JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: MORELLINO DI
SCANSANO ARRIVES
by Dwight Casimere
DWIGHT THE WINE DOCTOR
NEWYORK—Corkbuzz
Wine Studio in New York’s famed Union Square was the scene of the Second U.S.
tour of Consorzio Tutela Morellino di Scansano D.O.C.G., “Tuscany In A Glass.”
Corkbuzz is the
epicenter of wine appreciation and education. Owned and operated by Master Sommelier Laura Maniec with
menu pairings by Executive Chef Hayan Yi, Corkbuzz is a great place to hang
out, enjoy a glass of wine and share a bowl of pasta or sample hamachi crudo in
a living room setting. With over 50 wines by the glass and 200 bottles covering
the gamut of regions and styles, it’s the perfect place to learn about wine in
a casual, unpretentious atmosphere.
Morellino is one of
the great “undiscovered” regions of Tuscany. It is one of Italy’s hidden gems
in one of the most charming regions of Tuscany. Somewhat unknown to most wine
drinkers in America, the history of Morellino dates back to antiquity. Its distinguished
reds, made from the pre-eminent Sangiovese grape is among the most
distinguished wines produced in the hilly area around the medieval village of Scansano.
Morellino is the
local name for the grape varietal. Although the origin of the name is today
unknown, scholars believe it refers to the word morello, which means “the
little dark one,” referring to the color of the horses unique to the coastal
district of Maremma where the DOCG is located. Its unique microclimate,
altitude and volcanic soil produce grapes and wines of distinction.
Scansano underwent
massive development in the 1500s and became one of the most important
territories in the hills of Maremma. By the 1800s, it became renowned as a
grape-growing and winemaking region, thanks to the groundbreaking work of two
agronomists, the Vannuccini brothers.
The Consorzio Tutela
Vino Morellino di Scansano was created in 1992 to regulate and product the
production of quality wines in the region and educate producers and consumers.
Their point was made with stunning clarity at the Corkbuzz event, with a
presentation by wine educator and Master Sommelier Charlie Arturaola and a
small plates walk-around tasting featuring producers from the region who poured
their wines on at the event.
Here is a sampling
of the wines tasted and their flavor profiles from this year and from last
year’s tastings. It is interesting to see how they have evolved with a little
age on them:
Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino
di Scansano 2010 DOCG $18
A blend of 90%
Sangiovese with 10% Malvasia Nera, this is a beautifully rich, complex and
full-bodied red wine. It’s a
terrific food wine that will match perfectly with savory Holiday foods such as
Sage-roasted Turkey, Standing Rib Roast and rich, dark chocolate desserts.
Terre di Fiori
Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2010 $15.99
A straightforward
100% Sangiovese. I would put this superior wine up against any of the better
known Chianti Classico wines. The difference is that, because of its virtually
unknown presence in the U.S.
market, it’s a fraction of the price. A big, robust wine, great with
Prime Rib, game meats, such as a Christmas Goose or heavy Sage-dressed Turkey.
La Selva Morellino
di Scansano 2011 DOCG $19.99
This 90% Sangiovese
and 10% Merlot varietal is well integrated and complex. It is also the only one
of the wines that is certified organic. A true expression of the terroir, this
one is a also a great choice for the holidays.
Azienda Bruni
Riserva Laire 2008 DOCG $30
This 85% Sangiovese
and 15% Syrah wine was a real knockout. Richer and more layered than the other
wines, it can be paired with both rich and roasted meats but also with dessert.
An interesting play on Morellino, it would appeal to a number of hearty red
drinkers.
Fattoria Mantellassi
Morellino di
Scansano
San Guiseppe DOCG
2009 $13.99
A blend of 85%
Sangiovese with 15% Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a rich, complex
and full-bodied red wine. Mantellassi was the first family to bottle the
Morellino in 1977. They also produce fresh, crisp white wines that reflect the
volcanic mineral terroir of the region from the native white grape variety
Vermentino, another terrific and versatile Holiday choicer. The wines are an
exceptional value.
Conte Ferdinando
Guicciardini
Morellino di
Scansano DOCG 2009 $18
A straightforward
100% Sangiovese and is aged for a year in the barrel, this wine has plenty of
sweet spice on the nose and a fruity dominance that makes it pleasant to drink.
Full and powerful with plenty of integrated wood and fruit, it makes for a
terrific mouth filling experience at the Holiday table. Not a lot of this wine
was produced so, if you find it at your local shop, grab a case for now for the
family “tribe” at the Holiday table and save a few bottles for later for
personal enjoyment!
No comments:
Post a Comment