Morellino di Scansano DOCG
Permitted Varieties
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
Overview
Morellino di Scansano is the Maremma coast’s premier Sangiovese-based wine, offering a more approachable, fruit-forward expression of Tuscany’s great grape than the structured wines of inland Brunello or Chianti Classico. Elevated to DOCG status in 2007, “Morellino” is the local name for Sangiovese in this coastal region, where Mediterranean warmth and sea breezes create wines of immediate pleasure with soft tannins and vibrant cherry fruit. The region has emerged as one of Tuscany’s best values, offering quality and accessibility at friendly prices.
Geography & Climate
Location: Southern Tuscany; Maremma coast; Grosseto province
Size: ~1,500 ha
Elevation: 50-500m (165-1,640 ft)
Climate: Mediterranean maritime
- Growing Degree Days: 1,900-2,300 GDD (warm for Tuscany)
- Rainfall: 600-800mm
- Sea influence: Tyrrhenian Sea; cooling breezes
Maritime Effect:
- Warmer than inland Tuscany
- Coastal breezes moderate heat
- Earlier ripening
- Softer tannins naturally
Soil Types:
- Sandy (coastal)
- Clay-limestone
- Tuffaceous volcanic
- Varied terrain
Key Characteristic: Coastal Sangiovese = riper, softer, more approachable.
Wine Style
Red (100%)
Character: Fruit-forward, approachable
- Bright cherry, red plum
- Herbs, Mediterranean scrub
- Soft tannins
- Medium body
- Drink young or moderate aging
Style Comparison:
| Wine | Character |
|---|---|
| Morellino | Soft, fruit-forward |
| Chianti Classico | Structured, savory |
| Brunello | Powerful, age-worthy |
“Morellino”: Local name for Sangiovese (from “morello”—dark cherry color, or possibly referring to Moorish horses)
Classification & Regulations
DOCG Requirements:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Base | 85% Sangiovese; immediate release |
| Riserva | 2 years aging (1 in wood) |
| Max yields | 80 hl/ha |
Blending: Max 15% other approved varieties (Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, Merlot, Cabernet)
History
Timeline:
- Etruscan era: Viticulture established
- Medieval: Scansano as hilltop refuge
- 19th century: Wine commerce develops
- 1978: DOC established
- 2007: DOCG elevation
- Today: Maremma’s flagship; value leader
Maremma Renaissance: Coastal Tuscany transformed from swampland to wine region in 20th century.
Key Constraints & Production Notes
Terroir Zones:
| Zone | Altitude | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal | Low | Ripest, softest |
| Scansano hills | Mid | Balance |
| Inland | Higher | More structure |
Viticulture:
- Alberello (traditional)
- Cordone speronato (modern)
- Mediterranean conditions
- Warm-climate management
Winemaking:
- Short maceration (approachability)
- Stainless steel or neutral wood (base)
- Oak aging (Riserva)
- Some barrique influence
Aging Potential:
- Base: 3-6 years
- Riserva: 6-12 years
Notable Producers
Quality Benchmarks:
- Fattoria Le Pupille
- Moris Farms
- Mantellassi
- Poggio Argentiera
- Roccapesta
- Terenzi
- Poggio al Lupo
Fattoria Le Pupille: Benchmark estate; also makes Saffredi (Super Tuscan).
The Super Tuscan Connection
Maremma’s Dual Identity
Beyond DOCG: Many producers also make:
- IGT Maremma blends
- International varieties
- “Super Tuscans”
Saffredi, Morellino: Same producer, different approaches.
Common Challenges
Style Definition
- Cause: Debate between approachable vs. serious.
- Risk: Identity confusion.
- Response: Embrace accessible character; Riserva for complexity.
Competition
- Cause: Many Sangiovese appellations.
- Risk: Market crowding.
- Response: Value + quality positioning; coastal identity.
Food Pairing
Classic Matches:
- Cinghiale (wild boar)
- Grilled meats
- Pasta with ragù
- Pecorino cheese
- Mediterranean cuisine
Versatility: Approachable style suits many foods.
References
-
Consorzio Tutela Morellino di Scansano (2025). “Disciplinare.” Link
-
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: Consorzio Morellino, MIPAAF
Research Grade: Technical reference