Wine Denomination from Tuscany
Morellino di Scansano DOCG represents one of Tuscany's most exciting wine regions, producing elegant, accessible Sangiovese-based reds from the sun-drenched hills of the southern Maremma. The denomination takes its name from the local term "Morellino," referring to the Sangiovese grape variety grown in this area, and the hilltop town of Scansano, the historic heart of the production zone. These wines capture the essence of coastal Tuscany—warm, ripe fruit balanced by Mediterranean freshness, all at prices significantly lower than Tuscany's more famous wine regions.
The Maremma region was once a wild, sparsely populated coastal area plagued by malaria, but extensive land reclamation and drainage projects in the 19th and 20th centuries transformed it into prime agricultural land. Winemaking traditions in Scansano date back centuries, with local families cultivating Sangiovese (locally called Morellino) on the area's hillsides. The wine earned DOC status in 1978 and was elevated to DOCG in 2007, recognizing its consistent quality and growing international reputation.
What distinguishes Morellino di Scansano from other Tuscan Sangiovese wines is its location—closer to the sea and at generally lower elevations than Chianti or Montalcino. This coastal position and warmer climate produce riper, softer, more immediately approachable wines with generous fruit and gentle tannins. The wines maintain Sangiovese's characteristic red fruit and acidity but express themselves in a more Mediterranean, sun-kissed style.
The Morellino di Scansano production zone encompasses seven communes in the province of Grosseto: Scansano, Magliano in Toscana, Manciano, Campagnatico, Roccalbegna, Semproniano, and part of Grosseto itself. The vineyards are located between 150 and 500 meters above sea level, with the finest sites typically found in the 200-400 meter range. This positioning provides crucial elevation to moderate the coastal heat while maintaining warmth and sunshine for full phenolic ripeness.
The terrain consists of rolling hills with varied exposures, creating numerous mesoclimates within the zone. The proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, just 15-25 kilometers distant, provides moderating maritime influences including cooling breezes that temper summer heat and reduce diurnal temperature variation compared to interior Tuscan regions. This sea influence contributes to the wines' softer, rounder character while the hillside positions ensure adequate drainage and air circulation.
Soils are diverse and complex, ranging from volcanic tufa and clay to sandy and calcareous compositions. The southern portion of the zone features more volcanic soils mixed with clay, while the northern areas contain more limestone and rocky components. This diversity allows producers to craft wines with different characters—volcanic soils tend to produce more structured, mineral wines, while sandy soils yield more aromatic, elegant expressions. The generally mineral-rich soils contribute to the wines' distinctive earthy, Mediterranean herb character.
The climate is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Annual rainfall averages 600-700mm, concentrated in autumn and winter, while summers are typically dry. The growing season benefits from abundant sunshine—over 2,500 hours annually—allowing consistent ripening. The sea breezes moderate heat during the day and provide cooling at night, preserving acidity and aromatic freshness while allowing phenolic ripeness.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG must be produced from a minimum of 85% Sangiovese (locally called Morellino), with up to 15% of other authorized red varieties permitted. Traditional blending partners include native varieties like Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, and Colorino, which add aromatic complexity and soften tannins. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also permitted and used by some producers to create more modern, internationally styled wines.
DOCG regulations mandate maximum yields of 9 tonnes per hectare (63 hectoliters per hectare), significantly lower than the broader DOC limits, ensuring concentration and quality. Minimum alcohol content is 12%, though most wines achieve 13-14% due to the warm climate. Standard Morellino di Scansano can be released after January 1st following harvest, while the Riserva designation requires minimum 13% alcohol and at least two years of aging before release, including at least one year in oak barrels.
Vineyard management typically employs modern training systems such as Guyot, cordon spur, or spurred cordon, with planting densities ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 vines per hectare. Harvest occurs in late September through October, generally 2-3 weeks earlier than interior Tuscan regions due to the warmer coastal climate. Many producers practice selective hand harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness and quality.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG expresses Sangiovese in a distinctly Mediterranean style. The wines display a ruby-red color with violet highlights in youth, evolving toward garnet with age. On the nose, Morellino offers a generous bouquet of red and black fruits—cherry, blackberry, plum, and raspberry—complemented by notes of Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), violets, leather, and subtle spice. The coastal influence often manifests as a mineral, saline quality that distinguishes these wines from interior Tuscan Sangiovese.
On the palate, Morellino di Scansano demonstrates medium to full body with supple texture and rounded tannins. The wines are notably more approachable in youth than many Tuscan Sangiovese wines, with ripe fruit flavors, moderate acidity, and soft, integrated tannins. Flavors mirror the aromatics—ripe cherries, plums, herbs, and earth—finishing with the characteristic Sangiovese savory quality and a touch of Mediterranean scrubland character. The overall impression is one of warmth, generosity, and immediate pleasure.
Standard Morellino di Scansano is designed for early consumption, offering fresh fruit, gentle structure, and food-friendly character at accessible prices. These wines are best enjoyed within 3-5 years of vintage, served slightly cooled to enhance their refreshing qualities. They pair beautifully with everyday meals and casual dining.
Morellino di Scansano Riserva represents a more serious expression, crafted from better vineyard sites and aged longer in oak. These wines show greater concentration, structure, and complexity, with more pronounced tannins, deeper color, and enhanced aging potential. Oak aging (typically in French barriques or larger Slavonian botti) adds notes of vanilla, tobacco, and cedar while softening the wine's edges. Riserva wines can evolve gracefully over 8-12 years, developing tertiary aromas of leather, dried fruits, and earthy complexity.
Morellino di Scansano's approachable character and Mediterranean profile make it exceptionally versatile with food, particularly the hearty cuisine of the Maremma region. The wine is the traditional accompaniment to cinghiale (wild boar), prepared as a rich stew (cinghiale in umido) or grilled. The wine's structure and savory character complement the gamey, rich meat perfectly. Other classic pairings include acquacotta, a traditional peasant soup with vegetables and bread, and tortelli maremmani, filled pasta with ricotta and spinach.
Grilled and roasted meats find excellent companions in Morellino di Scansano. Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak), salsiccia (Italian sausage), agnello (lamb), and anatra (duck) all pair beautifully with both standard and Riserva bottlings. The wine's acidity cuts through fatty meats while its fruit and structure match their intensity. Pecorino toscano cheese, particularly aged versions, creates classic regional pairings.
Tomato-based pasta dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale (wide noodles with wild boar ragù), pasta all'amatriciana, and lasagna work excellently with Morellino. The wine's acidity complements tomato's natural acidity while its body stands up to rich meat sauces. Pizza, grilled vegetables with olive oil, and mushroom dishes also find harmony with this wine.
For international cuisine, Morellino di Scansano pairs well with barbecue, grilled burgers, Mexican dishes like tacos or enchiladas, and Mediterranean preparations featuring lamb, eggplant, or roasted peppers. Serve standard Morellino slightly cool at 14-16°C to enhance freshness, while Riserva wines benefit from service at 16-18°C in large Bordeaux-style glasses.
The Morellino di Scansano zone benefits from a mix of historic local producers and newer estates that have invested in the region's potential. Fattoria Le Pupille stands as the denomination's flagship producer, with their premium "Poggio Valente" Riserva demonstrating Morellino's capacity for elegance and complexity. Proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti has been instrumental in elevating the region's reputation. Terenzi produces excellent traditional-style Morellino with authenticity and character.
Roccapesta crafts sophisticated, terroir-driven wines that balance power with finesse, while Fattoria di Magliano focuses on organic viticulture and expressive wines from their historic estate. Podere 414 and Fattoria dei Barbi (the famous Brunello producer with holdings in Morellino) offer quality at various price points, demonstrating the denomination's diversity and value.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG represents outstanding value in the Tuscan wine landscape, with standard DOCG bottlings typically priced between $15-25—significantly less than comparable quality Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino. Riserva wines generally range from $25-40, occasionally reaching $50-60 for premium single-vineyard selections. This pricing makes Morellino an excellent entry point to quality Tuscan Sangiovese and superb value for everyday drinking.
Standard Morellino di Scansano is best consumed within 3-5 years of vintage to enjoy its fresh fruit and vibrant character. Recent vintages offer immediate pleasure without requiring cellaring. Riserva wines benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age after release and can evolve beautifully over 8-12 years, developing complexity while retaining freshness. Look for vintages from exceptional years like 2019, 2016, 2015, and 2010 for longer-term cellaring.
When selecting wines, look for the DOCG designation clearly marked on labels along with "Morellino di Scansano." The term "Riserva" indicates more structured, age-worthy wines. Some producers create single-vineyard or special selection bottlings designated by vineyard name or terms like "Selezione" or "Vigna," which command premium prices and offer enhanced concentration and complexity.
Store bottles horizontally in cool, dark conditions at 12-14°C with moderate humidity. Standard Morellino doesn't require special cellaring and can be stored in normal home conditions for near-term consumption. Riserva wines benefit from proper cellar conditions if you plan to age them beyond 5 years.