Description
The Noto PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: Red; White, Spumante, Passito and Liqueur (only with specification of grape variety). The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Noto PDO is within the territory of the municipalities of Noto, Rosolini, Pachino and Avola in the Province of Siracusa, in the Sicily region.
Description of product typologies
Noto PDO Rosso has a ruby-red colour, varying in intensity; the nose offers a wide range of fragrances with evident aromas of ripe fruit, spices and minerals; it is dry and tannic on the palate, with a fresh aftertaste. Noto PDO wines with specification of grape variety have the organoleptic properties that are typical of the grapes and terroir of origin.
Grape variety specifications
The Noto PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties (incl. White, Spumante, Passito, Liqueur): 100% Moscato Bianco.From red grape varieties: min. 85% Nero d’Avola, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured unaromatic 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. Moscato di Noto PDO Bianco varies from golden yellow to amber in colour; the nose offers sensations ranging from peach to honey and from rose to moss and medlar; it is sweet and slightly aromatic on the palate and characteristic of Muscat. Moscato di Noto PDO Spumante is straw-yellow or smooth golden yellow in colour, with fine and persistent foam; the nose has the characteristic aroma of Muscat; it is delicately sweet on the palate.Noto PDO Passito or Moscato Passito di Noto PDO varies from golden yellow to amber in colour; the nose is fragrant and embracing, with hints of acacia, vanilla and dried fruit; it is sweet, aromatic and pleasing on the palate, with good balance and an almondy finish. Moscato di Noto PDO Liquoroso is golden yellow in colour, varying in intensity; the nose is intense, with balsamic veins of dates and apricot; it is sweet, velvety, rounded and warm on the palate. Moscato Passito di Noto PDO or Passito di Noto PDO must be obtained with grapes that have been dried on the vines or immediately after being picked. Moscato di Noto PDO Liquoroso wine can be released for consumption 5 months after the alcoholisation date. Noto PDO Nero d’Avola is ruby-red in colour, varying in intensity and at times with violet or garnet highlights; the nose is dense and intense; it is fresh, sapid and slightly tannic on the palate, with a pleasantly dry aftertaste.
Additional specifications
The Noto PDO designation can be followed by the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym. The mention “vino ottenuto da uve appassite al sole” (wine obtained from sun-dried grapes) is permitted on the labels of Moscato Passito di Noto PDO or Passito di Noto PDO if the grapes were completely dried in the sun. Moscato di Noto PDO Liquoroso wine can display “Vino liquoroso di qualità prodotto in regioni determinate” (quality liqueur wine produced in determined regions) on the label.
