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Recognized as a controlled designation of origin in 1978, Morellino di Scansano has recently celebrated its first 40 years. What you may not know about this wine is that Morellino is the local name of Sangiovese (whose grapes must be present at least 85% according to the disciplinary), and which is called so because takes its name from the horses called “morelli”that is, with a dark coat, usually black but which may have reddish hues.
What you certainly do not expect is that its production area is one of the most untouched and unspoiled areas in the whole of Tuscany: the affected area includes a soft hilly and foothill strip located in the southernmost coastal part of the region, known as the Tuscan Maremma, enclosed between the valleys of the Ombrone and Albegna rivers. Morellino owes its specificity to the pedological conditions and climate deriving from such a geographical position: the vineyards are well exposed, bright and ventilated, in fact they suffer the beneficial influence of sea breezes, which mitigate, in summer, the high daytime temperatures.
In these forty years a lot has been done for the enhancement of this territory. This is thanks to the teamwork between the Consorzio Tutela Morellino di Scansano DOCG and its producers, who are increasingly enthusiastic and aware of having an extra card to play in promotion of this great Tuscan Sangiovese: the richness of an uncontaminated territory, which goes from the Tyrrhenian coast to Mount Amiata, rich in history, art and many points of interest.
Ideally it was this strip of Maremma that was the protagonist of the fourth edition of the event Red Morellino, which took place in Scansano, between the Castagnoli Theater and the former elementary schools, last May 9, with the participation of over forty producers.
Respect for and safeguarding an uncontaminated landscape of great beauty have been the basis of the actions with which the Morellino di Scansano territory is being promoted as a quality wine tourism destination. In recent years the Consortium has acted as a director, assisted by local actors to build a competitive proposal, on a human scale and increasingly linked to the productive identity, history and nature of this area of Tuscany.
The consortium began two years ago to implement a tourist destination project, where alongside the centrality of wineries (increasingly equipped to offer tasting experiences, but not only) they have put together everything that the territory offers (bike routes, art, thermal baths) – also in partnership with entities outside the territory in the strict sense, such as the Maremma park and the Saturnia thermal baths. The portal visitmorellino.com was born with the aim of offering tourists the various possibilities of this area, as well as buying experiences, soon also via the app.
Furthermore, Morellino di Scansano was among the first denominations to favor the usability of the territory in a sustainable way, thanks to the project Morellino Green, which made it one of the first “EV friendly” DOCGs in Italy. Soon this possibility will also be extended to eBike owners, with the installation of specific charging stations that will increase the possibilities of exploring this uncontaminated territory.
The possibilities offered by a weekend in the production area of Morellino di Scansano DOCG are many; these are the ones that we recommend to combine the discovery of this wine of great value, the exploration of the territory and relaxation. Here’s what to do
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Walk with the guide
Scansano is the village that lends its name to the DOCG, a hilly town in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany. In addition to boasting excellent pedo-climatic conditions for the cultivation of vines, it also offered refreshment during the malaria pandemics that were widespread in the Maremma plain, starting from the late Middle Ages.
This migratory phenomenon, called “Estatatura”, led to the arrival in the municipality of Scansano of several wealthy families who invested in its territory, enhancing the winemaking practice and bringing new buildings such as the town hall, elementary schools, the theater and other buildings of a certain importance in the 19th century.
A guided tour of the town, which also touches the Archaeological Museum of Vine and Wine, is a good idea so as not to miss anything of this fascinating destination. Trails of Tuscany is the reference team to contact for a guided tour of Scansano.
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Bike tour
Maremma is a very varied territory: among the most beautiful villages in Italy, the rolling hills and wonderful seaside resorts, discovering the area by bike offers the opportunity to experience intense and indelible emotions. Each tour organized by Saturnia.Bike it is a mix of exercise, fun and adventure – there is also the possibility of pedaling with GPS support in absolute tranquility.
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In Maremma you cannot not ride
Horseback excursions are a fun and unique way to get to know the Maremma Park, accompanied by an equestrian environmental guide, and to spend some time in full contact with nature. It will be nice to pretend to be a Buttero, at least for a day.
(For information and reservations contact the Alberese Visitor Center on 0564 393238).
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Relax at the Terme di Saturnia
The Thermal Park of Terme di Saturnia it is among the largest in Europe with its large spaces entirely dedicated to wellness: five outdoor thermal pools, whirlpools and vascular paths with hot and cold water, a Finnish sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Here everything infuses well-being: the Maremma countryside that extends endlessly, the sounds of nature, the water that regenerates the body, Tuscan food. The water is naturally warm at 37.5 ° C, pampers the body and smoothes the skin naturally.
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And above all: visiting the cellars and tasting
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A tasting in the cellar
The territory of Morellino di Scansano DOCG should be experienced by alternating the many tourist activities with tastings at the various wineries that offer this possibility. A reality made up of a few hectares of production (about 1500); this allows, however, to keep the level very high. The producers are driven by passion and pride – some of the lotus also come from outside the region and outside the country, bringing their wealth of experiences and stories that will be a pleasure to hear on guided tours.
Among the many offers that you can find in the area, a very interesting one is the one proposed by the farm Roccapestawhich offers both a “Just for you” tour (a completely tailor-made sensory path, where you visit the company walking through the vineyards and aging barrels, up to the guided tasting of their labels on the panoramic terrace), and one ” In company “(to share with other guests, longer and more social).
Source: Vanity Fair
