Vermentino Grand Prix 2025 highlights Maremma’s growing role in Tuscan white wine production

The sixth edition of the Vermentino Grand Prix was held in April 2025 in Castiglione della Pescaia, a coastal town in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany. Organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini della Maremma Toscana, the event aims to highlight the quality and potential of Vermentino wines produced under the Maremma Toscana DOC designation.

This year’s competition evaluated 67 wines, primarily from the 2023 and 2024 vintages, with some entries dating back to 2019. The wines were mostly vinified in stainless steel, though a few producers used alternative methods such as concrete eggs, amphorae, cocciopesto, and wood. Twelve of the wines carried the “Superiore” designation, which indicates stricter production standards and often longer aging. Four of these Superiore wines were selected among the Top Ten.

Francesco Mazzei, president of the Consortium, emphasized that over 30% of Maremma Toscana DOC wines are made from Vermentino grapes. He noted that most are varietal wines and that Maremma has become a key area for white wine production in Tuscany. According to Mazzei, Vermentino thrives in Maremma’s coastal environment and shows strong aging potential. He also highlighted that the Superiore label helps demonstrate the grape’s complexity and character.

The jury for this year’s Grand Prix was chaired by Luciano Ferraro, deputy editor of Corriere della Sera. It included sommeliers and representatives from Michelin-starred restaurants and wine shops in Maremma, as well as consulting oenologists and local wine experts.

Luca Pollini, director of the Consortium, pointed out that one of this year’s Top Ten wines came from the 2019 vintage — a first for the competition — showing that Vermentino can age well over time. He also shared data indicating that half of Tuscany’s Vermentino vineyards are located in Maremma. Of the more than 1,070 hectares planted in this area, nearly 60% are under 13 years old and over 40% are less than eight years old. This growth reflects continued investment by producers who believe in the variety’s future.

All wines entered in the competition were required to be at least 85% Vermentino, though most were made entirely from the grape. A few included small percentages of Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc or Trebbiano.

The ten winning wines will be available for tasting at Vinitaly 2025, where the Consortium will present new vintages alongside a group of local producers. The selected wines represent a range of styles and production methods and include both organic labels and Superiore designations.

The Top Ten Vermentinos from this year’s Grand Prix are: Cantina Vignaioli di Scansano’s “San Bruzio” (Superiore 2023), Castelprile della Volpaia’s “Castelprile” (Superiore Organic 2023), Cupirosso’s “Audace” (Organic 2022), Fattoria di Magliano’s “Pagliatura” (Organic 2023), Giovanni Valentini’s “Veive” (Superiore 2023), Podere Poggio Bestiale’s “PerLelo” (2023), Poggio Levante’s “Unnè” (2019), Tenuta Casteani’s “Maremmano” (Superiore Organic 2023), Tenuta Dodici’s “Solo” (2023), and Tenuta Pietramora di Colle Fagiano’s “Limite” (2023).

The event continues to serve as a platform for promoting Vermentino as one of Maremma Toscana DOC's signature grape varieties. With growing interest from both producers and consumers, Vermentino is gaining recognition not only within Italy but also on international markets.