When Tuscany is mentioned, most minds immediately go to Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, or Bolgheri. Yet further south, along the coastline, lies a region that may use some attention: Maremma. Warmer, windy, diverse, representing a different face of Tuscany. One that remains to be undiscovered but has so much to offer.
Recently Studio Cru hosted a masterclass where Sergio and Margaretha (General manager and export manager), were so kind to tell us all about Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano and the lesser-known corner of Tuscany.
The tasting made one thing clear: Maremma is not trying to imitate Chianti, nor compete with Bolgheri. It follows its own path using the terroir as a baseline.
The tasting of the wines was led by wine expert Slawka Scarso.
Maremma comes from the Latin word ‘Maritima’ meaning ‘Located at Sea’. And that is exactly what makes Maremma so beautiful as a wine region. Maremma stretches along Tuscany’s southwestern coastline. Just below the better-known region of Bolgheri, bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Mediterranean climate is warm with lots of sunlight. Consistent sea breezes moderate summer heat and reduce disease pressure.
The region only became popular as a wine region in the 1940’s, when Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta landed here.
Within the DOC of Maremma, you’ll find the Morello Di Scansano DOCG. Where Sangiovese (locally known as Morello) is the most common grape. However, it is not uncommon to add a little bit of Alicante to the blends as well.
Soils vary considerably, but around the coastline you’ll find sandy, silt-rich compositions. Traveling land inwards, the soil turns into a mix of clay and limestone. One of the takeaways from the masterclass was how clearly the proximity to the sea versus inland positioning influenced structure, aromatics, and overall balance.
Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano was founded in 1972 and counts 170 members today, cultivating approximately 700 hectares of vineyard. With around five million bottles annually, it is a significant force in this area, responsible for roughly 20% of Morellino di Scansano DOCG production.
However, the scale does not say everything. Sustainability certifications, and carbon footprint accountability, tell you that this cooperative model prioritizes consistency and territorial expression over volume.
Below an impression of the wines we tasted.
2024 Le Vie del Mare Bianco | Maremma Toscana DOC | 84/100 DWA score
85% Viognier, 15% Chardonnay
Harvested at the end of August, this Mediterranean white undergoes controlled fermentation, with Viognier vinified in stainless steel and Chardonnay aged briefly in new barriques (four weeks). No malolactic fermentation is carried out, preserving acidity and freshness to this wine.
The result is a straw-yellow wine with green reflections, offering floral notes typical for Viognier, citrus and subtle herbal tones. Fresh yet rounded, it combines Viognier’s aromatics with Chardonnay’s structure.
A modern coastal white, approachable and well-suited for early drinking.
2024 Vigna Fiorini | Maremma Toscana DOC | 88/100 DWA score
85% Vermentino, 15% Viognier
All fruit originates from a single vineyard, about 120 meters above sea level on sandy soils. Notably, part of the harvest is done later in the season to lengthen sugar concentration and aromatic development. Fermentation is slow and temperature-controlled, followed by three months on fine lees in stainless steel.
The wine shows a deeper golden color. Quite intense. Ripe apple, apricot, and acacia honey dominate. On the palate, it remains dry, but carries intense ripe yellow fruits.
2023 San Bruzio Vermentino Superiore | Maremma Toscana DOC | 88/100 DWA score
100% Vermentino
From slightly older vines (over ten years old) and partially late-harvested fruit, this Vermentino spends six months on fine lees in stainless steel, which allow this wine to develop complexity.
Straw yellow, the nose show apricot and citrus. The palate is defined by freshness and minerality.
Where Vigna Fiorini is more intense and powerful, San Bruzio shows more elegance and balance, being a more gastronomic wine. Likely to be paired with fresh salads or fish.
2023 Le Vie del Mare Rosso | Maremma Toscana DOC | 84/100 DWA score
Merlot 55%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Cabernet Franc 15%
While the whites express Maremma’s maritime freshness, this red reveals its warmth.
Designed for early enjoyment, it shows forest fruit, subtle ripe tones while maintaining a balanced acidity.
Medium-bodied and polished, with silky tannins and some minerality, it shows that Maremma is a great region for international grape varieties.
This wine proves that Maremma Toscana DOC can use more than just Sangiovese. The region comfortably accommodates Bordeaux varieties while keeping its own identity.
2023 Roggiano | Morellino di Scansano DOCG | 88/100 DWA score
95% Sangiovese (Morellino), 5% Alicante (Grenache family)
Coming from hillside vineyards around Scansano, Roggiano represents classic expression of Morellino di Scansano. Fermentation takes place under temperature control with moderate maceration, followed by several months ageing in stainless steel tanks. No significant oak influence shapes the wine, allowing the character of Sangiovese to remain central.
Bright ruby with violet reflections, this wine shows sour cherry, red plum and subtle floral hints, supported by a light herbal edge. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with vivid acidity and fine, tannins. This wine contains a small proportion of Alicante, which comes from the Spanish coastal region. It being a grape from the Grenache family, it adds colour and some darker fruit.
2022 Roggiano Riserva | Morellino di Scansano DOCG | 89/100 DWA score
Mostly Sangiovese (less then 5% of Alicante)
Harvested in early October from vineyards at 250 meters above sea level, this wine undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation. It then matures for 12 months in French oak barriques (20% new), followed by 10 months in the bottle.
The wine shows concentrated ruby colour, dark fruit, and subtle spice. On the palate, it balances warmth with freshness, showing rounded tannins and a long, finish.
Sangiovese from this area is less bold than for example Chianti Sangiovese wines, however they are structured enough to keep, aging it for another 4-8 years in the bottle.
While Morellino di Scansano lies within the Maremma region and has only received its DOCG status in 2007, there is a clear distinction between the regions.
Maremma Toscana is broader and more flexible qualification, allowing a wider range of varieties, while Morellino di Scansano (with its DOCG status) has its focus on Sangiovese (at least 85%).
While both designations share geography, they serve different purposes.
If this masterclass shows us anything, it is that Maremma is a hidden gem within Tuscany. It’s not to be compared with Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino or Bolgheri, but we should recognize its own distinctive style. This Tuscan region, shaped by the maritime, Mediterranean climate, with both sand as clay and limestone soils, shows its versatility, offering the cooperation to be able to create a broad range of wines, all within this region, making it worth paying attention to.
This article is written by our own Michelle van de Vosse, we would like to thank Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano for the wines and masterclass provided and Studio Cru for their invitation.
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