Morellino di Scansano is produced in the rolling hills around the village of Scansano, to the southwest of Montalcino. Morellino is actually the local synonym for the Sangiovese grape and the wines are both exclusively red and a minimum of 85% Sangiovese, with the other Tuscan reds rounding out the balance as desired.

The region has an ancient reputation for producing high quality reds and was elevated to DOCG status in 2006. Lying as it does in the southern extremity of Tuscany, Scansano produces a richer, fuller, less nervous style of Sangiovese than classic examples to the north. Scansano shares some similarities with Montalcino, its famous neighbor, and a number of Brunello producers such as Jacopo Biondi Santi and Cecchi have been investing in local vineyards.

Despite being one of Tuscany's lesser-known DOCGs internationally, things are definitely on the uptick here. Already there are over 3,200 acres under vine producing nearly 800,000 cases of wine per year. (Wine/Appellations)