Story: Doga delle Clavule | Toskana

The soul of Morellino di Scansano is the Sangiovese grape - popularly known as 'Morellino" - which can express particularly soft qualities in this corner of Tuscany. Doga delle Clavule has an excellent location for growing grapes. The vineyards extend over 60 hectares, of which 20 hectares are Morellino, 7 hectares are Bianco Toscana I.G.T. and the remaining hectares are Rosso Toscana I.G.T. The soils are mainly of sedimentary origin, with some examples of loose neo-autochthonous soils derived from marine sediments of Pliocene origin. The proximity of the Amiata area creates perfect climatic conditions: The vineyards are protected from the cold Tramontana winds and are tempered by the sea breezes. This also minimizes the possibility of vine diseases. Harvesting of the white grapes generally begins in mid-August, while the red grapes are harvested from the end of August and in September. The Morellino di Scansano D.O.C.G. is a young wine with great personality that is aged for 6 months in 500-liter French oak barrels and a further 4 months in the bottle. The Vermentino, a traditional wine and grape variety, matures for 4 months in stainless steel tanks and refines for a further 2 months in the bottle.

Morellino di Scansano, an emblematic wine of the Maremma, has very ancient origins. First the Etruscans and then the Romans settled in these areas, which are ideal for growing vines and olive trees. In the warmer months of the year, the officials and dignitaries of Grosseto flocked to these breezy hills with their families and servants in tow. Palaces, villas and farms soon sprang up and the area became a powerful agricultural center, dedicated above all to viticulture. The historical archive of the municipality of Scansano contains interesting documents such as the statutes of the land and the countryside from the 15th century. The transfer of the Medici to Lorraine in 1737 brought new development prospects for the Maremma, Scansano officially became the 'summer capital' and this favored the development of trade and agriculture until recent times. The production area of Morellino di Scansano, which is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, extends over 58,000 hectares of hilly terrain between the Ombrone and Albegna rivers in the south of Tuscany.

In 1978, the recognition of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (controlled designation of origin) was approved, sanctioning the origin of Morellino grapes from the municipality of Scansano and part of the municipalities of Manciano, Magliano in Toscana, Grosseto, Campagnatico, Semproniano and Roccalbegna. In 1992, the Consorzio a tutela del Morellino di Scansano (Consortium for the Protection of Morellino di Scansano) was founded with the aim of guiding the wine policy of the area, guaranteeing quality and enhancing the value of the product on the market. In November 2006, recognition of the 'Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita' was approved. - Gerardo [TS12/23]