Description
The Montescudaio PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red and Vin Santo. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Montescudaio PDO is within the territory of the municipalities of Casale Marittimo, Castellina Marittima, Guardistallo, Montecatini Val di Cecina, Montescudaio, Riparbella, Santa Luce in the Province of Pisa, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Montescudaio PDO Bianco is straw-yellow, varying in intensity; the nose is light and fruity with fresh hints of freshly cut grass, white flowers and unripe fruit; it is dry, sapid and harmonious on the palate, with intense aromas of green apple and lily of the valley. Montescudaio PDO Rosso is red, varying in intensity and tending towards garnet red with ageing; the nose opens with fragrances of pansy, violet and fresh fruit, with evident spicy notes; it is fresh, dry and slightly tannic on the palate. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has been aged for least 2 years, of which a minimum of 3 months must be in the bottle. The ageing period commences November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montescudaio PDO Vin Santo ranges from deep straw-yellow to golden yellow, with intense amber reflections; the nose bursts with embracing hints of bitter almond and ripe apricot, which blend naturally with the ethereal aromas of this wine; it is harmonious, velvety and pleasantly rounded on the palate. Grapes destined for the production of Montescudaio PDO Vin Santo wines must have been dried naturally and not mashed before November 20th of the harvest year or later than March 31st of the following year; partial dehydration of the grapes with the aid of unheated ventilated air is permitted. The fermentation of the grape must has to take place in wooden recipients with a minimum capacity of 5 hectolitres, for a minimum period of 18 months, commencing from the date the wine was put into the recipients. Montescudaio PDO Vin Santo wine cannot be released for consumption before November 1st of the fourth year following that in which the grapes were produced (one year of which must be in the bottle).
Grape variety specifications
The Montescudaio PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Vermentino, Chardonnay, 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 (incl. Riserva): min. 85% Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, 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.
