Etruscan civilization

The history of Maremma, the area where our winery is located, was first characterised by the presence of the Etruscans (IV-III century BC) who lived here and, in particular, the area of Scansano belonged to the ancient territory of Vulci, a metropolis in Southern Etruria. At that time, viticulture was already developed in the area. This is demonstrated by the numerous findings that can be viewed, today, inside Scansano’s museum of archaeology and viticulture. For instance, inside the Etruscan tombs unveiled by archaeologists in the countryside around Scansano, jugs and vases used for wine were discovered. In Ghiaccio Forte, an Etruscan fortress near our village, dating back to the VII century BC, votive deposits containing bronze statuettes offering a pruning hook were unearthed. Moreover, many amphorae which once contained wine were found in Southern France with marks that demonstrate they came from this area of Maremma and prove that wines were exported from here to France.

Roman times

Later the Romans colonised the area (III-II cent BC) and built villas around which farms were developed. Some were assigned to veteran soldiers – as in the case of the remains of the villa near Aia Nova, near Scansano, others were given to those Etruscans who managed to maintain some kind of power.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages the area saw the development of a phenomenon called “incastellamento”, when the hilltops became the elected location for the construction of fortified villas and castles such as Castello di Montepò and Castello del Cotone. The village of Scansano was first mentioned in documents from the 12th century, though it was probably already present one hundred years prior to that. It belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family until the mid 15th century when it became part of the Republic of Siena.

 

Modern History

With the 16th century there was a substantial urban and demographic development, stimulated by agriculture, by mining activities and by the good climate. In fact, at the beginning of the 19th century Leopold II established the “estatatura”, that is to say the transferring of all public offices from Grosseto to Scansano, during the summer (estate), when living close to the coast would be too risky, because of malaria and other epidemics, and the fresh air of this village 500 metres above sea level would ensure that everyone would be safe. At that time Scansano flourished. It was at then that Teatro Castagnoli, a beautiful 200-seat theatre – was built. The estatatura was abolished in 1897.

Contemporary Maremma

As the mining activity in the area ceased, the recent story of Scansano and the area is characterised mostly by agriculture and in particular by Morellino di Scansano which has helped the small and picturesque village to remain under the spotlight thanks to the delightful wine.