Description
The Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red, Rosé, Vin Santo and Late Harvest. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO is within the territory of the municipalities of Carrara, Massa and Montignoso in the Province of Massa Carrara, in the Tuscany region.
Blends
White -incl. Semi-Sparkling, Dry, Amabile (semi-sweet)-, Vin Santo, Vendemmia Tardiva: min. 70% Vermentino, 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. 30%.Red, Rosé: 60-80% Sangiovese, max. 20% Merlot, pure or with the addition of grapes originating from the Malvasia Nera di Brindisi, Susumaniello, Montepulciano and Sangiovese grape varieties, max. 20%.
Description of product typologies
Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO Bianco is pale straw-yellow in colour, with amber reflections; it is fruity and aromatic on the nose; it is well-structured on the palate, with a smooth and harmonious flavour, fruity and floral aromas, often dry and pleasantly mouth-filling, and always lively and fresh. There is considerable sapidity due to the closeness of the sea. It can also be a Semi-Sparkling wine (Dry and Amabile (Sweetish). Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO Rosso has a ruby-red colour; it offers young and fruity fragrances on the nose, with spicy notes; it is full, dry and structured on the palate. Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO Rosé has a good intense pink colour; it is vinous and fruity on the nose, with vegetal and floral notes; it is dry, fresh and balanced on the palate. Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO Vin Santo has a good straw-yellow to amber-yellow colour, varying in intensity; it displays intense and ethereal fragrances on the nose; it is harmonious on the palate, with flavours ranging from dried fruit to sweet spices. After drying, grapes that are suitable for the production of Vin Santo must ensure that the wine has a minimum natural alcohol level of 16%; grapes destined for vinification must be dried naturally with traditional methods in suitable areas, and cannot be mashed before December 1st of the harvest year and no later than March 31st of the following year; partial dehydration of the grapes may be carried out with ventilated air; vinification, preservation and aging must take place in wooden recipients kegs with a capacity of no more than 5 hectolitres. Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO Vin Santo cannot be made available for consumption before November 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced. Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO Vendemmia Tardiva is straw-yellow to amber-yellow in colour, varying in intensity; it displays intense, ethereal and aromatic fragrances on the nose; it varies from dry to sweetish on the palate, yet it is always harmonious and delicate. Grapes suitable for the production of Vin Santo must ensure that the wine has a minimum natural alcohol level of 15%; the grapes can also be dried on the vines or in suitable locations, partial dehydration of the grapes with ventilated air is permitted.
Grape variety specifications
Candia dei Colli Apuani PDO may display the specifications of the following grape varieties. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Vermentino, 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: min. 85% Vermentino Nero (incl. Rosé), Barsaglina (or Massaretta), 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.
