The Cantina Cooperativa Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano was founded in 1972 by visionary winemakers to promote Maremma Toscana wines and benefit the local community.
The cooperative was instrumental in establishing the DOC Morellino di Scansano in 1978, affirming the exceptional quality of wines from this region. Despite market challenges in the 1980s, the cooperative invested in wine quality, increasing production and expanding winemaking and aging facilities.
In the following years, the Cantina Cooperativa implemented sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact, achieved certifications, and engaged in innovative projects. The facility underwent renovations from 2016 to 2018, which included the addition of a dedicated hospitality area. Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino produces wines from local grape varieties, including Sangiovese (known locally as Morellino), Ciliegiolo, Vermentino, and Alicante.
Limited Edition Solidarity Label for the “L’Orto Giusto” Project
The Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano, always attentive to its local community, has presented, for Christmas 2023, a “solidarity” label to support local projects. This year, the collaboration is with the “L’Orto Giusto” project, a social agriculture initiative run directly by young people with disabilities. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this bottle will contribute to the project by the Cooperativa Beata Veronica, which promotes the employment of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector. By cultivating and caring for a garden, young participants gain the chance to develop personal autonomy, acquire a trade, and experience meaningful workforce inclusion.
The label for Roggiano Morellino di Scansano DOCG came from designs that participants created and chose during their visit to the winery. All the images are available in a dedicated section on the cooperative’s website.
Stefano Russo, the cooperative’s president, shared his thoughts.
“The label, designed by an autistic young man of about 20 years old who was initially very reserved, has now become the star of the design due to this label since attending the Orto Giusto. He has become much more expressive in all his interactions.“
These words clearly reflect the love for the project and the young people involved in it.
The limited edition Morellino di Scansano DOCG Roggiano has been available for sale since the end of October. It is priced at 10 euros and can be purchased in the company’s shop.
The tasting of five wines revealed both surprises and confirmations.
The tasted wines
Capoccia – Ciliegiolo Maremma Toscana Doc 2022
Predominantly Ciliegiolo grapes
The goal of Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano was to highlight the grape variety in its purest form. They aimed to showcase its primary characteristics: freshness, great drinkability, and straightforwardness.
This wine immediately dazzles with its brilliance and luminosity as soon as you pour it. On the nose, the typical aromas of Ciliegiolo are present. Immediately noticeable are scents of ripe red fruit. Despite their ripeness, these scents remain pleasantly crisp.
On the palate, it is fresh and direct. It doesn’t try to hide but shows itself as it is: a simple wine. Its greatest strength lies in this very simplicity.
Roggiano – Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2022
Predominantly Sangiovese Grapes
This wine belongs to the “Roggiano” line. The wines in this series are made from grapes sourced from vineyards situated at 250/300 meters above sea level.
In this case, the wine is also produced with maturation in steel tanks and bottle aging for at least 3 months. On the nose, floral notes emerge prominently. Violet and rose are predominant, complementing the typical Sangiovese aromas of blueberry and blackberry.
There are no claims of aging potential: it is an elegant wine with fine tannins that is already pleasing to drink. On the palate, it is immediately clear that this is a “gastronomic” wine, offering enjoyable everyday drinking.
Roggiano Biologico – Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2022
The Roggiano Organic, originating from a region like Maremma, which is known for its relatively healthy environment, is a true product of this territory.
The grapes come from vineyards situated at higher altitudes. These vineyards yield fewer grapes per hectare compared to the previous ones tasted. The differences are noticeable right from the nose. The earlier floral notes give way to the true fruity character of Sangiovese. There’s greater complexity, almost a deeper expression, reflecting the careful attention to yield and vineyard placement.
Capoccia Riserva – Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2020
Predominantly Ciliegiolo grapes
Capoccia Riserva ages in French oak barrels for 6 months (40% new – 60% second-use), and this maturation is definitely noticeable. It’s not overwhelming but brings forward subtle spicy notes on the nose and a good balance. From the first sip, it’s clear that the winery’s intention is to offer a reserve that is easily approachable, maintaining the drinkability that runs as a common thread throughout all their wines.
Roggiano Riserva – Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2020
A 12-month aging in barriques followed by a lengthy bottle maturation of around 10 months. In this Roggiano Riserva, floral notes are prominent, complemented by subtle sweet spices such as cinnamon, which pairs well with the hints of undergrowth. This wine has a long evolution ahead of it. It is already well-balanced but will need time to fully express itself.
