One of the flagship wines of Maremma Tuscany, Morellino di Scansano is a full-bodied red wine, rich in fruit and with excellent potential. It is produced in the hilly area of Grosseto province, between the Ombrone and Albegna rivers. This includes the territories of Scansano and parts of Manciano, Magliano in Toscana, Grosseto, Campagnatico, Semproniano, and Roccalbegna.
The predominant grape variety is Sangiovese (locally known as "Morellino"), which must make up at least 85% of the blend, complemented by other non-aromatic black grape varieties grown in Tuscany. Designated as a DOC in 1978, Morellino di Scansano achieved DOCG status (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) in 2006.
This expression of Sangiovese showcases the remarkable diversity of styles, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the innovative approach of Tuscan producers. Once again this year, alongside Piedmont, Tuscany leads the Vini d’Italia 2025 guide with 91 awarded wines. From the Apuan Alps to the Apennine hills, from the Maremma coast to Bolgheri, and the Chianti Classico hills, the choices are endless.
Morellino di Scansano: annata and riserva
The regulations provide for two versions of Morellino di Scansano: annata (vintage) and Riserva. To qualify as Riserva, the wine must age for at least two years, including at least one year in wood.
With moderate acidity, its colour ranges from ruby red to garnet tones as it ages. Its intense aroma boasts notes of wild berries, and in the Riserva version, the palate is fleshy, savoury, often spicy, with fruit-forward finishes. The annata version is drier, warmer, and slightly tannic on the palate.
Morellino di Scansano is best served at 18°C, paired with flavourful first courses, game, wildfowl, roasted, and grilled red meats.
The newcomer to "Tre Bicchieri"
With its Morellino di Scansano V. Bersagliere Riserva 2018, the Podere 414 winery has earned "Tre Bicchieri" for the first time. Simone Castelli’s winery name recalls the number assigned to the estate by the Ente Maremma during the agrarian reform of the 1960s, emphasising its deep connection with the region's history. Founded in 1998, this project has focused predominantly on local varieties such as Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Grechetto, Trebbiano, and Aleatico, alongside organic farming and a solid, essential stylistic approach. Non-invasive winemaking techniques and aging in large wooden barrels, tonneaux, and concrete have defined their wine style.
Morellino di Scansano Wines Awarded "Tre Bicchieri" and "Due Bicchieri Rossi"
Here are the Morellino di Scansano wines that achieved top honours (Tre Bicchieri) or were finalists (Due Bicchieri Rossi) in Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia 2025 guide:
The Morellino Vigna Bersagliere Riserva '18 boasts aromas of ripe red fruits and spices, with hints of freshly wilted flowers and smoky nuances. On the palate, the sip is substantial and well-structured, with a finish characterised by a delightful touch of Mediterranean scrub. The name of Simone Castelli’s winery refers to the number assigned to the estate by the Maremma Land Agency in the 1960s during the agrarian reform, emphasising the strong connection to the local history. This connection, established in 1998, has given rise to a winemaking project predominantly centred on local varieties such as Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Grechetto, Trebbiano, and Aleatico, alongside a commitment to organic farming and a solid, essential stylistic identity. This is supported by non-invasive winemaking techniques and ageing in large oak barrels, tonneaux, and cement.
The Morellino Vigna I Gaggioli Riserva '22 presents a lively and radiant nose of small red fruits and undergrowth, accompanied by a refined, reactive, and expansive gustatory evolution. Alberto Tanzini has created a benchmark winery within the Morellino di Scansano denomination, achieving this by relying on tradition. The varieties used are exclusively local, with respect for and enhancement of very old vineyards, such as the recently acquired vineyards that once belonged to Sellari and Franceschini, historic producers in Scansano. The wines predominantly mature in large oak barrels, delivering, vintage after vintage, labels with an appealing and highly distinctive stylistic identity.
The Morellino di Scansano Laire Riserva '21 impresses with its expression of Sangiovese in Mediterranean tones. The Bruni family has established itself as one of the most interesting producers on the Maremma wine scene, offering a range of consistently high-quality wines characterised by a clear stylistic imprint. This identity reflects a coherent interpretation of the contemporary and Mediterranean character of this corner of Tuscany. Beyond this, brothers Marco and Moreno Bruni have introduced ambitious white and red wines that consistently reach the top ranks of Tuscan winemaking excellence.
The Morellino di Scansano Madrechiesa Riserva '21 delivers a complex, profound, and highly savoury gustatory experience, with a nose focused on ripe small red fruits, aromatic herbs, and spices. The Terenzi family has established itself among the top producers of the Morellino di Scansano denomination through strategic and coherent choices. They maintain consistent quality across their production, with a well-defined style marked by balance and finesse in their premium labels. Their contemporary interpretation of the terroir has turned the winery, based in Montedonico, into a model for the entire region.
The Morellino di Scansano '22 by Monterò, which earned a spot in the finals, stands out for its slender and well-structured body, with aromas of ripe cherries, forest fruits, and Mediterranean and mentholated fragrances. On the palate, it is dynamic and tense, rich in soft tannins, fruit, and persistence. Milena Cacurri and her husband Antonio Salerno founded this stunning winery in 2010 among the hills of the Maremma. Monterò spans over 50 hectares in Magliano in Toscana, with 10 hectares of vineyards cultivated organically and currently transitioning to biodynamic farming. Their state-of-the-art winery features cement tanks, ceramic eggs, Clayver amphorae, and French oak, all designed to express the unique qualities of this terroir ideally suited to vines and olives.
The Morellino Riserva 2020 by Morisfarms is a Mediterranean-style red wine from the 2020 vintage. It combines notes of myrtle and spices with floral and noble resinous hints. On the palate, it is smooth and enveloping, with warmth balanced by lively acidity and savouriness. Morisfarms has been instrumental in establishing southern Tuscany as one of the region's most significant terroirs. Managed today by Ranieri Moris and Giulio Parentini, the winery boasts over 70 hectares of vineyards across two estates: Fattoria Poggetti in the Monteregio area and the Poggio la Mozza facilities in the Morellino di Scansano region. The winery’s style is distinctive and characterful.
The Morellino di Scansano Rovente Riserva '21 reveals a generous fruity bouquet with touches of graphite and smoky nuances. On the palate, it displays a well-structured profile with a fleshy, intensely savoury finish enriched by spicy and fruity notes. The Carnasciali family winery, whose first labels were released in 2004, offers a flawless range of wines defined by their stylistic identity, complexity, and character. The winery’s growing focus on Sangiovese and the use of large oak barrels have contributed to its reputation for crafting wines with both freshness and agility, consistently reflecting the terroir of Magliano in Toscana.
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