This isn’t the first time I have gone on and gone about the virtues of this red wine. IT IS HEAVEN!!!, not that I’m a wine expert or anything.

A quick Google search brings up this description of the Morellino di Scansano: “Has an expressive, attractive nose with black cherry, plum and black fruit aromas, along with a definite vegetal element (green peppers?) and some earthy hints. On the palate you immediately taste rich, ripe black cherry and berry flavors that blend into a pleasant tartness”

Now, I have no idea what any of that means, but that hasn’t stopped me from buying this wine in bulk and ensuring I never run out… I sound like such a drunk!  (I’m not, by the way!). But I thought I would let you in on what is sometimes known as ‘Tuscany’s best kept wine secret’.

It ain’t cheap, you can usually buy a good bottle for about 10 euros, depending on where you’re shopping, but it’s definitely worth it. It 2007, the Morellino di Scansano was given DOCG, a very highly-coveted accolade that indicts both the quality and the purity of this wine. Vineyards all over the Maremma now have to respect very strict rules if they want to make Morellino di Scansano, ensuring that the wine’s standards never drop.

The DOCG status upgrade, however, contributes to only a small part of the wine’s success. The history behind the name Morellino somehow keeps people just as interested in the product… or at least it captures my attention!

Contrary to popular belief, Morellino is not a name of a grape specie. The wine is actually made the Sangiovese grape, which is also found in Chianti. The Sangiovese grapes produce a slight spicy and strawberry-like flavor. But unlike other Sangiovese made wines, the Morellino di Scansano is not aged in wood barrels but bottled almost immediately to ensure it keeps the fresh taste everyone is so infatuated with.

Nobody knows exactly where the name Morellino came from. Most wine lovers think it’s derived from the word ‘Morello’ brown, the color of horses found in Maremma, the birthplace of the  Morellino di Scansano. And sure the name’s interesting, but the wine’s even better.

Itching to try the Morellino? The next time you stop by a wine shop, ask for a Morellino di Scansano. And don’t forget to look for the DOCG label!