Description
The Montecarlo PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red, Vin Santo and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Montecarlo PDO is within the territory of the municipalities of Montecarlo, Altopascio, Capannori and Porcari in the Province of Lucca, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Montecarlo PDO Bianco is straw-yellow, varying in intensity; the nose displays floral fragrances of white flowers, hawthorn and mild aromatic herbs; the wine has good acidity, with excellent balance between the flavours and long persistence. Montecarlo PDO Rosso is generally vivid ruby red; the nose offers fruity and floral fragrances, with notes of berries and spices; it is well-structured on the palate, offering character and tannins that lead to a long finish. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has been aged for a mandatory period of at least 2 years, of which at least 6 months must be maturing in the bottle. The ageing period commences January 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Montecarlo PDO Vin Santo is straw-yellow with different shades ranging from golden to amber; the fragrances on the nose are characteristic and intense; it is harmonious and velvety on the palate, with pronounced roundness. Montecarlo PDO Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice varies from intense pink to pale pink; the nose offers fruity, warm and intense fragrances; it is fresh and substantial on the palate, with a long sweet and harmonious finish. Montecarlo PDO Vin Santo and Montecarlo PDO Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice wines must be produced with traditional vinification methods which involve the carefully selected grapes being dried naturally in suitable environments, with the possibility of partial drying with the aid of ventilated air. The grapes cannot be mashed before December 1st of the harvest year and no later than March 31st of the following year; storage and ageing must take place in wooden kegs with a capacity of no more than 5 hectolitres, and the wine cannot be released for consumption before November 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced.
Grape variety specifications
The Montecarlo PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Vermentino, Sauvignon, 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: min. 85% Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, 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.
