Scansano
Scansano was built on a hilly Maremman inland between the coast and the slopes of Mount Amiata, which has a stunning and vast panorama. The nearby archeological site of Ghiaccioforte demonstrates that the origins of the town date back to Etruscan and Roman times. It was first dominated by the Aldobrandeschi family who built a castle, later used as a convent and is now a place of spectacular beauty. In the 16th century Scansano began an extensive urban development under the Counts of Santa Fiora and assumed the layout we see today. After a period of political and social stagnation under the Medici, the town enjoyed a renewed phase of development with the Grand duke of Lorraine.
Today the environment around Scansano is no longer the harsh, uninhabited and wild land of the past. The town is now surrounded by beautiful green hills filled with pastures, vineyards and olive groves, which gracefully change their colors with the seasons. It has become a popular destination for those who love nature with the unique Mediterranean countryside blooming with broom, rock roses and strawberry bushes to create a place of astounding natural beauty.
As well as being a town of intriguing history, maintaining its medieval charm and beauty; Scansano is also highly recognised for the success of Morellino, the area’s red wine. Granted DOCG status in 2007 ( the highest level of appellation in the Italian system, reserved for products made with the most stringent and outstanding standards) the wine is made from Sangiovese, the basis of the famous Tuscan Chiantis and is rich in fruit and solid in structure. Wine cellars and shops in and around Scansano are always open for sampling this vivacious wine with its intense flavor and truely exceptional level of quality.
During the weekends of the annual celebration “Settembre a Scansano Morellino e Sapori DOC” in September, tourists have the chance to taste this excellent wine and other typical local products.
