2024 Ghiaccio Forte Morellino di Scansano DOCG, Tuscany

The Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte 2024 Morellino di Scansano Ghiaccio Forte captures the zeitgeist of the moment with its ruby transparency and immediate drinking charm. Short maceration times of seven to eight days give the wine a light and punchy feel with weightless intensity, while aromas span the red and blue fruit spectrum with a distant ashy or volcanic note that adds lift and definition. The vines are 25 years old and planted with various clones sourced from Montevertine, Biondi-Santi and Il Poggione. A clear “less is more” philosophy guides the winemaking, with both primary and secondary fermentation carried out in stainless steel. Since the 2018 vintage, this wine has been produced from 100% Sangiovese, with total production at approximately 40,000 bottles in this vintage.

Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte is defined by a singular coastal–volcanic interplay in southern Tuscany, where the influence of Monte Amiata shelters the vineyards from cold air while openness to the Tyrrhenian Sea brings warm, moderating currents between the Ombrone and Albegna Rivers. Nearby volcanic activity and thermal springs shape the landscape with ancient clays, geysers and occasional sulfurous notes in the air. The popular Terme di Saturnia (thermal springs) lie just a few kilometers away. The estate farms 11 hectares of vines planted on granite-based alluvial soils and sands (rather than the clays you see in Montalcino), encouraging earlier harvests and faster ripening. It is ultimately these subtle volcanic inflections that provide the clearest key to understanding the character of Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte’s wines within the Morellino di Scansano appellation.

93 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

The rolling hills of coastal Maremma are home to Ghiaccio Forte, an estate named after an ancient Etruscan settlement near Scansano. This warmer, maritime corner of Tuscany produces a particularly appealing expression of Sangiovese, known locally as Morellino. The 2024 is a lively, characterful red that captures the region's sunshine while retaining the freshness and savoury charm that make Tuscan wines so enjoyable.

Predominantly Sangiovese, the wine draws its character from Maremma's sun drenched vineyards and cooling coastal breezes. Gentle winemaking preserves the fruit's natural vibrancy, producing a Morellino that favours juicy flavour and supple tannins over heavy oak influence.

Bright ruby red with violet highlights. Ripe cherry, raspberry and red plum mingle with dried oregano, violet and a little earthy spice. The palate is juicy and beautifully balanced, with lively red fruit, refreshing acidity and soft, finely textured tannins. A savoury note of wild herbs carries through the pleasingly dry finish.

Try it with Tuscan tomato and bread soup, grilled eggplant with smoked mozzarella or pork and fennel sausages with white beans. It would also be terrific with a wood fired mushroom pizza.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030. Particularly appealing for its youthful fruit, with enough structure to develop over the next few years.

The Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte 2024 Morellino di Scansano Ghiaccio Forte captures the zeitgeist of the moment with its ruby transparency and immediate drinking charm. Short maceration times of seven to eight days give the wine a light and punchy feel with weightless intensity, while aromas span the red and blue fruit spectrum with a distant ashy or volcanic note that adds lift and definition. The vines are 25 years old and planted with various clones sourced from Montevertine, Biondi-Santi and Il Poggione. A clear “less is more” philosophy guides the winemaking, with both primary and secondary fermentation carried out in stainless steel. Since the 2018 vintage, this wine has been produced from 100% Sangiovese, with total production at approximately 40,000 bottles in this vintage.

93 Points, The Wine Advocate Monica Larner, Drink Date: 2025 - 2029