Description
The Menfi PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, White Superiore, Red, Red Riserva, Rosé, White Spumante, Rosé Spumante, White Passito, Red Passito, White Late Harvest. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Menfi PDO is within the entire territory of the municipality of Menfi and parts of the municipalities of Sciacca and Sambuca di Sicilia in the Province of Agrigento, and in parts of the municipality of Castelvetrano in the Province of Trapani, in the Sicily region.
Description of product typologies
Menfi PDO Bianco is straw-yellow, varying in intensity; the nose is delicate, with aromas of fruit and wild flowers; it is dry and balanced on the palate, with the fragrances of the nose returning in a smooth flavour. Superiore can be displayed on the label if the wine has undergone a minimum maturation period of 12 months, commencing from November of the year in which the grapes were produced. Menfi PDO Rosso is ruby red, varying in intensity, tending towards garnet red with ageing; the nose is surprisingly elegant, with an excellent balance between the fruitiness and spiciness; it is dry, sapid and moderately tannic on the palate, with good structure. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has undergone a minimum maturing period of 2 years before being released for consumption, commencing November 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Menfi PDO Passito Bianco ranges from straw-yellow to golden yellow; the nose is delicate and persistent; it is harmonious on the palate in the wines ranging from dry to sweet. Menfi PDO Passito Rosso is ruby red, tending towards garnet red with ageing; the nose is delicate and persistent; it is harmonious on the palate in the wines ranging from dry to sweet. Menfi PDO Rosato is pink, varying in intensity; the nose is delicate; it is fresh and harmonious on the palate. Menfi PDO Spumante Bianco is straw-yellow, varying in intensity, and has a fine, persistent perlage; the nose is light and characteristic; it is fresh and harmonious on the palate in both the extra-brut and sweet wines. Menfi PDO Spumante Rosato is pink, varying in intensity, and has a persistent perlage; the nose is fragrant and delicate; it is fresh and harmonious on the palate, ranging from extra brut to demi-sec. Menfi PDO Vendemmia Tardiva Bianco is straw-yellow tending towards garnet red; the nose is delicate and persistent; it is harmonious on the palate in the wines ranging from dry to sweet.
Grape variety specifications
The Menfi PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Chardonnay, Grecanico, Inzolia, Grillo, Catarratto, Fiano, Damaschino, Viognier, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, Moscato Bianco, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. From red grape varieties (incl. Riserva, Rosé and Passito): min. 85% Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Perricone, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Nero, Alicante Bouchet, Alicante, Petit Verdot, Aglianico, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin.
