis, and usually loud, obnoxious English at that. You’re right about how much us Americans love that place.

  93. July 10, 2009

    JasonA

    That last wine was messing with ya huh Gary!! :)

    QOTD: I think of super tuscan wines. And possibly a wine region I havent tasted from yet. The prices tend to get up there it seems for a super tuscan.

    Jason

  94. July 10, 2009

    Christopher Scoggin

    Way out of my price point but interesting show. Especially appreciate the Professor VG time at the end to explain what the heck a Super Tuscan is. Even more then pulling the average cost down on the show bring back the education. I love the fun shows but it was the learning that brought me in in the first place.

    QOTD: You say Tuscany, I say muscany? Seriously, what first comes to mind it Brenough’s(sp?) Much Ado. Not even sure if that is where it was filmed but that is what it made me think of.

  95. July 10, 2009

    ktf

    When you say Tuscany I say wine! Now, just for shits and giggles (unless it is too late) lets try the wine yo did not like after they have been open for a day or two. That would be fun!!

    Ken

  96. July 10, 2009

    Chris The Cop

    QOTD-Italian whores

  97. July 10, 2009

    MarcBelgium

    I really love your shows.
    This one was very nice.
    I adore super tuscans. Have some in my cellar.

    Tracy, Guado al Tasso is indeed awesome.

  98. July 10, 2009

    BurroBoy

    #1 brought the thunder and #3 just about brought tears…
    who cut the cheese?

    QOTD: One of our dogs, Mitchie is part Maremma. She is a great pal.

  99. July 10, 2009

    MarcBelgium

    I ‘ve been more then 20 times to Tuscany. In summer and in winter.
    When I say Tuscany;
    I used to say: If God exists – I say if – then Paradise is in Tuscany.
    I used to say that. Since three year I know that Paradis is not in Tuscany but in California. And they make also great wines overthere.

  100. July 10, 2009

    shawnandlu

    Tell that new intern to get it together and match up the right wines with links next time. And oh yea intern go get me another cup of coffee. Free labor just isn’t what it used to be.

  101. July 10, 2009

    Jay Campbell

    Whoa Whao Whao… I have to call you out on the “always show up for my events” quote. Great American Food and Music Fest??? Understandable that you had to miss it due to the new addition, but still, just had to point that out. :)

    Don’t worry, the Scott Norwood reference made everything ok.

  102. July 10, 2009

    Adrian aka AnGkEr

    Nice one GV..even after so many episodes….you still bring the THUNDER!!!

  103. July 10, 2009

    W. Miree

    QOTD: When you say “Tuscany,” I say “Great wine, Great food, Great Landscape, and Great art.” I have been a fan of Fontalloro for years, and especially love it because of its predominant Sangiovese. For my taste, it usually needs 8-10 years of age to reach its peak, but I have drunk and loved it with more age. I have had an earlier vintage of the Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove once and was modestly impressed. I have never had the Il Pino, and probably won’t look for it given your review (I really don’t like “green” wines.

    Despite the poor showing of two of the wines, this was an extremely well done show. There was a lot of knowledge and good advice given. Congratulations!

  104. July 10, 2009

    Murso

    Many Italian red wines, across the entire spectrums of geography/climate, varietal, and quality, maintain evidence of relatively strong acid. For this, they can never truly be MY favorites, though I still love and enjoy scores of Italian wines from all ranges. Also, note that acids present in red wines are not the same as acids in white wines, and when you say ‘acid freak’, it’s much quicker to mind to think of the S.B.’s, Rieslings, Chards, the many 2nd and third tier grapes like Albarino, and the numerous Italo-Euro white varietals that I love to enjoy. Super Tuscans remain a loosely defined, loosely regulated, and hugely experimental category with at least as much variance in character (and quality), as they might be defined by some common, or unifying characteristics (aside from general geography).

    QotD – You say Tuscany. I say Uffizi, Firenze. This is the world famous Museum/Gallery built in the 1500’s by the Medici family, and is home to many of the World’s most famous and historically important works, especially European works of the Renaissance period.

    When I laid eyes on Boticelli’s grand “The Birth of Venus”, I actually cried, the beauty was so overpowering.

  105. July 10, 2009

    Richard Arblaster

    Great episode again Gary :)

    You say Tuscany I say “does not compute”, it’s been a long week, brain is into wind down mode.

  106. July 10, 2009

    Mike Alvin

    Dude, that was some funny stuff. I loved that episode. For the first time while watching WLTV, when you first sprayed while talking, whistled, and called the furniture dude a hoodlum I was straight up cracking up! Great show!

  107. July 10, 2009

    Harp

    QOTD: Ambivalent
    1 of the Super Tuscans you tried was 100% Sangiovese(not even a blend). No reason to be called a Super Tuscan.. just write Sangiovese on the bottle.
    –Harp
    Register4Wine.com

  108. July 10, 2009

    Art Insight TV

    You say Tuscany — I say — Sex in a dry afternoon villa with the sea salt smell in the air. Deep black hair stuck to the side of her face from sticky sweat. Surrounded by orange and yellow-green overlaid with pale-yellowish stained curtains that for a moment wave in a Mediterranean breeze. A breeze that heightens the smell of that slow secret seduction while swaying her off to sleep. — Damn I have to bring the wifey to Italy — NOW!

  109. July 10, 2009

    Jayhitek

    I thought it was NJ state law to love the Bruce. Shocking observation.
    QOTD: BOO!
    Only because Jaime Kennedy had that movie where he was a hard core white rapper and yelled on stage, “When I saw Mala, You say BOO! Mala! BOOOOOOOOOOO!! (Malibu)

  110. July 10, 2009

    Andy Wileman

    Hi GV,

    Nice episode. Long time lurker, will try posting more and more. I like the “gamy like Serrano ham” line. Most people don’t think of ham as gamy, but when it’s a Spanish style ham with a silky fat play. Yum.

    Also – “smells like the color green”. HA! I can taste purple. Synesthesiac?

    QOTD: A place I REALLY want to visit.

    Andy

  111. July 10, 2009

    Kevin K

    QOTD: Tomato.

    This was a good episode. Seemed like “back to basics”.

  112. July 10, 2009

    ben from boston

    renaissance.

  113. July 10, 2009

    Grant

    Great episode, lots of wine-directed enthusiasm, as opposed to your normal generalized enthusiasm.

    QOTD: You say Tuscany, i say TOURIST TRAP! Partially kidding, but you gotta know where to go (and not go).

  114. July 10, 2009

    dc7

    Bring back the Roaring Forties.

  115. July 10, 2009

    Kevin C

    At those price points, hard to take a 33% success rate. This puts Super Tuscans in the special occasion category for me, and I don’t want to take a chance on a miss for a special occasion so I’ll stcik with something a know I’m going to love.

    QOTD: Romantic

  116. July 10, 2009

    Mark Fitzpatrick

    You say “Tuscany” I’m thinking…

    1. Pizza Hut

    2. Cat Food ad I’ve seeing

    It’s ABUSE of the word Tuscany damn it ;)

  117. July 10, 2009

    Joe R.

    QOTD: You say Tuscany, I think…

    Lightning.

    I have had the tremendous pleasure of visiting Tuscany twice so far in my lifetime. My friend’s father owns a villa just north of Montalcino (where Banfi’s vineyards are located), and during two consecutive summers when I was in highschool I visited there with my parents and younger sister.

    One night, after we had eaten dinner, a heavy thunderstorm in the area took out all of the electrical power in the villa. Standing in near darkness, I watched for about twenty minutes as bright flashes of lightning struck the hills all around me and illuminated the undulating landscape; it was one of the most gorgeous natural spectacles that I have ever witnessed.

    Of course, when I think of Tuscany I also think of a million other things – delicious food and wine, bright patches of sunflowers, soil so rich that you almost want to eat it (I know that you would, Gary), as well as ancient cities and small towns and all of the art and history, etc. However, that brilliant lightning striking the dark distant hills all around me is something that I will never forget… it was an experience that literally “brought the thunder” :)

  118. July 10, 2009

    nick v

    Informative episode, proves the point that when it comes to Super-Tuscans price dosn’t always dictate quality.
    QOTD: Gnocchi and wild boar sauce

  119. July 10, 2009

    mike z

    im with you on Bruce. Just bc im from Jersey, doesnt mean i have to worship him. give me born in the USA on July 4th and im good.

  120. July 10, 2009

    Lawrence Leichtman

    Sienna, maybe Florence. Yeah there are a lot of Americans there but the food and wine is great, the views gorgeous and just speak Italian and ignore the Americans. Your tasting reflects my experience with Super Tuscans, some OK, some great, always expensive, kinda of like Italian women.

  121. July 10, 2009

    RodneyStrong09

    If you want to “hate” on an aging rocker from New Jersey go with that wannabe Bon Jovi and leave Bruce (a true American icon) alone. QOTD: Another place I will never visit, but hey I can drink the wine….

  122. July 10, 2009

    NY Pete

    QOTD … you say Tuscany, I say Brunello … I love Brunello.

  123. July 10, 2009

    Jarvis

    QOTD: Old world wines that are out of my budget.

  124. July 10, 2009

    Rich

    ok- since I went to the Jets v. Oakland AFL Championship Game, and the ‘68 season is so near an dear to my heart, I will ask you a question of the day— without looking at a book for reference, can you name the 22 starters on offense and defense for that team (feel free to email me your response).

    I love Super Tuscans– I visited Antinori last summer and fell in love with both Tignanello and the Solia. I have both sitting in my basement for future consumption.

  125. July 10, 2009

    Robert Howells

    Gary, I am an old school Vayniac (howlr5) but you have dropped a few notches for slagging “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen. I will put Springsteens catalogue of music up against Lionel Ritchie’s any day.

  126. July 10, 2009

    AmandaM

    I haven’t commented in about 400 episodes, so it’s time.

    This is a solid, classic Gary episode. I’m a big fan of the solo episodes where you eat cheese and enjoy yourself, even if the wines are less than stellar. It really reminds me of when I started watching (Summer 2007). I agree about the high price points. I’m not a CKC anymore, but I’m still on the same budget. Lower priced wines are more up my alley.

    QOTD: Wines that I love. Gotta travel there sometime soon.

  127. July 10, 2009

    Thomas Moore

    You say Tuscany….I say “I need to take a trip”

  128. July 11, 2009

    wayno da wino

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOA, Super Tuscans in da Hizzy!!!!!!! Can’t wait to watch
    this one!!!!! :)

  129. July 11, 2009

    wayno da wino

    Yo G, SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPER Episode!!!!!! But don’t be poisonin’ da
    Mottster!!! :)

    qotd: You say “Tuscany”… I say “I wanna go there”….

  130. July 11, 2009

    wiljak

    QOTD: You say Toscana, I say played out like Arnold with the whatchu talkin’ bout Willis.

    X Clan talked about “to the east, my brotha, to the east…” but if they did a song about wine in Italy it would be “to the south, my brotha, to the south”.

  131. July 11, 2009

    YoungDave

    QOTD: …I Say: Rosso di Montalcino! (or) Vino Nobile di Montepulciano! (or) Morellino di Scansano! THESE are the wines that I think represent uniqueness and value in this region dominated by the higher price-commanding Brunellos and “Super Tuscans.” Morellino is a recent favorite of mine…DO A MORELLINO DI SCANSANO EPISODE!!! SOON!

    Cheers…

  132. July 11, 2009

    Thomas_S

    QOTD: My best holidays ever. My favourite wine from Tuscany is the Brancaia il blue.

  133. July 11, 2009

    Jack Turner

    Gary, Great episode, really like the cheese and wine paring…have you tried cab with Paive? It is a cow cheese that is a little nutty and it has some umpf too. I think it really helps to bring out the quality or lack theere of the fruit in the wine.

  134. July 11, 2009

    Jim in Atlanta

    I agree with you on the Boss. He is a legend in the music industry, but never did much for me. When you say Tuscany I think of a beautiful area with old hill towns and excellent wine. I do want to go back, even if everyone else does too.

  135. July 11, 2009

    Robert Holmberg

    QTOD: I love Tuscany and especially Chianti Classico Riservas. For my palate (and wallet) the CC Riservas are perfect, sour cherries and a bit of oak. My favourite producer in Tuscany is Mazzei. If all you guys havent tried their wines, you have to.

  136. July 11, 2009

    Bill H

    In general I’ve had a pretty good track record with super Tuscans. Going to have to disagree with you big time about Bruce though, the man is a legend.

    qotd – antinori

  137. July 11, 2009

    GatorGunner

    My new fave WLTV line….”There’s a dark-horse chance I hate this wine.” Too funny!

  138. July 11, 2009

    Don

    Gary — thanks for the Super Tuscan edumacation, very interesting stuff.

    QOTD: I SAY SANGIOVESE!!!!

  139. July 11, 2009

    David Dadekian

    QOTD: Siena and the Tower of Mangia. Climbed it in April of 1997 and can’t wait to get back.

  140. July 11, 2009

    MattE

    QOTD: Summer vacation! 2 weeks in Italy (August 14-29). Looking for some fun things to do in Milan, Venice, Florence & Rome.

  141. July 11, 2009

    Harry

    opera and wine
    why was the Fontallo avoiding a more traditional tuscan category if its all sangio?

  142. July 11, 2009

    Senator

    QOTD: I say, “Let’s go!”

    I’ve only had Ornellaia once in my life, and that was in French Polynesia of all places. My wife and I had dinner with the owner of a Virginia winery and he introduced us to it. Yum. The wine had grip.

  143. July 11, 2009

    David J Cooper

    QOTD. Asinone. Along with Fontaloro the truest expression of the great grape Sangiovese.

    My favorite IGT is Campaccio. Great episode. This is my first comment.

  144. July 11, 2009

    rowland

    Gary … Gary. Gary I swear to GOD if you go to a Long Island winery before you come to the Hudson Valley, Im seriously gonna freak out. Im talking about rabbid aneurysm breakstuff freak out.

    … lol yea you did just whistle while saying Shhhhhtrawberry … on no now im whistling too.

    dude i seriously hate Burce Springstein. Always taking Max Wineberg from Conan. Yea I love The Beatles, Elvis, and Cash (Cash was the King).

    … chalky cheese lol.

    oh my god i wish i could have seen Mott’s face then, you could hear his disgust, mmmm lol

    QOTD: eh, actully this ones just not ringing the bell, sorry gary. PEACE.

  145. July 12, 2009

    John D.

    Alright, so my mom loved Bruce BIG TIME in the 80s, back when I was in middle school. During the summer, she had his Born in the USA album on repeat 24/7, which was burned indelibly into my cranium…

    QOTD: just to piss you off Gary, I’m going with Diane Lane in the movie Under The Tuscan Sun, because she’s just plain hot. And Brunello isn’t too bad either…

  146. July 12, 2009

    thunderball (dave)

    ORENO. If you would be so kind as to have some Oreno on WLTV I think we’ll both be happy.

    Great show by the way. :)

  147. July 12, 2009

    VinoPaolo

    GV, great show. You nailed the Felsina Fontolloro. Spectacular wine.

    I think you enjoyed the 2005 better than previous vintages because ‘05 was a bit warmer. The normally very earthy, forest-floor cult sangioveses like Fontolloro will benefit from more ripeness of fruit, and seem more balanced.

    I remember tasting several ‘05 Le Serre Nuove and they were oak monsters and overripe.

    If you really want to try a ridiculous Italian Bordeaux-blend, I DARE you to blind taste a San Leonardo (from Trentino-Alto Adige) next to a left bank Bordeaux at twice the price. I already know what will win :)

    QOTD: Case Basse Soldera Brunello di Montalcino, if you can find one. For non-wine, Tuscany condures images of Michelangelo’s statues in Florence, the Palio running in Siena, and rolling hills with cypress and olive trees.

  148. July 12, 2009

    DAveA

    good show

    QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say “let’s go”.

  149. July 12, 2009

    Sonia

    Had a super Tuscan only once before, my aunt brought it over and it was amazing. One of the first “serious” wines I ever had, but I haven’t had any since. Price points and not knowing for sure if I like what I’m buying have kept me from exploring them further.
    QOTD: first thing I think of is an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations where he was in Tuscany, he talked about Dante and spent time with people who pretty much looked like they were living the good life.

  150. July 12, 2009

    Alos

    Food :-)

  151. July 12, 2009

    kathyintex ( kathyd )

    Nice show!
    QOTD – Tuscany? I say – Antinori/Tignenello – Luscious wine! I’d love to go someday, but so many great wine regions to visit here in the USofA -

  152. July 12, 2009

    Andrew D

    Thanks Gary

    QOTD: best holiday ever!

    Cheers
    Andrew

  153. July 12, 2009

    bluna

    QOTD olive oil !

  154. July 12, 2009

    wyld

    QOTD: Buscany

  155. July 13, 2009

    Brayden

    OH my god…….yes yes yes!! You are so damn funny, knowledgable and just a great person to watch decribe these wines. So full of info and I love some of your descripitive words you use. I am going threw a month long training process for a fine dining place in parkcity utah and this is helping me alot… thanks for your passion and funny carisma….cheers

  156. July 13, 2009

    M

    I am not only here for the entertainment and wine nerdy education. I am also here for the fantastic analogies.

    QOTD: Chianti
    QOTD: beautiful country

  157. July 13, 2009

    M

    I am not only here for the entertainment and wine nerdy education. I am also here for the fantastic analogies.

    QOTD: Chianti
    QOTD: beautiful country (I get a picture in my head of Tuscany when you say Tuscany)

  158. July 13, 2009

    Mauricio Fernandes

    Nice show again GV!!

    QOTD: Honeymoon. I am planning mine next february, and I want to spend a couple days in Bolgheri.

    Best wishes,

    Mauricio Fernandes
    (your #1 Brazilian fan)

  159. July 13, 2009

    Gibb Brown

    Great show as always,love to see cheese on the show. qotd: who’s buying the tickets.

  160. July 13, 2009

    Vinophile

    Oh WOW!! When you say, “Tuscany,” I say the most AWESOME Italian food/wine experience of my life—right THERE…in Tuscany…in the cellar of a rural Fiorenza (Florence) winery surrounded by racks and barrels of Tuscan wines…”Grandma Nonna” (who looked just like any one of my great-aunts) cooking a homey, gourmet Italian feast off in a corner. BELLISSIMO!!

  161. July 13, 2009

    Ryan Heffern

    Been watching on my iPod and TiVo for a while. Just started watching online. Love the tags; love the show.

    QOTD: Cinghiale (wild boar). Went to Tuscany in the spring of ‘08 and have missed the cinghiale ragu ever since. Nobile di Montepulciano rocked too.

  162. July 13, 2009

    Chalz

    good show, learned some stuff…that’s the point of WLTV!

    Qoted: I say…Gaiole. Great place to visit and drink decent Chianti

  163. July 13, 2009

    K-9 Cop

    Another great show in the bucket. Not a pecorino fan but loving the Super Tuscans. Had a great experience touring there last year off season to avoid the tourist crush. Greve in Chianti is an ideal place to start out.

    When you say Tuscany…..I say Porchetta!

  164. July 13, 2009

    JayZee

    Interesting and yet disappointing show given the potential of the class of wines being tasted. Oh, well. BTW, don’t feel bad about tasting some high-end wines from time to time. Some of us CAN buy such wines and like to get your take on them.

    QOTD: San Gimignano – one of the coolest places to visit on Earth. It is a beautiful walled city like Siena but without all of the crowds in the evening. In fact, they clear out the city at about 6 PM and if you are staying in a hotel there, you and the locals are the only ones there. Plus it also has a macabre Museum of Torture.

  165. July 13, 2009

    Marc-China Wine Tours

    QOTD: peaceful, beautiful, delicious wine, olive oil, villas!

  166. July 13, 2009

    pawncop

    Good episode and good information.

    QOTD – Another wine group I have not tried.

  167. July 13, 2009

    Will Gosling

    QOTD: I say, “I wanna go!” It’s definitely on the list of wine places to visit.

  168. July 13, 2009

    gomestar

    QOTD: when you say Tuscany, I say it was one magnificent vacation.

  169. July 14, 2009

    A dumb Rhine king

    QOTD: Where’s the vines? I say that because when we were in Italy two years ago, we took the SR2 from Abbadia San Salvatore to Pisa and back and then the next day to Florence and back, but didn’t see one vine from the road. If you’ve ever been down that stretch, you know that you can see for miles. Obviously there are many vineyards and wineries in the area, we just completely missed them. Next time we’re in Italy, I hope to do more of a wine tour than a hurried history tour.

  170. July 14, 2009

    Weston

    qotd: Cheesy Love Story

  171. July 14, 2009

    frank sweeney

    Loved your father’s day show!, I lost my dad this year and he and I enjoyed and shared a passion for wine. I posted your episode on my facebook page in his memory and for all of those who have lost a father. Your Dad is one cool dude and that is clearly genetic, thanks, Frank

  172. July 14, 2009

    Ryan D

    QotD: Honeymoon!!!

  173. July 14, 2009

    Sal B

    Gary- I’m new to the show. watched this episode because i like Tuscan wines. I have to say the look on your face was classic when you tasted the il Pino- you looked like you were going to vomit- made me chuckle. Keep up the great shows, will continue to watch. will be coming up to the Library soon to pick up an order and check out the store. Sal

  174. July 14, 2009

    RonD

    QOTD: …where a really passe architectural style came from

  175. July 16, 2009

    teckdeck2008

    Qotd: overrated wines…then i think about how fun it would be just to visit, my initial reaction is the way the media has over advertised the wine.

  176. July 18, 2009

    Sassodoro

    Hmmmm. When I click on the Il Pino link to go to the Wine Library page for it, you quote the Wine News description, “Medium ruby hue. Pauillac-like aromas of black currant, citrus peel and graphite are perfectly charming and show no herbaceousness. Well-integrated flavors of blackberry, dried herbs and spicy cedar offer hints of mocha. Elegant close. 2,300 cases” No herbaceousness? You were emphasizing how green it was. Were you and Wine News tasting the same wine?

  177. July 20, 2009

    Brittany

    QOTD: amazing food, amaaaazing olive oil, amaaaazing wine, gorgeous landscape…but overhyped and tooooo many tourists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  178. July 26, 2009

    Dan-o

    I am a fan of the STs, but they have gotten pretty pricey, as I guess many popular wine regions have.

    QOTD – laid back scenic beauty, wine and food.

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