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Morellino di Scansano
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Classification: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata - Quality Wines Produced in a Specific Region)
Color: ruby red tending towards garnet
Production zone: Tuscany
Minimum alcohol content: 11.5%
Varieties used: Sangiovese (85-100%), other red-grape varieties (0-15%) |
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ALL THE FLAVOUR OF THE SUN |
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Tuscany holds an infinite number of surprises, starting from the local names used for grape varieties, including the most famous ones. In the Bassa Maremma area, for example, the sangiovese variety is known as "Morellino" which explains the name of this wine called Morellino from Scansano. Ruby red in color, it tends towards garnet with aging.
In the Tuscan region of Maremma subtlety is never high on the menu and the local cuisine definitely requires a full-bodied wine that is tannic enough to go well with meats and unsurpassed game sauces, generally peppered as you have ever tasted and often served with Pappardelle and Tortelli.
Wild boar in sauce and game are two everyday dishes in Grossetto, and seem to be made for Morellino di Scansano, a warm wine rich in fragrance just like this land parched by the sun and the sea. The minimum alcohol content is 11.5%, which rises to 12% for the riserva quality. The riserva type must be aged for a minimum of 2 years, of which at least one in oak casks.
DOC wine regulations are clear and to safeguard quality only hilly vineyards with good exposure qualify for the DOC label. Those situated in valley bottoms are excluded. Owing to this selectiveness and to the restricted wine making techniques authorized, Morellino has a vinous nose that after aging becomes quite ethereal, intense, appealing and fine.
A special mention must go to the local oenologists who have successfully "tamed" the tannins in Morellino di Scansano, so that it can now be aged perfectly well with decidedly interesting results. It is no coincidence that this wine is becoming one of the best-loved Tuscan reds even outside Tuscany. We suggest you try it with a plate of Penne Rigate with mushrooms and bacon. Get to know it better by travelling the route known as the Strada del vino Colli di Maremma, which takes you through another three DOC areas: Pitigliano, Parrina and Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario.
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