Description
The Valdichiana Toscana PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White (or Virgin White), Red, Rosé, Spumante and Vin Santo. The Designation incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Valdichiana Toscana PDO is within parts of the municipalities of Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino, Cortona, Foiano, Lucignano, Marciano, Monte San Savino and Civitella in Val di Chiana in the Province of Arezzo, and the territory of the municipalities of Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena, Chiusi and Montepulciano in the Province of Siena, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Valdichiana Toscana PDO Bianco or Bianco Vergine is straw-yellow, at times with greenish reflections; the nose is delicate and rich with floral fragrances, including harmonious notes of wild flowers and grapes; it is dry and fruity on the palate, with an almondy finish. It can also be produced as semi-sparkling wine. Valdichiana Toscana PDO Rosso is bright ruby red, tending towards garnet red with ageing; the nose is fresh and fragrant, with strong notes of cherry and juicy red fruit; it is vibrant, harmonious and sapid on the palate. Valdichiana Toscana PDO Rosato is pink, varying in intensity; the fragrant, vinous and fresh raspberry and rose aroma stands out on the nose and returns on the palate; the sensations of the nose are accompanied by a balanced, fragrant, fresh flavour. Valdichiana Toscana PDO Spumante is straw-yellow, at times with greenish reflections, and has fine, persistent foam; the nose is fresh and harmonious, with a vanillary note that intensifies in the finish; it is dry and extremely aromatic on the palate, with rich hints of dried fruit and a slightly bitter almondy aftertaste. Valdichiana Toscana PDO Vin Santo ranges from straw-yellow to amber and dark brown; the nose reveals evolving fragrances of honey, dried fruit, baked fruit and pastries; it is smooth, mellow and sweet on the palate, with embracing aromas of acacia and vanilla. It can display Riserva on the label. The grapes used for the production of Valdichiana Toscana PDO Vin Santo wines must be carefully selected and dried in suitable environments until it is time for them to be mashed – between November 1st of the harvest year and March 31st of the following year; partial dehydration with the aid of machines is permitted. Fermentation and ageing must take place in wooden recipients with a maximum capacity of 500 litres, for a period of at least 2 years; Valdichiana Toscana PDO Vin Santo cannot be released for consumption before November 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced; Vin Santo Riserva wines can be released for consumption from November 1st of the fourth year following that in which the grapes were produced. With the exception of Vin Santo, Valdichiana Toscana PDO wines cannot be released for consumption before January 31st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced.
Grape variety specifications
The Valdichiana Toscana PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Chardonnay, Grechetto, 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: min. 85% Sangiovese, 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.
