The Monreale PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red, Rosé, Late Harvest and Novello. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Monreale PDO is within part of the territory of the minicipalities of Monreale and Piana degli Albanesi and the entire territory of the municipalities of Camporeale, San Giuseppe Jato, San Cipirello, Santa Cristina Gela, Corleone, Roccamena in the Province of Palermo, in the Sicily region.
Blends
White (incl. Superiore), Late Harvest: min. 50% Catarratto and Ansonica or Inzolia, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 50%, with a maximum of 30% for Trebbiano Toscano. Red (incl. Riserva), Novello: min. 50% Calabrese or Nero d’Avola and Perricone, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 50%. Rosé: min. 70% Nerello Mascalese, Perricone and/or Sangiovese, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 50%.
Description of product typologies
Monreale PDO Bianco is pale straw-yellow in colour with intense highlights; the nose is floral with fruity fragrances of apple, leading to mineral tones; the sapidity and freshness of the palate are sustained by slight minerality. It can display Superiore on the label if the wine has been matured for at least 6 months, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Monreale PDO Rosso has an intense ruby-red colour; the nose bursts with fragrances that range from cherry to more complex sensations such as chocolate, which are supported by intense minerality; it is severe on the palate, with fruity and flinty returns and significant tannin. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has undergone an aging period of at least 2 years, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Monreale PDO Rosé is smooth pink in colour, varying in intensity; the nose offers a variation of fragrances that lead to fruity and fresh notes of ripe red apple; it is fresh and rounded on the palate and intense in its balanced structure. Monreale PDO Vendemmia Tardiva ranges from straw-yellow to golden yellow in colour, varying in intensity, with a fine and persistent perlage; the nose is intense, characteristic and persistent, with wafts of acacia and sun-roasted almonds; it is velvety, harmonious and rich on the palate, with embracing flavours of dried apricot and sultana. Grapes used for the production of Monreale PDO Vendemmia Tardiva wine must have been dried on the vines and the wine must have been matured for at least 6 months in wooden vats with a maximum capacity of 500 litres; the grapes cannot be harvested before October 1st. Monreale PDO Vendemmia Tardiva wine cannot be made available for consumption before November 1st of the year following that of the grape harvest. Monreale PDO Novello is ruby-red in colour with light hues; the nose is vinous, with fruity notes that persist in a finish of freshly picked raspberries; it is sapid, smooth and delicately juicy on the palate, with aromas of red fruit and wild roses. Monreale PDO red wines, with or without specification of grape variety, can qualify as Riserva if they have been aged for at least 2 years, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced; white wines, with or without specification of grape variety, can qualify as Superiore if they have been matured for at least 6 months, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced.
Grape variety specifications
Monreale PDO may display the specifications of the following grape varieties. From white grape varieties (incl. Superiore): min. 85% Ansonica or Inzolia, Catarratto, Grillo, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. From red grape varieties (incl. Riserva): min. 85% Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Calabrese or Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and 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.
Additional specifications
La zona di produzione del Monreale DOP comprende parte dei comuni di Monreale e Piana degli Albanesi e l’intero territorio dei comuni di Camporeale, San Giuseppe Jato, San Cipirello, Santa Cristina Gela, Corleone, Roccamena in provincia di Palermo, nella regione Sicilia.
