Morellino di Scansano: Maremma Wine's History, Varietals, Producers, & Recommendations

Another top producer has the non-Italian sounding name of Moris Farms (referred to in Italy as Cantine Fattorie Moris).  This large producer, owned by Adolfo Parentini and led by consulting enologist, Attilio Pagli, make big and bold internationally styled wine.  The regular bottling is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Syrah.  It sees no time in wood.  The Riserva is also 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  It sees a year in wood, 75% in barrique and 25% in large oak casks.  The basic wine is about $15 while the Riserva is around $35. 

A newer producer is La Mozza who makes a Morellino di Sansano called I Perazzi.  This is a project of celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Lydia Bastianich and Joe Bastianich.  The wine is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 4% Syrah, 4% Alicante, 3% Colorino, and 4% Ciliegiolo.  It sees 75 % new French oak for ten months.  The wine is modern with pronounced cherry and spice flavors.  It drinks well on purchase. 

A more traditional producer to look for is Poggio Aregntiera.  The wine has 5% Alicante, a local version of Grenache, which gives is a softer quality.  Their Sangiovese is harvested from older vines that give their wines depth.  They make two Morellino’s.  The Bellamarsilia is 85% Sangioves, 10% Ciliegiolo, and 5% Alicante.  Even better is the Capatosta.  It is 95% Sangioves and 5% Alicante.  This is a serious wine with firm tannins that need a year or two to unwind.  It is concentrated, modern and jammy. 

Some other producers to look for include Belguardo, Erik Banti, and Col de Bacche.  There are new producers all the time and the wines are often inexpensive enough to allow us consumers to experiment a bit. 

These wines should be consumed with food.  They go great with pizza or spaghetti and just about any Tuscan fare with a tomato sauce.  They also go great with grilled meats. 

Tuscany has been on a roll with good and great vintages lately.  Almost any vintage from 2004 on should be excellent.  Older vintages are more suspect as these wines do not always age well.  For your convenience, you may want to peruse the Tuscany, Italy, Vintage Chart.

I hope you all go out and try a bottle.  Please let me know what you think. 

Loren Sonkin is an IntoWine.com Featured Contributor and the Founder/Winemaker at Sonkin Cellars.