Morisfarms
Summary
Morisfarms, a seventh-generation family estate dating to 1662, cultivates 94 hectares of primarily Sangiovese vineyards across Massa Marittima, Monteregio, and Morellino di Scansano, where Mediterranean climate and diverse soils shape their Tuscan portfolio. Their winemaking balances traditional methods with modern precision, reflecting both their centuries-long agricultural heritage in Maremma and their role in the region's evolution from obscure farming area to dynamic wine territory.
Heritage & Leadership
Morisfarms traces its origins to 1662 when the Moris family, originally from Spain, established their agricultural enterprise in the Maremma region of Tuscany. The estate has remained family-owned for over three centuries, with the current operations led by Giulio Parentini-Moris, who represents the seventh generation of the family. The Parentini-Moris family has maintained continuous stewardship of the property through significant historical periods, including the agricultural reforms of the 18th century and the modernization of Italian viticulture in the post-war era.
The estate's headquarters are located near Massa Marittima, where the family has systematically expanded their holdings while preserving their historical connection to the land. Under Giulio Parentini-Moris's direction, Morisfarms has strengthened its focus on quality wine production while maintaining the agricultural diversity that has characterized the estate since its founding. The family's long-standing presence in Maremma has positioned them as firsthand witnesses to the region's transformation from a relatively unknown viticultural area to one of Italy's dynamic wine producing territories.
Vineyards & Wines
Morisfarms manages 94 hectares of vineyards distributed across several sites in the Maremma region. The primary vineyard holdings are situated in Massa Marittima, with additional parcels in Monteregio and the Morellino di Scansano appellation. The vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean climate, with maritime influences moderating temperatures throughout the growing season.
The estate's vineyards are planted predominantly to Sangiovese, which comprises approximately 60% of their total plantings. Additional varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah for red wines, along with Vermentino for white wine production. The soils vary across the different vineyard sites, featuring a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy compositions that contribute distinct characteristics to the wines.
Morisfarms produces several wines that reflect the terroir of Maremma. Their flagship offering is Avvoltore, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from vineyards at 250 meters above sea level. The portfolio also includes Morellino di Scansano DOCG in both standard and Riserva versions, Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC, and a Vermentino white wine. The vineyards are planted at densities between 5,000 and 6,000 vines per hectare, with many parcels now reaching 20-30 years of age.
Philosophy & Practice
Morisfarms employs a winemaking approach that balances traditional methods with modern techniques. Harvest is conducted manually, with careful selection of grapes in the vineyard and again at the sorting table. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the process according to each variety and vintage.
For their premium wines, the estate utilizes French oak barrels for aging, with specific protocols developed for each wine. The Avvoltore undergoes 12 months of barrel aging followed by additional bottle refinement before release. Their Morellino di Scansano Riserva spends 12 months in a combination of barriques and larger oak casks, while the standard Morellino sees minimal oak influence to preserve freshness.
The family maintains a holistic agricultural philosophy, viewing their vineyards as part of a broader ecosystem that includes olive groves and other crops. This approach reflects their historical roots as farmers in the Maremma region. In the cellar, Morisfarms focuses on expressing the distinctive character of their terroir while ensuring consistency across vintages. Their production methods emphasize minimal intervention during vinification, allowing the characteristics of the fruit and the growing season to define the wines.