Morellino di Scansano
Morellino di Scansano is not just a Tuscan red: it is the most authentic expression of the Maremma.
We are in southern Tuscany, in that strip of land that faces the Tyrrhenian Sea and gently fades into Lazio. Here, among green hills and still authentic landscapes, Morellino di Scansano is more than just a denomination. It is the symbol of a land that lives in harmony with the seasons, amid vineyards, olive trees, and sea breezes. And it is precisely this mix, unique in Tuscany, that gives the wine its clear, direct identity, a wine that’s pleasant to drink yet never banal.
The Maremma: Tuscany yes, but different
Yes, Maremma is Tuscany, but it’s a Tuscany that surprises—wilder, less polished, more authentic.
And it is here that the Morellino Consortium invited us, wine writers and journalists, for Rosso Morellino, an annual event dedicated to the wine press to unveil the soul of this land.
“Rosso Morellino is much more than a promotional event,” says Bernardo Guicciardini Calamai, president of the Consortium. “It is a moment of listening and dialogue, a living experience within the denomination to understand all the nuances that are reflected in our wines. Morellino di Scansano, in fact, is the result of a shared vision among producers and a concrete commitment to the ongoing pursuit of quality. It is a wine with structure and character, yet marked by soft tannins and a savory note that gives it surprising freshness. Sharing who we are today—and who we are becoming—strengthens our path toward recognition and allows us to work very effectively in the domestic market and to open many international channels.”
But let’s start from the beginning and get to know the Maremma.
The Maremma largely coincides with the province of Grosseto and is divided into five main areas:
- Colline Metallifere
- Grosseto and the coast
- Monte Amiata
- Argentario
- Fiora Valley
A mosaic of landscapes, colors, and microclimates that give shape to a distinct identity. The blue of the sea, the green of the vineyards, the yellow of the fields, these are the natural palette of the Maremma.
For those seeking a closer encounter with this wild area, cycling in Maremma offers a unique perspective. From winding paths through vineyards to coastal trails overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, exploring the Maremma by bike unveils its diverse beauty.
The origin of the name “Morellino”
The wine from this area is Morellino di Scansano. Its name may come from the morello horse, the finest in the stable. Alternatively, it could refer to the dark color of the Sangiovese grapes.
Who knows.
What is certain is that it’s a gentle, terroir-driven red wine from southern Tuscany. It is capable of surprising those who think Tuscan wine means only Brunello or Vino Nobile.
Characteristics and style of Morellino
The DOCG Morellino di Scansano spans across:
- Scansano
- Magliano in Toscana
- Manciano
- Campagnatico
- Semproniano
- Roccalbegna
The production rules require at least 85% Sangiovese, with the optional addition of other non-aromatic red grape varieties:
- Montepulciano
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alicante
- Ciliegiolo
- Canaiolo
- Corinto
- Malvasia Nera
There are two main types of Morellino:
- Morellino di Scansano DOCG “Annata”: fresh, fruity, immediate.
- Morellino di Scansano DOCG “Riserva”: minimum 2 years of aging (at least one in wood), more complex and structured.
A recent milestone is the Assembly’s approval of the new “Superiore” designation, which is under review by the relevant authorities. If validated, it will be added to the existing “Annata” and “Riserva”. This marks a key regulatory and symbolic step, boosting quality and highlighting the care in the consortium’s winemaking.
Unlike many Tuscan reds, Morellino has a lighter color, not too deep. It is soft, savory, easy to drink.
I’d describe it more as an everyday companion than a wine for meditation.
The see in the glass
The sea is the great silent protagonist of Morellino. The sea breeze that cools summer nights, the soils rich in marine sediments, the ancient presence of water that left fossils and minerals. This all imparts freshness, minerality, and aromatic finesse to the wine.
Pairings and occasions
Traditionally, it pairs with cured meats, cheeses, and rustic Tuscan first courses. But its versatility allows for more modern pairings: white meats, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine.
A red that can be served at 16–18°C when young, up to 18–20°C when more mature. It doesn’t need a special occasion—it’s perfect even for a midweek dinner.
And what if we talked about Morellino in mixology?
Yes, even mixology can become a narrative tool for Morellino di Scansano. And all of this, thanks to Morellino Carousele and ReWine, cocktails created by bartender Julian Biondi.
The first, Carousele, inspired by Futurism and Prampolini’s “Alcohol Carousel”. It balances Morellino with bitters, red fruits, and soda for a fresh, harmonious mix.
The wine stays center stage, enhanced by bitter, sparkling, citrusy, and fruity notes that add layered complexity.
ReWine, based on Morellino Riserva, whiskey, and Angostura, showcases the wine’s versatility even in its more refined versions.
Wineries and Hospitality
Many wineries offer tastings and experiences. Here is a selection:
Azienda Agricola Bruni: The story of Azienda BRUNI began in 1956, when Leo Bruni and his son Paolo purchased a small estate in the lower Maremma, then still marshy and known as the “Maremma Amara”. The early years were dedicated to land reclamation and livestock farming. Today, the estate spans approximately 45 hectares of vineyards and produces over 500,000 bottles annually. Its flagship wine is Morellino di Scansano DOCG, alongside Vermentino, Cabernet, Alicante, international reds, and Maremma Toscana DOC wines. www.aziendabruni.it
Cantina Santa Lucia: The Scotto family’s winemaking story began in 1898 with the trade of grapes from a historic vineyard on Monte Argentario, still in production today. For decades, the family focused solely on growing and selling grapes until 1980, when Luciano Scotto, driven by passion and vision, bottled his first vintage, marking the birth of Santa Lucia. Today, Santa Lucia cultivates 40 hectares in Maremma, with Sangiovese-Morellino, whites, and international reds. The winery currently produces around 230,000 bottles per year, to vinify 100% of its estate-grown grapes. www.azsantalucia.com
Poggio Argentiera: It was established in 1997 with the purchase of the historic Adua farm, dating back to the early 20th century during the drainage of the Maremma marshes. The estate’s initial 15 acres (6 hectares) of vineyards began producing grapes for Morellino di Scansano, alongside the construction of a new winery. In 2001, the property expanded with the acquisition of a second farm in Baccinello, a hillside area of Scansano. Today, Poggio Argentiera owns over 50 acres (21 hectares) of vineyards, all within the Morellino di Scansano appellation. www.poggioargentiera.com
Ultimately, Morellino calls to the Maremma. And the Maremma answers, with wines, landscapes, and heartfelt hospitality.