Symbol-wine of the Maremma, Morellino di Scansano has very ancient origins. Initially, the Etrurians, later on, the Romans, choose to settle in these places, ideal for growing vine and olives. During the hot months of the year, the officials and the notables of Grosseto with their families and servants poured out into these aired hills. In a short time, buildings, villas and farms were built and the area became a powerful farm centre, especially dedicated to vine-growing. Interesting documents such as statutes of the land and of the rural area of the fifteenth century are kept a the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Scansano; these statutes established hard punishments for all those damaging the vineyards. Passing from the Medici to the Lorena in 1737 brought new development prospects for the Maremma; Scansano became officially the summer capital and this fostered the development of commerce and agriculture until recently. The production area of Morellino di Scansano, characterised by a Mediterranean climate, spreads out in the southern part of Tuscany, over 58,000 hectares of hilly region between the Ombrone and Albegna rivers. The Registered Designation of Origin was approved in 1978 (d.o.c.) with the relevant specifications that confirm the origin of the grapes of Morellino coming from the Borough of Scansano and part of the boroughs of Manciano, Magliano in Toscana, Grosseto, Campagnatico, Semproniano and Roccalbegna. In 1992, the Consortium for the protection of the Morellino di Scansano was set up with the purpose of giving a direction to the wine policy of the territory, guaranteeing quality and enhancing the product on the market. The Registered Designation of Origin was approved in November 2006.