Morellino di Scansano

Morellino di Scansano is a dry, medium-bodied red from Tuscany, Italy, made mainly from Sangiovese – locally known as Morellino. Expect juicy cherry, red plum and blackberry with herbs, spice and a touch of earthiness. It's a seriously food-friendly red that works beautifully with pizza, lasagne, bolognese, steak, sausages and roast meats.

Taste:

Juicy, savoury and unmistakably Tuscan.

Morellino di Scansano is typically dry and medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, moderate tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Expect red cherry, black cherry, plum and blackberry, alongside violet, Mediterranean herbs, spice and subtle earthy flavours.

Some versions are all about fresh fruit, while wines that have spent time ageing can develop richer notes of tobacco, leather and warming spice.

It has that classic Sangiovese freshness, but its warmer coastal home can give it a riper, softer feel than some of Tuscany's more serious reds. In other words, plenty of personality without demanding your full attention.

Food Pairings:

Morellino di Scansano was practically made for Italian comfort food.

Its acidity works brilliantly with tomatoes, making it a great match for lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, beef ragù, meatballs in tomato sauce, tomato and basil pasta and aubergine parmigiana.

Pizza is another easy win. Try it with Margherita, pepperoni, sausage, prosciutto, mushroom or a meat-heavy pizza.

For something more substantial, pair it with steak, roast beef, beef stew, roast pork, pork chops, Italian sausages, lamb chops or roast lamb. It also works with grilled vegetables, mushroom pasta and dishes packed with rosemary, oregano or other Mediterranean herbs.

Parmesan, Pecorino and mature Cheddar are all very welcome at the end of the meal too.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Morellino di Scansano, Chianti and Rosso di Montalcino are natural next steps for more fresh, food-friendly Tuscan Sangiovese.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers more structure and complexity, while Brunello di Montalcino takes things into altogether more serious territory.

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More About Morellino di Scansano:

Morellino di Scansano comes from the hills surrounding Scansano in Maremma, a coastal area of southern Tuscany.

Despite the name, Morellino isn't a separate grape variety – it's the local name traditionally used for Sangiovese. Under the appellation rules, Sangiovese must make up at least 85% of the wine, with other permitted grapes making up the remainder.

Maremma's warmer Mediterranean climate gives Sangiovese plenty of sunshine, helping create ripe fruit flavours while retaining the acidity that makes the grape such a natural partner for food.

Think Tuscany with the windows down and the coast in sight.