Val delle Rose: Morellino 2019

~ The Poggio al Leone vineyard on the Val delle Rose Estate ~

Morellino is an underrated grape. The workhorse of Morellino di Scansano, it is simply the local name for Sangiovese.  The color of the resulting wine is cherry red and thus takes its name from the Morello cherry.  Morellino di Scansano earned DOCG status in 2007 and as such, must now be 85% Sangiovese.  The balance of the wine may be many other approved red grapes.

Val delle Rose was purchased by the Cecchi family in 1996. At the time, only 25 hectares of vineyards existed on the expansive parcel of land. In what could only be described as an agricultural revolution, the Cecchi’s built a state of the art winery and reception center, commissioned an extensive soil study, and replanted existing vineyards. As a result of the study, they were able to increase plantings to over 100 hectares.

~ The entrance to the tasting room, reception center and offices which sit directly above the winery ~

Today, the estate is a shining gem in the Famiglia Cecchi portfolio. Sangiovese is the leading star for here. However, the estate boasts plantings of Merlot, Ciligielo, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Vermentino.  I first wrote about the high quality of the 2019 vintage last June while discussing the estate’s Vermentino.  Now, the red wines are beginning to be released and we are seeing that quality carry over.  What’s more, the value is stellar!

~ The property’s cantina sits completely underground and is cooled naturally ~

The 2019 Val delle Rose Morellino di Scansano is a medium ruby to violet in color.  This wine has literally just landed in the US and although it’s in the market, I couldn’t wait to try it even though I knew it might be awkward.  It wasn’t.  That said, it did blossom after being opened for an hour so I might decant this for 30 minutes.  The wine is 90% Sangiovese while the balance is unspecified red grapes.

Aromatic notes of crushed cherry, fresh flowers, fresh herbs and hints of spice mark the nose.  Flavors essentially follow the nose but are very bright, juicy and focused.  As I mentioned, with some aeration the wine’s fruit plumped up noticeably.  Excellent value here under $15.  This rosso pairs well with pizza, pasta, burgers and cured meats.  It’s a value to have on hand and earns my Cellar Sentinel Selection.  91 points.  About $14.99   Find this wine.

~ The 2019 is a bargain under $15 and a true Cellar Sentinel ~

Stay tuned for more new releases from this winery.  Some may appear as future Tuscan Snips!

Salute!