Monreale

The wines belonging to the Protected Designation of Origin "Monreale" are: White, White superiore Red, rosso riserva, Rosé, Novello and "vendemmia tardiva". To these are added the single-variety productions: Ansonica (or Inzolia), Catarratto, Grillo, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Calabrese (or Nero d'Avola), Perricone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. 

Grapes

Monreale bianco wine is produced from grapes coming from vineyards composed, for at least 50%, of Catarratto and Ansonica vines and, for the remaining part, of other white grapes, suitable for cultivation in Sicily. In Monreale Rosso, on the other hand, the same percentage of the grapes used are Calabrese (or Nero d'Avola) and Perricone, together with other black grapes. For the realization of the Rosé, on the other hand, Nerello mascalese, Perricone and/or Sangiovese are required (minimum 70%). Finally, in all variants with indication of grape variety, this must represent at least 85% of the total.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

867 / 2048 In Bianco (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 11% vol. ) the colour is straw-coloured, with different intensity; the perfume is fine and elegant, while the taste is delicate and typical. The Superiore variant (12. 5% vol. ) is a deep yellow with a golden hue, with a complex and intense bouquet and a savoury, harmonious and full-bodied flavour. The red Monreale (12% vol. ) is ruby and releases a vinous, intense, fruity and characteristic, while the flavor is savory and soft. Ruby red is also the colour of Superiore, which stands out for its pleasant, fine and vinous bouquet and for its harmonious, full-bodied flavour. Finally, the Rosé (11% vol. ) is a light pink, with a fruity and fragrant bouquet and a harmonious, fresh and sometimes lively flavour. Further peculiarities can be found in single-variety wines and in the "vendemmia tardiva"

Grape production area

The production area, located in north-western Sicilia, is all within the province of Palermo. 

Specificity and historical notes

The territory where Monreale wines are produced today once belonged to the powerful Norman Archbishopric of the same name.