Sovana DOC is a denomination for dry red and pink wines from Grosseto province in the Maremma region in coastal south-west Tuscany. The DOC was created in 1999, (at the same time as its neighbour Capalbio DOC). Sovana DOC takes its name from Sovana, a frazione of Sorano on the south (right) bank of the Fiora river. Sovana is also the Etruscan name for the area where the Bianco di Pitigliano white wine is produced but reserving it for red wine here.

Production zone: The production zone, which includes part of the commune of Manciano and all of the communes of Sorano and Pitigliano (all in Grosseto province), encompasses roughly the same area given to the Bianco di Pitigliano DOC. The zone comprises a tufa plateau at 200-300 metres above sea level. It borders Morellino di Scansano DOCG in the north, with the Lazio region to the south. Unlike Bianco di Pitiglano DOC, the Sovana DOC does not spread into the neighbouring DOC of Morellino di Scansano. 

History: Sovana itself has Etruscan origins and the town developed in the middle ages under the Aldobrandeschi family around the remains of its Etruscan necropolis. Remains of the Aldebrandeschi castle lie at one end of the main street and the cathedral with its fine bell tower lies at the other. Sovana was the birthplace of Hildebrand (b1015/1028; died 25 May 1085) who became Pope Gregory VII. In the 13-century the town came under the control of the Orsini family (who also controlled Sorana and Pitigliano), and then joined the Republic of Siena. After the fall of the Republic of Siena in the 1550s Sovana came under the control of the Medici family and their Grand Duchy of Tuscany. 

Wines

Sovana Rosato, Sovana Rosso, Sovana Rosso Riserva and Sovana Rosso Superiore are made from 50-100% Sangiovese and 0-50% other non-aromatic red varieties permitted in Grosseto province. Superiore wines carrying the name of a varietal are allowed for Aleatico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, and Sangiovese (min 85%). If matured for two years in oak barrels, plus another 6 months in bottle these wines may be called Riserva. Yields of up to 110 quintals/ha are so high as to appear to have been geared towards helping the Pitigliano co-operative.

Wineries

Certified organic: La Busattina (Manciano). | Murciaia (Marsiliana). | Murelle (Manciano). | Poggio Foco (Manciano). | Roccacia. | Sassotondo (Sovana di Sorano).

Contact

 Il Consorzio volontario per la tutela dei vini Bianco di Pitigliano e Sovana (created in 2003).