Description
The Valdinievole PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red and Vinsanto or Vin Santo. The Designation also incorporates one grape variety specification.
Production Area
The production area of Valdinievole PDO is within the entire territory of the municipalities of Buggiano, Chiesina Uzzanese, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Marliana, Massa e Cozzile, Monsummano Terme, Montecatini Terme, Pescia, Pieve a Nievole, Ponte Buggianese and Uzzano in the Province of Pistoia, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Valdinievole PDO Bianco is yellow to pale golden-straw-yellow; the nose displays floral fragrances of wild flowers and fruity aromas; it is dry and harmonious on the palate with a long, persistent finish. It can display Superiore on the label. Valdinievole PDO Rosso ranges from ruby red to purple, acquiring garnet red reflections with ageing; the nose is rich with fragrances of Mediterranean scrub, ripe fruit, blackberry and spices; it is complex and structured on the palate, with embracing tannins and flavours which develop into liquorice and pepper. It can display Superiore on the label. Valdinievole PDO Vinsanto or Vin Santo varies from golden to intense amber; the nose is embracing with intense hints of sun-dried grape and acacia; it is harmonious, smooth and balanced on the palate, thanks to its characteristic bitter aftertaste. The practice of “governo all’uso toscano” (a Tuscan production process involving the addition of dried grapes to the wine at the end of winter, thereby starting a new fermentation process) is permitted in the production of Valdinievole PDO Rosso wines, including those with a grape variety specification. Valdinievole PDO Vinsanto or Vin Santo wine must be obtained from grapes that have been dried in suitable environments; drying can be conducted with the aid of air conditioning systems, on the condition that they operate at similar temperatures to those found during traditional processes; the use of any type of dehumidifying system operating with the aid of heat is not permitted. Valdinievole PDO Bianco Superiore and Rosso Superiore wines with specification of grape variety can be released for consumption from March 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced; Valdinievole PDO Vinsanto or Vin Santo wines can be released for consumption from December 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were harvested.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Valdinievole PDO may also be accompanied by additional geographical specifications referring to the following municipalities within the production area: Buggiano, Chiesina Uzzanese, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Marliana, Massa e Cozzile, Monsummano Terme or Monsummano, Montecatini Terme or Montecatini, Pescia, Pieve a Nievole, Ponte Buggianese and Uzzano, from where the grapes used to produce the wine effectively originate.
Grape variety specifications
The Valdinievole PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. 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%, on the condition that white grape varieties do not exceed 5% of the total. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin.
Additional specifications
The Valdinievole PDO designation can be followed by the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.
