Description
The Monferrato PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red and Rosé (Claret or Ciaret) and Novello. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety and geographical specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Monferrato PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria, in the Piedmont region.
Description of product typologies
Monferrato PDO Bianco is straw-yellow; the impact on the nose is intense, with floral and fruity fragrances leading to hints of acacia; it is intense, dry and at times lively on the palate. Monferrato PDO Rosso is red; the nose reveals spicy hints which emerge during maturation in wooden barrels; it is fresh, smooth and remarkably fruity on the palate, balsamic and sapid. Monferrato PDO Chiaretto or Ciaret (Rosé) is pink or light ruby red; the nose is delicate, with fragrances of strawberry and raspberry; it is dry and harmonious on the palate, with a note of freshness. Monferrato PDO Novello is ruby red with purplish hues; the nose is fruity and persistent; it is fresh and harmonious on the palate.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Monferrato PDO can be accompanied by the geographical sub-designation Monferrato PDO Casalese, followed by the specification Cortese, which is reserved for white wine produced in the Province of Alessandria with at least 85% of grapes originating from the Cortese grape variety, with the possible addition of other unaromatic white grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Piedmont region, maximum 15%. Monferrato PDO Casalese Cortese is light straw-yellow, at times tending towards greenish-yellow; the nose is soft, offering aromas of white fleshy fruit, balsamic traces and floral hints; it is smooth and balanced on the palate, pleasantly fresh and with a slightly bitter finish.
Grape variety specifications
Monferrato Dolcetto (incl. Novello): min. 85% Dolcetto, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured unaromatic grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Piedmont region. Monferrato Freisa (incl. Novello): min. 85% Freisa, pure or with the addition of unaromatic red grapes suitable for cultivation in the Piedmont region. Monferrato Nebbiolo (incl. Superiore): min. 90% Nebbiolo, pure or with the addition of unaromatic red grapes suitable for cultivation in the Piedmont region. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin.
