Description
The Contessa Entellina PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red, Rosé and Late Harvest. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Contessa Entellina PDO is within the territory of the municipality of Contessa Entellina in the Province of Palermo, in the Sicily region.
Description of product typologies
Contessa Entellina PDO Bianco is pale straw-yellow, varying in intensity and at times with greenish reflections; the nose displays fruity fragrances of apple and broom with traces of minerals; it is dry, lively and fresh on the palate. Contessa Entellina PDO Rosso is ruby red, at times with garnet red reflections, particularly with ageing; it is intense on the nose, with red fruit accompanied by mineral and aromatic sensations; it is dry and velvety on the palate. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has undergone a mandatory maturing and ageing period of at least 24 months, at least 6 months of which must be in wooden barrels, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Contessa Entellina PDO Rosato is pink, at times with orange reflections; it is elegant and intense on the nose, with characteristic fragrances of fresh flowers and fruit; it is dry, fragrant and velvety on the palate. Contessa Entellina PDO Vendemmia Tardiva is deep straw-yellow to golden-yellow; it is pleasant and fragrant on the nose; the flavour varies from dry to sweet and is smooth and velvety. Contessa Entellina PDO Vendemmia Tardiva must be obtained from grapes that have been dried on the vines and vinified in wooden recipients, as well as matured for at least six months in wooden vats with a maximum capacity of 500 litres. The grapes cannot be picked before October 1st. This wine can only be released for consumption 18 months after November 1st of the year in which the grapes were harvested.
Grape variety specifications
The Contessa Entellina PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Sauvignon, Grecanico, Chardonnay, Catarratto, Fiano, Viognier and Ansonica, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. From two white grape varieties: this is reserved for wines obtained from grapes originating from vineyards on the producer’s land made up of 100% of the corresponding grape variety, and the minority variety must represent a minimum of 15%. From red grape varieties: min. 85% Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, Merlot, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. From two red grape varieties: this is reserved for wines obtained from grapes originating from vineyards on the producer’s land made up of 100% of the corresponding grape variety, and the minority variety must represent a minimum of 15%. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin.
Additional specifications
The Contessa Entellina PDO designation can be followed by the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.
