Morellino di Scansano is a red Italian wine that is produced in the hilly environs of the village of Scansano, in the Maremma region of Tuscany. The name "Morellino" is believed to be derived from the Sangiovese grape's local nickname Morellino, meaning "the little dark one".
The wine received the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) recognition in 1978 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) recognition in 2006. The Morellino di Scansano DOCG requires a minimum of 85% Sangiovese with other local grape varieties such as Ciliegiolo allowed to fill in the remainder. Up until the 1980s, it was traditionally mixed with white wine grapes Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, but that trend has declined in recent years.
The wine is typically known for its dark cherry and blackberry flavors, and its softer tannins compared to its counterparts like the Chianti, making it pleasant for drinking young. The wine is often paired with foods like grilled meats and aged cheeses. While Morellino di Scansano is less known globally compared to other Tuscan wines, it’s widely valued in Italy for its good balance of quality and price.
