Colli dell'Etruria centrale

"Colli dell'Etruria Centrale" is a Protected Designation of Origin that identifies wines of different types, produced in Tuscany: Red, Rosé, White, Novello, Vin Santo, Vin Santo riserva, Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice riserva.

Grapes

To produce red, rosé and Novello grapes are required from vineyards with at least 50% Sangiovese, combined with a 50% (maximum) of other varieties, suitable for cultivation in Tuscany, including those with white berries (not more than 25%, which drops to 15% for Novello). For white, Trebbiano Toscano (minimum 50%) is used together with other vines (maximum 50%), including red grapes (not more than 15%). Vin Santo and its Riserva are produced with at least 70% Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, alone or together, which can be combined with other varieties grown in Tuscany, up to a maximum of 30%. For the Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice and Riserva variant, on the other hand, Sangiovese (minimum 50%) is used, together with other varieties (maximum 50%).

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The red (10.5% vol.) is a brilliant ruby red, with a vinous to fruity aroma, fragrant, fresh and delicate, and a dry to sweet, lively and harmonious taste. The rosé (10.5% vol.) has a fruity, fragrant and fresh aroma and a dry to sweet, lively and savoury flavour. The Novello (11% vol.) has a lively cherry red colour with a tendency towards violet, a fruity and fresh aroma and a lively and harmonious flavour. The straw yellow colour of the white (10% vol) is enriched by greenish reflections; the perfume is delicate and fruity; the taste is dry to sweet, savoury, lively, fresh and harmonious. Vin Santo and Vin Santo Riserva (15.5% vol.) range from golden straw yellow to amber, with an ethereal and intense aroma and a dry to sweet, harmonious and velvety flavour. Scent and taste similar to the Occhio di Pernice and Riserva (16.5% vol.), which, however, varies from rose to amber.

Grape production area

The production area is located in the center of Tuscany, close to the Apennines.

Specificity and historical notes

Some fossil findings suggest that viticulture in the Etruscan area dates back to the Etruscans.