2015 Antonio Camillo Morellino di Scansano "Cotozzino" 750 ml

Why Maremma is Luring Italy’s Best Winemakers

Antonio Camillo was born and bred in the Maremma region along Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian coast — winemaking is in his blood. His entire life has been devoted to working the vines and learning the trade of winemaking. When it was time for Antonio to venture out on his own, he chose his homeland, specifically the high-elevation area of the Maremma, as the location of the domaine he established in 2006.

Antonio wanted to craft wines whose character and class would be easily recognizable, whose quality would reflect upon their terroir. His grapes of choice were Ciliegiolo, an ancient local variety, and Sangiovese, which is locally known as Morellino. Antonio searched far and wide for old-vine vineyards and eventually settled on 15 acres in the village of Manciano, a medieval town just steps from Saturnia hot springs known for their healing properties. These hot springs have been popular since Etruscan times, and the same minerals delighting bathers for centuries make the volcanic soils perfect for cultivating Sangiovese.

Morellino di Scansano DOCG is an Italian red wine made in the hilly environs of the world-famous Maremma region of coastal Tuscany. Over the past 30 years, Maremma has been ground zero for Italian winemakers setting up new wineries. The Gajas of Barbaresco bought the 250-acre Ca’ Marcanda estate in Maremma in 1996; the Biondi Santis of Brunello di Montalcino royalty also set up shop in Maremma with their Castello di Montepò in 1995.

The 2015 Antonio Camillo Morellino di Scansano Cotozzino is a strikingly delicious wine. Dark ruby color, with dark red cherry, spice, and leather aromas that pop out of the glass. The palate is ripe and voluptuous, with depth and textural density. Drink now to 2022.

Vinous founder Antonio Galloni calls the winery “an estate to watch” and had high praise indeed for Camillo’s 100% Sangiovese bottling of Morellino di Scansano, especially its “bold, punchy” style with its flavors of “tobacco, sage, rose petal and spice notes.”

If you have an unlimited budget and insatiable thirst for Gaja and Biondi, we applaud you. If you’re like us, the discovery of a riveting, more under-the-radar Tuscan neighbor, at a fraction of the cost, has the sound of corks popping in our ears. 100 cases just off the boat in NYC, shipped and stored at 56 degrees since leaving Tuscany. $19.99 today EXCLUSIVELY on WineAccess. You make the call.