Maremma Toscana DOC is a versatile wine appellation in southern Tuscany’s Grosseto province, established in 2011. Known for Vermentino-based whites, Sangiovese reds, and rare indigenous grapes like Ciliegiolo and Pugnitello, it produces fresh, coastal-influenced wines ranging from everyday bottles under $20 to age-worthy expressions from top producers.
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What is Maremma Toscana DOC?
Stretching across Tuscany’s wild southern coastline, Maremma Toscana DOC is one of Italy’s youngest but most dynamic appellations. Officially created in 2011, it reflects the diversity of this once-untamed frontier: rolling vineyards between the Tyrrhenian Sea and inland hills, producing everything from crisp Vermentino whites to bold Sangiovese reds and experimental blends with international grapes.
History of Maremma Toscana Wine Region
For centuries, Maremma was more wilderness than vineyard—a malaria-ridden marshland until it was drained and reclaimed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Once livestock country, it became fertile ground for vine-growing in the 20th century. The DOC recognition in 2011 formalized what local producers had long known: Maremma was capable of producing wines as compelling as Chianti and Brunello, but with its own maritime freshness and Tuscan soul.
Maremma Toscana Terroir and Geography
The DOC covers the entire province of Grosseto, with vineyards stretching from sea-level coastal plains to inland hills reaching 500 meters. The terroir is remarkably diverse:
- Soils: clay, limestone, volcanic deposits, and sandy coastal patches.
- Climate: Mediterranean, with cooling sea breezes and significant diurnal shifts inland.
This natural diversity makes Maremma a playground for experimentation, giving wines freshness and vibrancy not always found in Tuscany’s more structured appellations.
Maremma Toscana Grape Varieties
White Wine Varieties
- Vermentino – the region’s flagship white, zesty with citrus, saline minerality, and Mediterranean herbs.
- Trebbiano & Malvasia – traditional Tuscan whites, often blended.
Red Wine Varieties
- Sangiovese – Tuscany’s king grape, here producing approachable, fruit-driven wines with softer tannins than Chianti Classico.
- Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot – international grapes that thrive in coastal vineyards, used for bold “Super Tuscan–style” blends.
Native Grapes: Ciliegiolo and Pugnitello
- Ciliegiolo – named for its cherry-like flavor, fresh and aromatic.
- Pugnitello – rare and rustic, with dark fruit and earthy undertones, revived by Tuscan researchers and boutique producers.
Maremma Toscana Wine Styles and Regulations
The DOC allows a wide range of wines:
- Bianco (white), Rosato, and Rosso (red)
- Varietal wines (minimum 85% of the named grape, e.g., Vermentino, Sangiovese)
- Superiore wines with stricter yield limits and higher alcohol
- Vin Santo (traditional Tuscan dessert wine)
This flexibility makes Maremma Toscana DOC one of Italy’s most innovative appellations.
Best Maremma Toscana DOC Wines to Try
- Fattoria Le Pupille – “Morellino di Scansano Riserva” (Sangiovese-driven, elegant and structured)
- Rocca di Frassinello – Ornello (Sangiovese blended with international grapes, smoky and bold)
- Morisfarms – Vermentino (bright, citrus-driven, excellent value)
- Terenzi – Ciliegiolo (a varietal expression of one of Tuscany’s rediscovered grapes)
Vintage recommendations: 2019 and 2020 are excellent for reds; 2021 for fresh whites.
Maremma Toscana vs Other Tuscan Wine Regions
- Chianti Classico DOCG – more structured, earth-driven, and historic.
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – age-worthy, powerful, 100% Sangiovese.
- Maremma Toscana DOC – versatile, coastal, experimental, with both international and indigenous grapes.
Maremma offers a softer, fresher alternative to Tuscany’s more established appellations—often at a more approachable price point.
Maremma Toscana Wine Tasting Notes
- Whites (Vermentino): lemon zest, sea spray, white flowers, almond.
- Reds (Sangiovese blends): ripe cherry, violet, Mediterranean herbs, spice.
- Ciliegiolo & Pugnitello: cherries, blackberries, earthy depth, smooth tannins.
Food Pairings with Maremma Toscana Wines
- Spring/Summer: Vermentino with grilled fish, seafood pastas, or panzanella.
- Autumn/Winter: Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo with wild boar ragù, pecorino toscano, and hearty Tuscan stews.
- Year-round: Rosato with antipasti, charcuterie, and casual aperitivo moments.
Where to Buy Maremma Toscana Wines
Available through major Italian wine retailers and online shops like:
- Wine.com
- Eataly
- Vivino marketplace
Price range: - Everyday Vermentino and Rosso: $15–25
- Premium blends and Superiore: $35–60+
Maremma Toscana DOC FAQ
- When was Maremma Toscana DOC created?
2011. - What is the signature grape of Maremma Toscana?
Vermentino for whites, Sangiovese for reds, with growing recognition of Ciliegiolo. - How does it compare to Chianti?
Maremma wines are fresher, coastal-influenced, and more experimental with blends. - Can Maremma wines age?
Yes—Superiore reds can age 8–12 years.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Maremma was once considered “the wild west of Tuscany”, home to cowboys known as butteri.
- The landscape combines vineyards, olive groves, and wild beaches, making it a prime wine tourism destination.
- Many producers emphasize organic and biodynamic practices, reflecting the region’s pristine environment.
Have you tried Maremma Toscana wines? Which do you prefer—Vermentino’s coastal freshness or Sangiovese’s Tuscan heart? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t miss our upcoming guide to Tuscany’s hidden wine tours
Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Tuscany.
