Val di Cornia

The Protected Designation of Origin "Val di Cornia" is reserved for the following types of wine: white, rosé, Ansonica, Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon base and superior, Merlot base and Superiore, Sangiovese base and superior, Ciliegiolo, Aleatico passito and Ansonica passito.

Grapes

At least 50% of the white wine consists of white Vermentino and a further 50% (maximum) of Trebbiano Toscano, Ansonica, Viognier and Malvasia Bianca Lunga, either absolute or combined. The rosé has a minimum of 40% Sangiovese and a maximum of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, absolute or combined. At least 85% of the single-variety varieties are made up of grapes of the same variety. The exception is Aleatico passito, vinified in purity, with 100% of the grapes of the same name. The composition of these wines may include grapes from berry varieties of similar color suitable for cultivation in the region of Toscana, for a percentage ranging from 15% to 20%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white wines have a minimum total alcholic strength by volume between 11% and 11.5%, characterized by a more or less intense straw yellow color with brilliant clarity; the smell is delicate, fruity and sometimes intense; the taste is dry, fresh, sometimes harmonious and velvety. “Rosé”, on the other hand, has a minimum total alcholic strength by volume of 11% and a characteristic pale pink and bright color; the smell is vinous and more or less fruity; the taste is dry and fresh. The red wines have a minimum total alcholic strength by volume of 12%, which becomes 16% for the “passito” wines, the color is ruby ​​red and tends to garnet due to aging, the smell is vinous, delicate and intense, the taste is dry, velvety, harmonious and slightly sweet.

Grape production area

The production area of "Val di Cornia", which ranges from flat to hilly between the provinces of Livorno and Pisa, is therefore characterised by a wide range of soil types due to the presence of deposits ranging from calcareous cavernous to black and alluvial deposits.

Specificity and historical notes

The wine-growing tradition in the area of the "Val di Cornia" has ancient origins: it has been practiced and developed since the times of the Etruscans and Romans. The deep historical bond and the wide pedological variability make 'Val di Cornia' a product of great value.