Description
The Monreale PDO is reserved for the following types 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 municipalities 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.
Description of product typologies
Monreale PDO Bianco is straw-yellow with intense reflections; the fruitiness of apples and floral fragrances blend with mineral tones; the sapidity and freshness of the flavour are supported by light 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 is intense ruby red; the nose bursts with fragrances ranging from the fruitiness of cherry to more complex sensations like chocolate, supported by intense minerality; it is severe on the palate, with fruity and flinty undertones and significant tannin. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has undergone an ageing period of at least 2 years, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Monreale PDO Rosé is soft pink, varying in intensity; the nose offers various fragrances, all of which lead to fresh fruity notes of fragrant ripe red apple; it is fresh and rounded on the palate, and intense due to its balanced structure. Monreale PDO Vendemmia Tardiva ranges from straw-yellow to golden yellow; the nose is intense and persistent, with wafts of acacia and sun-toasted 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 be matured for at least 6 months in wooden vats with a maximum capacity of 500 litres; the grapes cannot be harvested before October 1st. The wines cannot be released for consumption earlier than 12 months after November 1st of the year in which the grapes were harvested. Monreale PDO Novello is ruby red with faint 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 following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties (incl. Superiore): min. 85% Ansonica or Inzolia, Catarratto, Grillo, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, 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% Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Calabrese or Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, 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.
