Tuscany

Literally, the Maremma Toscana refers to the plains of what were previously swamplands around the river mouths in southern Tuscany, in Italy. In this sense, there are several Maremmas, from the province of Livorno to the province of Grosseto. In a more narrow sense, the term Maremma Toscana frequently refers to the province of Grosseto, including both the plains that stretch around the city of Grosseto in southern Tuscany, and runs into the coastal region with the mouth of the Ombrone river there, as well as the higher-akltitude sections of the Maremma (Alta Maremma), the hills of the Colline Metallifere. The Maremma Toscana (province of Grosseto) stretches for more than 130 kilometres along the coast as far as the Monte Argentario peninsula, and in the interior as far as the highest mountain in Tuscany, the Monte Amiata. The region is referred to as an „El Dorado“, and as one of the most interesting developing regions of Tuscany, and possibly of Italian viticulture as a whole. Wines with great potential have been produced here since the 1980’s. The development is reflected in investments and joint ventures in wine estates by renowned houses such as Antinori, Castello di Fonterutoli, Frescobaldi, Gaja and many other. One of the reasons is that many vineyards in this region are lying fallow, and are currently being replanted. Sangiovese ist he main variety planted, others include Alicante (Grenache), Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo and Malvasia Nera. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot are used mainly in the high-quality table wines, known as the Super-Tuscans. The most important DOC zones are Ansonica Costa dell´Argentario, Bianco di Pitigliano, Montecucco, Monteregio#Monteregio di Massa Marittima, Morellino di Scansano, Parrina, Sovana and Val di Cornia. Parrina and Morellino di Scansano are characterised mainly by limestone-rich soils, while volcanic soils dominate in the zone Bianco di Pitigliano north of Lake Bolsena.