Approved by MASAF are changes to the specification for the Maremma Suvereto Docg appellation that focus on the area’s relationship with its main grape varieties. And with Tuscany.
With its publication in the Official Gazette (nr 222 of 24-09-25), the new Suvereto Docg specification officially introduces Syrah and Cabernet Franc among the permitted varietal types, which already include Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Five grape varieties, which photograph the complexity of the Suvereto vineyard and for each of which the new specification requires, as of today, a pure vinification . “This is because we believe that doing so allows each variety to fully express the characteristics of our terroir, marked by the influence of the sea and the mineral richness of the subsoil,” comments Daniele Petricci, president of the Consorzio Suvereto e Val di Cornia.
It also changes the composition of the blend, which in the future must consist entirely of one or more of the five main grapes, subject to the possibility of using up to 15 percent of other regionally authorized red grapes.
Also introduced is the obligation to include the additional geographical mention ‘Tuscany’ on the label, “adecision that, in expressing the bond that unites Suvereto with its region, also represents a strategic market lever, by virtue of the appeal of this name among international consumers,” Petricci specifies.
Completing the batch of novelties are new release dates, with Suvereto, including varietal, being able to be marketed from May 1 of the second year following the harvest, while Riserva (with at least 12 months of aging in wood and 6 in bottle) will have to wait until the third year.
“Among the goals we set ourselves with the rebirth of the Consortium was undoubtedly to update the specifications of our appellations, under the banner of simplification and identity. – concludes the President – We therefore welcome this first result with enormous satisfaction, aware that it is only the first of many steps needed to give this territory the role and dignity it deserves.”
Summary sheet: major changes
- New varietal types: Syrah and Cabernet Franc;
- Single grape varieties: pure vinification of the five varietal types: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah and Cabernet Franc;
- Blend: up to 100% of two or more of the varietal grape varieties. Maximum of 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties authorized by the Tuscany Region Grape/wine yield: 70%.
- Release: May 1 of the second year after harvest (third for reserve, with minimum aging 12 months wood)
- Labeling: mandatory mention of “Tuscany”
