Story: Doga delle Clavule | Toskana
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The Sangiovese grape: the soul of Morellino di Scansano
Morellino di Scansano owes its character to the Sangiovese grapes, which are known as “Morellino” in this region of Tuscany. These grapes develop a particularly soft and elegant quality here. The Doga delle Clavule winery benefits from ideal conditions for growing grapes. Its vineyards cover 60 hectares: 20 hectares are reserved for Morellino, 7 hectares for Bianco Toscana I.G.T. and the rest for Rosso Toscana I.G.T..

The region's soils are of sedimentary origin, partly formed from loose maritime sediments from the Pliocene period. The climatic conditions are also ideal: the proximity to the Amiata area protects the vines from cold Tramontana winds, while the sea breezes moderate the temperatures and minimize the risk of vine diseases.

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Harvesting and ageing
Harvesting of the white grapes begins in mid-August, while the red grapes are harvested from the end of August until September. The Morellino di Scansano D.O.C.G. is characterized by its youth and personality. It is matured for six months in 500-liter French oak barrels and a further four months in the bottle. The Vermentino, a traditional grape variety of the region, matures for four months in stainless steel tanks and then for two months in the bottle.

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A history that stretches back to ancient times
The roots of Morellino di Scansano go back a long way. The Etruscans and later the Romans recognized the Maremma's potential for growing wine and olive trees. The region continued to flourish in the Middle Ages, when officials and wealthy citizens from Grosseto moved to the cool hills of Scansano in the summer months.

Over time, splendid villas, farms and agricultural centers emerged, establishing viticulture as a central economic sector. Documents from the 15th century in the historical archives of Scansano bear witness to this development. Under the rule of the Medici and later the Lorraine family, the region was further developed and Scansano officially became the “summer capital” in 1737. This promoted trade and agriculture considerably.

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The Morellino di Scansano production area
The Morellino di Scansano production area covers 58,000 hectares of hilly terrain between the Ombrone and Albegna rivers in the south of Tuscany. The Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters shapes the character of the grapes.

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Recognition and protection of Morellino
In 1978, Morellino di Scansano was awarded the controlled designation of origin (Denominazione di Origine Controllata, D.O.C.), which established the origin of the grapes from the municipality of Scansano and parts of neighboring municipalities such as Manciano, Magliano in Toscana and Grosseto.

The Consorzio a tutela del Morellino di Scansano was founded in 1992. This consortium has the task of ensuring wine quality, guiding regional wine policy and promoting Morellino on the market. In 2006, Morellino di Scansano received the prestigious recognition of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (D.O.C.G.), which underlines its excellence and authenticity. Morellino di Scansano remains a symbol of the combination of tradition, history and innovation that reflects the character of the Maremma. - Gerardo [TS05/25]