Maremma Wine Region

Where is Maremma Wine Appellation?

Maremma is a large region in southern Tuscany. It is an excellent area that stretches between the provinces of Livorno and Grosseto. This region is part of central Italy, extending along the Tyrrhenian coast from south of Livorno to Rome and inland to the Apennine foothills. The term is thought to be from the Latin word Maritime, or even emanated from the Spanish Marismas which means marshland. The Maremma is nowadays used to mark the vast geographical area that covers both parts of Tuscany and Lazio.

The timeless history of Maremma Wine Appellation

Maremma is considered being a timeless region with ancient roots. In Etruscan and Roman times this place was settled and known for its ranches. Romans left behind significant paths in the Etruscan cities of Populonia and Roselle and numerous archeological finds near the region. The history of wine also starts from the Romans here. So, Maremma has really huge toots in winemaking.

Later, the Aldobrandeschi clan came to Maremma during the dark era of the Middle Ages. They have built high towers, castles, and walled towns such as Santa Fiora and Sovana. The Medici and Lorena families also lived here, as the massive Medici wall in Grosseto reminds us.

Some reclamation and drainage of the swamps began in the 1930s, and, beginning in 1951, the Maremma Land Reform Agency expended large sums on the region. New farms, roads, and service centers were built, transforming the face of the Maremma further recognition. This wine region also started producing more wine and trading them to the neighboring countries. As a result, we see a powerful wine region of Italy with amazing wines and culture.

The Terroir of Maremma Wine Appellation

Maremma is unique both for wines and the variety of its territory. This place has everything: blue sea, rocks, beaches, hills covered with greens, marshes and flat lands, green hills, and natural thermal baths. Its location creates a suitable terroir for grapes to grow and flourish.

In the foothills of the Volsini mountain, the center of Pitigliano and Sorano located the hills represented by volcanic soil. Stone systems once used to press the grapes before their being cellared still exist in some of the vineyards on the Maremma, where they use the traditional cultivation method of utilizing small cane divisions to support short spurs. Coastal areas are full of clay soil, pine forests, and other extraordinary places that complete the terrain of Maremma.

Climate: Maremma mostly has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, long autumns, mild winters, and rainy springs.

Soil Types: As for the soil types, there are a lot of loam and clay soils in some areas. You will also find clay and sand with numerous limestones.

Grape varieties of Maremma Wine Appellation

Maremma wine appellation produces a wide array of wine styles. It officially gained DOC status in September 2011. Maremma had a total of 715 hectares of vineyards in 2018, while production volume was around 529 000.

Maremma wine appellation focuses on varietal wines and produces wines that contain a minimum of 85 percent blends. For the red wines, they use Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache (Alicante), Syrah,Petit Verdot, Pugnitello, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo. Maremma Produces rosé wines from Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Alicante, and Ciliegiolo. As for the white wines they use Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano, Ansonica, Viognier, and Vermentino.

In addition, there is also a varietal label for "Cabernet". This may be Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon or Carmenère, alone or in combination. This recalls a practice in Central Italy of not trying to distinguish the trio.

Today, while Maremma is home to some of Italy’s most costly and famous wines, such as Ornellaia, Sassicaia, and Masseto, it remains obscure to most wine lovers.

Food to Pair with Maremma wine

Spezzatino (Stufatino)

Spezzatino is an Italian stew which is a great pair for a Maremma wine. It consists of meat that is cooked in a liquid. Usually, they use lamb, mutton, beef, or pork. They all have a nice amount of connective tissue and cartilage that dies down into a hearty gravy.

The meat slices are brushed with flour then fried in butter with celery, pancetta, carrots, onions, and white wine. The mixture is cooked slowly for a long time until all the parts are covered in sauce. While you visit the beautiful Maremma wine region, do not forget to eat this tasty dish with a glass of Maremma wine.

Cacciucco (Cacciucco alla Livornese)

Tuscan fish stew has a record that dates back to at least 500 years ago. We don't know the exact invention history, but most likely, it was invented by the fishermen of Livorno, who prepared it with whatever was left on the boat after selling more expensive fish at the market.

Traditionally, Cacciucco is said to have five other types of fish and seafood in i. One for each "C" in its name — octopus and squid or cuttlefish go in first, while the tender fish, mussels, and prawns are added at the end of cooking.

The stew is cooked with tomatoes, olive oil, white wine, garlic, fresh sage, and dried red chili peppers. Occasionally the meal is served over toasted, garlic bread-like Campagnolo. You should taste this dish with a glass of Maremma wine.

Pappardelle al cinghiale

Pappardelle is a well-known Tuscan pasta combination. When it is paired with ragù di cinghiale, they become one of the region's best gastronomic adventures. Unlike classic ragù, the one crafted with wild boar has an intense, stronger flavor performed by slow simmering in a rich sauce of tomatoes and red wine.

The delicate meat paired with fresh egg pasta is a mix full of flavors and tradition. You will fill the richness and deliciousness, topped with a plentiful amount of fresh parsley and a drizzle of Parmigiano. pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale makes a perfect, comforting winter dish, especially when paired with a glass of Tuscan red wine.

Places to visit in Maremma Wine Appellation

Monte Argentario

Monte Argentario is a majestic place encircled by the sea and linked to the coast by two artificial strips of land, the tombolo di Gianella, and the Orbetello dam. The city covers a vast area, including Grossetan Maremma, Porto Santo Stefano, and Porto Ercole. Monte Argentario attracts visitors for its unique landscape, marine environment, and mild climate, which makes this place an ideal vacation destination.

Monte Argentario is a holiday place known for its countless beaches and rich history. The most iconic monument of Porto Santo Stefano is the Spanish Fortress, created for defensive goals and to serve as the Governor's Palace. It is now home to the permanent exhibitions of Submerged Memories, with archaeological relics found in its seabed.

Grosseto

The first thing you shouldn't miss while traveling to Maremma is the city Grosseto. This is the capital of Maremma, which is spread across the Ombrone, only a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian coast. The city’s growth is more recent than that of other deeply historic villages in Maremma. It was founded in 935 when Roselle was destroyed by Saracen pirates. It was only in the 20th century that it developed into the city it is now.

Nowadays, the city is an ideal holiday place for families, with its surrounding hills and nearby coast. If you are a wine lover, you can taste exquisite Maremma wines in this city.

Capalbio

Capalbio is a lovely little town in southern Tuscany, located on a hill mantled in a Mediterranean shrub. In the medieval period, the town was under the Aldobrandeschi family. Later, in 1416 it passed to the Orsini Counts, before being annexed by the Republic of Siena. The Habsburg-Lorraine family later came into it, which marked an end to Capalbio's freedom and the start of its social disintegration.

Passing through Capalbio today, you will see a small town with a medieval style of streets and history. You can follow the circuit of borders all the way around, and enjoy a wide, wonderful panorama over the surrounding countryside. The Porta Senese still has its original fifteenth-century doors, and huge slabs of wood.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maremma