La Mozza I Perazzi (2007)

When one thinks of wines produced with the Sangiovese grape, names such as Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino.  The Sangiovese grape is used to make some lesser known wines, including the Morellino di Scansano.

The Morellino di Scansano has its own DOCG (Denominazione di origine controllata garantita) for the hills around the town of Scansano in the Maremma region of Tuscany.  The rules for this DOCG require that the wine be made from 85% Sangiovese grapes and 15% non-aromatic black grapes, such as Mammolo, Canaiolo Nero Alicante, Malvasia, Nera, Nero Francese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Ciliegiolo. While the rules permit the use of grapes other than the Sangiovese, there are some wine producers who make the wine using only Sangiovese grapes. 

In addition, Morellino di Scansano is a wine that was released during the March after the harvest.  This means that the wine is only aged for about eight months.  By contrast, a Morellino di Scansano Riserva must age for two years, with one of those years being in oak barrels.   Thus, a Morellino di Scansano reaches the market at a relatively young age.

La Mozza follows the rules of the DOCG for the I Perazzi, using 85% Sangiovese along with 4% Syrah, 4% Alicante, 3% Colorino, 4% Ciliegiolo.  The vineyard uses indigenous yeasts are used and ages the wine in tonneaux (barrels).

The I Perazzi provides a good contrast to the other wine made by La Mozza, the Aragone.  Everything about the I Perazzi -- from its scent to its taste -- is more subtle than the Aragone.  Still, the wine has a nice fruit flavor, with ripe grapes and blackberries.  Despite these little differences, both wines share one thing in common ... they are both great wines.

Only 6,000 cases of this wine are produced in a year.  But, like the Aragone, if you see this wine in a store, grab it immediately.  You will not be disappointed.

ENJOY!

For more about the Morellino di Scansano DOCG, check out Wikipedia and Intowine.