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Pairing Morellino di Scansano

Hands opening a dark wine bottle with foil cutter. Blue-green background; visible text: "MINISTERIO" and "IVV/BP12" on the label.
A person carefully opens a sealed wine bottle, anticipating a special occasion.

Pairing Morellino di Scansano By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

Morellino di Scansano, a Sangiovese-based red wine from the coastal Maremma region in southern Tuscany, offers a more accessible, fruit-forward alternative to heavier Tuscan reds like Brunello or Chianti Classico. The wine is known for its fresh red fruit flavors, medium body, moderate tannins, and vibrant acidity. This versatility makes it a perfect partner for a wide range of dishes, from traditional Tuscan fare to more casual, everyday meals.


1. Pasta and Tomato-Based Sauces:

  • Classic Tomato Sauces:


    The bright cherry and red berry flavors of Morellino di Scansano complement simple pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces—think spaghetti pomodoro or penne all’arrabbiata. The wine’s acidity mirrors the tomatoes’ tang, creating a balanced pairing.

  • Ragù and Meat Sauces:


    Morellino’s supple tannins and savory undertones pair well with pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar ragù) or a hearty beef ragù. Its medium body ensures the wine doesn’t overpower the dish, while its acidity cuts through the sauce’s richness.

2. Grilled and Roasted Meats:

  • Tuscan Grilled Meats (Arrosto Misto):


    A mixed grill of pork, chicken, and sausage—common in Tuscan cuisine—pairs wonderfully with Morellino. The wine’s ripe fruit and earthy hints bring out the meats’ charred flavors and seasonings.

  • Roast Pork with Herbs:


    The wine’s herbal notes and soft tannins match the flavors of rosemary, sage, and garlic used in a traditional Tuscan roast pork dish.

3. Game and Rustic Fare:

  • Game Birds and Rabbit:


    Morellino di Scansano’s fresh, fruity profile complements lighter game dishes like roasted quail, pheasant, or rabbit with herbs. These dishes allow the wine’s nuances to shine without overwhelming the palate.

  • Rustic Stews:


    A Tuscan-style bean and sausage stew or ribollita (a hearty bread and vegetable soup) works beautifully with Morellino. The wine’s vibrant acidity brightens the stew’s rich, hearty flavors.

4. Cheeses and Cured Meats:

  • Semi-Hard Cheeses:


    Pecorino Toscano (young or aged) pairs well with Morellino, as its mild saltiness and nutty flavor complement the wine’s fruity character.

  • Cured Meats (Salumi):


    Traditional Tuscan salumi, such as finocchiona (fennel-infused salami) or prosciutto Toscano, harmonize with Morellino’s bright fruit and light tannins, making it a perfect choice for a charcuterie board.

5. Pizza and Casual Dishes:

  • Wood-Fired Pizza:


    Morellino’s straightforward fruit and moderate body make it an excellent pairing for a classic margherita pizza or one topped with Tuscan sausage and mushrooms.

  • Tuscan Panini or Crostini:


    Pairing a glass of Morellino with a simple panino filled with prosciutto and Pecorino, or crostini topped with chicken liver pâté, highlights the wine’s fresh, easy-drinking nature.

6. Lighter Grilled Seafood and Vegetables:

  • Grilled Tuna or Swordfish:


    While Morellino is primarily a red meat and pasta wine, its coastal origins and moderate body allow it to work with richer, grilled fish like tuna or swordfish, especially when served with a Mediterranean-style tomato and herb sauce.

  • Grilled Vegetables:


    Grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with olive oil and herbs find a pleasant partner in Morellino, as the wine’s fruitiness and herbal hints balance the vegetables’ charred sweetness.


In Summary: Morellino di Scansano’s versatility lies in its approachable fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and moderate tannins. It pairs beautifully with tomato-based pasta dishes, roasted meats, rustic Tuscan stews, semi-hard cheeses, cured meats, and even lighter grilled seafood and vegetables. It’s an ideal wine for casual meals, traditional Tuscan fare, and simple, authentic flavors.

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