Ten impeccable ambassadors of a terroir rich in charm and great potential; ten lively, delicious and satisfying goblets for every occasion, perfect for special occasions. Without exception, they were the perfect accompaniment to the exquisite dishes prepared for the occasion by Osteria Poerio in Rome.
The Eternal City enthusiastically welcomed the ‘Morellino del Cuore’ on tour, and it did so with impeccable style, hosting press and producers in the enchanting setting of Osteria Poerio in Monteverde Vecchio, one of Rome’s most elegant neighborhoods. This prestigious project is the result of a collaboration between the Consorzio di Tutela Morellino di Scansano DOCG and the journalists Antonio Stelli and Roberta Perna. It is a unique opportunity to discover the fascination and evolution of a wine deeply rooted in the light and tradition of the lush Maremma region of southern Tuscany.
Morellino del Cuore: Maremma between past, present and future
In the first edition, held last May, six expert jurors, led by journalist Stefania Vinciguerra, editor-in-chief of DoctorWine, blindly tasted 64 labels from 36 producers. This is how 10 wines were selected as ambassadors of the DOCG, those best able to convey the essence and exciting charm of the territory.
The Maremma coastline was originally a land of rural traditions where Sangiovese, a continental grape, did not initially play a major role. In the past, wine production in this area was mainly aimed at immediate consumption, with no clear stylistic identity, let alone the need to produce wines for ageing.
However, the extraordinary versatility and adaptability of Sangiovese to the marine micro-climate of the Maremma has led to a significant change in the ampelography of the area. Sangiovese has been able to take its place among the other grape varieties, giving the wines of Morellino di Scansano their unmistakable character.
Identity, synergy and quality are now the fundamental pillars on which the denomination’s rise to excellence is based. The DOCG is relatively small and fragmented, with many producers working in synergy to consolidate its distinctive style and characteristics around this coastaline Sangiovese. The appellation is also constantly striving to raise the bar in terms of quality, with the ultimate goal of distinguishing itself as Tuscany’s most prestigious appellation.
New stategies for increasingly effective communication
The original classification of “Morellino del Cuore”, which divided the labels into three categories – Vintage, Intermediate and Reserve – does not coincide perfectly with the Consortium’s classification, which currently distinguishes only between Vintage and Reserve wines. So here they are, the 10 labels of the heart, in strict order of appearance.
Morellino Annata wins the hearts of wine critics with:
- Santa Lucia – Morellino di Scansano Docg A’ Luciano 2022
- Tenuta Agostinetto – Morellino di Scansano Docg La Madonnina 2022
- Mantellassi – Morellino di Scansano Docg Mago di O3 2022
- Le Rogaie – Morellino di Scansano Docg Forteto 2021
For the Intermediate category on the heart podium we find:
- Boschetto di Montiano – Morellino di Scansano Docg Io&Te 2021
- Cantina Vignaioli di Scansano – Morellino di Scansano Docg Vigna Benefizio 2021
- Podere 414 – Morellino di Scansano Docg 2020
The breathtaking Riserva are instead:
- Roccapesta – Morellino di Scansano Docg Roccapesta Riserva 2020
- Morisfarms – Morellino di Scansano Docg Riserva 2019
- Terenzi – Morellino di Scansano Docg Riserva Madrechiesa 2019
Our hearts go out to all of them, but if we were forced to choose just one per category for our personal podium, you would find:
Le Rogaie – Morellino di Scansano Docg Forteto 2021
A young reality whose ideas are already very clear, the Poggi family debuts in 2019, and in just two years brings out a real gem A pure Sangiovese from old vines, with a fluid and dynamic sip, firm but graceful tannins and an invigorating balsamic charge in which the scent of the sea breeze mixes with hints of Mediterranean scrub. Very long, savory finish.
Cantina Vignaioli di Scansano Winery – Morellino di Scansano Docg Vigna Benefizio 2021
With 170 members and around 700 hectares of vineyards stretching from the sea to the slopes of Mount Amiata, this winery, founded in 1972, has written a rich and important chapter in the history of Morellino di Scansano. A pure Sangiovese, savoury and juicy, soft and balanced, with a deep and complex bouquet, Vigna Benefizio is perhaps more than any other the emblem of this sea wine, around which the identity and recognition of the appellation have been consolidated.
Roccapesta – Morellino di Scansano Docg Roccapesta Riserva 2020
With 35 clones on 30 hectares of vines, you will find nothing but Sangiovese at Alberto Tanzi. Expressive and elegant, as befits a thoroughbred of high lineage, it enchants with a complex and refined bouquet, enveloping the palate in a warm embrace of polished tannins and a never-ending trail of flavour. It has all the makings of a long ageing wine
Purovino® innovative technology for a wine without added sulfites
Special mention for Mago di O3 2022, the first sulphite-free Morellino di Scansano, produced by Mantellassi winery using the innovative Purovino® technology. Saturation of the storage room with ozone sterilizes the grapes, which are then processed using equipment treated with the same gas. The must therefore does not require SO2, nor is it necessary to add sulphites to the wine in order to preserve its characteristics and pleasantness over time.
We want to leave you with a something to think about: it may be just a coincidence, but the most convincing wines were the ones made from 100% Sangiovese, perhaps also a detail to be capitalized on in defining a strong identity, and a rule for long aging.
© Riproduzione riservata
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