Maremma Toscana: Panel tasting results

Abbie Bennington, Melania Battiston and Federico Moccia tasted 73 wines, with 9 Highly recommended and 59 Recommended Maremma Toscana: Panel tasting scores 73 wines tasted Exceptional 0 Outstanding 0 Highly recommended 9 Recommended 59 Commended 5 Fair 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their current-release red, white or rosé wines from the Maremma Toscana DOC Scroll down to see the top-scoring wines from our Maremma Toscana panel tasting [subscriber-content] A profile deserving elevation [caption id="attachment_570104" align="alignnone" width="630"] Maremma Toscana's coastal vineyards. Credit: Consorzio Vini Maremma Toscana[/caption] Despite a viticultural history that dates back to the Etruscans, Tuscany’s Maremma region still flies under the radar. Quietly ascending as a regional powerhouse, it remains largely overshadowed by its more celebrated Tuscan neighbours. Yet beneath this understated veneer, Maremma forges a distinct identity, producing wines that reflect its coastal terroir and spirit of tradition and innovation. With its varied climate and cool sea breezes, the Maremma fosters a remarkable stylistic range, from rich yet fresh whites to traditional and maverick fruit-driven reds and rosés. Varieties such as Vermentino , Sangiovese and the local Ciliegiolo thrive here. Yet while we had high expectations for this tasting, the results fell regrettably short. Among the 73 wines tasted, a handful stood out, but top scores reached 92 points and Outstanding ratings (95pts plus) proved elusive. Rosé out in front? As Federico Moccia noted, the whites were ‘overall well made, a good price and showed freshness on the nose and crunchy fruit’, yet the overarching impression was of a diversity of styles rather than uniform excellence. The rosés particularly left an impression, demonstrating balance, elegance and nuance, challenging traditional perceptions of the regional style. They drew praise from Melania Battiston, who said: ‘I was surprised the most by their high quality. I would encourage Maremma to do more rosés – I think it really fits here.’ Moccia added: ‘We found some flashy rosés, but some others were really interesting, showing oxidative notes on the nose and some savoury notes – a bit more mushroom.’ The reds we tasted gave immediate pleasure, and demonstrated ageing potential, but for the most part, scores remained in the high-80s. With its array of distinctive, well-made bottlings, Maremma is an exciting frontier in Tuscany offering accessible, characterful wines. It’s increasingly earning recognition as an affordable and dynamic force in Italian wine. [breakout]

What to eat with Maremma Toscana, by Fiona Beckett [caption id="attachment_570053" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Steak offers a fail-safe option for Maremma's Cabernet-dominated reds. Credit: Mironov Vladimir/Shutterstock[/caption] With its diversity of styles, it’s difficult to come up with reliable go-to pairings with Maremma’s wines, but if Chianti makes you think of classic Italian cooking, Maremma might lead you more in the direction of more international dishes.

The Cabernet Sauvignon – or Cabernet Franc – dominated blends, for instance, will go with the usual suspects for those grape varieties – roast lamb, steak and rich portobello mushrooms; but maybe with an additional element, cooked over fire, say, or incorporating some kind of spice, such as a Korean bulgogi.

Among the whites, especially Vermentino, there’s the obvious option of seafood from the nearby coast. Spaghetti vongole is a much-loved pairing, but you might want to go for a fine piece of grilled fish, seared scallops or a big seafood platter.

And with rosé being taken ever more seriously as a gastronomic wine, you could think in terms of rare roast veal or lamb, or Asian-inflected seafood dishes such as tuna tartare – or perhaps an unctuous, creamy burrata with grilled peaches.

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See all notes and scores from the Maremma Toscana tasting [/subscriber-content] The judges Abbie Bennington is a wine educator, writer, consultant and judge. She runs her own tasting and wine business ABVTastings, offering private and corporate events, and is currently chair of the Association of Wine Educators Melania Battiston is wine director at Michelin one-star Cornus in London. Hailing from Lombardy, Italy, she’s a CMS Advanced Sommelier and runs Mel CnC, her own consultancy company for hospitality and brands Federico Moccia is head of wine operations at member’s club 67 Pall Mall in London. Originally from Brescia in northern Italy, he is an advocate for Italian wine, as well as a DWWA judge and a contributor to decanter.com Maremma Toscana panel tasting results: Wines were tasted blind [wine-collection] Related articles The insiders’ guide to Tuscany – the ultimate wineries to visit, wines to try and final tips From the volcano’s edge: Eight smoking hot wines from Etna picked by our expert Italy newsletter: Sign up today