Description
The Sovana PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: Red and Rosé; Red Passito (only with specification of grape variety). The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Sovana PDO is within the entire territory of the municipalities of Pitigliano and Sorano, and parts of the municipality of Manciano in the Province of Grosseto, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Sovana PDO Rosso is ruby red with purplish reflections; the nose is rich with aromas of Mediterranean scrub, ripe fruit and minty notes; it is full-bodied and structured on the palate, with the flavours evolving to reveal liquorice, chocolate and very fine tannins, leading to a long finish. It can display Superiore and Riserva on the label. Sovana PDO Rosato ranges from soft pink to cherry pink; the nose reveals evident intense notes of small red-berried fruit; it is dry and harmonious on the palate, with a pleasant acidulous note that distinguishes the finish. Sovana PDO Rosato wines must be obtained from red grapes that are vinified with rosé winemaking techniques. The organoleptic properties of Sovana PDO Passito Rosso wines with specification of grape variety are typical of the grapes and terroir of origin. Sovana PDO wines can display Superiore on the label if they are produced with grapes that ensure a minimum natural alcohol level of 11.5% vol. Sovana PDO Rosso wines, including those with specification of grape variety, qualify as Riserva if they have been aged for a minimum period of 18 months in wooden barrels and matured in the bottle for a minimum of six months. Sovana PDO Rosso wines cannot be released for consumption before March 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced; for Sovana PDO Rosso Superiore wines the release date is June 1st of the year following that of the grape harvest, while red Riserva wines cannot be released for consumption before November 1st, following an ageing period of 24 months, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Sovana PDO Rosato can be released for consumption from January 1st of the year following that of the grape harvest.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Sovana PDO can also be accompanied by additional geographical specifications referring to municipalities, districts, farms and localities within the production area and from where the grapes used to produce the wine effectively originate.
Grape variety specifications
The Sovana PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From red grape varieties (incl. Superiore, Riserva): min. 85% Sangiovese, Merlot, Aleatico (incl. Passito), Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, 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. Grapes destined for the production of Sovana PDO Aleatico Superiore wines may be dried naturally, either entirely or partially, on the vines or immediately after the harvest; the use of systems is permitted, as long as that do not increase the natural drying temperature. Aleatico grapes destined for the production of Sovana PDO Aleatico Passito wines must be carefully selected and dried naturally outdoors or in suitable environments; the use of ventilated air to partially dry the grapes is permitted.
