Montecarlo

"Montecarlo" is a Protected Designation of Origin that identifies different types of wine, some with indication of the vine. These wines are: Bianco, Rosso, Rosso riserva, Vermentino, Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Vin santo, Vin santo occhio di pernice.

Grapes

From the point of view of the grapes produced, white and Vin Santo must respect the following composition: Trebbiano Toscano (between 30% and 60%), Semillon, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Vermentino, Sauvignon and Roussanne (at least three of these, for a total share between 40% and 70%) and other white grapes, suitable for cultivation in Toscana (maximum 20%). The blend of red wines (including Riserva and Vin Santo occhio di Pernice) is more complex: Sangiovese (50-75%), Canaiolo nero, Merlot and/or Syrah (which, alone or in combination, can be between 15% and 40%), Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Malvasia nera di Lecce and/or di Brindisi, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc (10 to 30%, always alone or in combination) and other similar grape varieties. Finally, for single-variety varieties, the one indicated must provide at least 85% of the grapes.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white Montecarlo (11.5% vol) is straw-yellow in color, with different intensity, and is accompanied by a delicate and characteristic smell and a dry, delicate and harmonious flavor. Red wine (11.5% vol) is presented in a bright ruby ​​hue; the smell is intensely vinous and the taste is dry and savory. In the Riserva version (12% vol) the ruby ​​color tends to garnet, the smell is embellished with known characteristics and the taste is dry, sapid and velvety. Further organoleptic characteristics can be found in the types of Vin Santo and in single vine varieties, as reported regularly in the product specification.

Grape production area

The production area coincides with a rather limited area, in the province of Lucca, which coincides with the following municipalities: Montecarlo, Altopascio, Capannori and Porcari.

Specificity and historical notes

The ancient winemaking tradition of the area of ​​the denomination was also evidenced by the existence, in medieval times, of the so-called Vivinaia, or the Wine Route that crossed the whole hill of Montecarlo.