Montecucco

"Montecucco" is a Protected Designation of Origin that identifies red, red Riserva, white, rosè, Vermentino, Vin Santo and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice wines.

Grapes

The red wines of the denomination Montecucco are produced with grapes from vineyards composed, for at least 60%, from Sangiovese grapes. For the rosè, instead, a base of Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo is necessary that, alone or jointly, can represent 40% of total. Otherwise, Trebbiano Toscano and Vermentino (maximum 40%) are present in white. Coming to the two types of Vin Santo: with white the white Malvasia, Grechetto bianco and Trebbiano toscano vines (minimum 70%) are used, with red the Sangiovese vine (minimum 70%). Finally, the single-grape Vermentino is produced with 85% of grapes from the vine of the same name. In all the typologies, to complete the missing quotas, other grape varieties of similar color are allowed, suitable for cultivation in Toscana.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The "Montecucco" denomination includes fine red wines (vol. 12-12.5%) which have an intense ruby colour, sometimes embellished with violet reflections and which, as they age, tends to fade onto garnet. Aromas and flavors are greatly influenced by the presence of more or less Sangiovese. The result is a remarkable aromatic complexity, with spicy and fruity notes, and a rounder and fuller taste. The Montecucco rosé (vol. 11.5%) has a colouring from pale pink to cherry, combined with fresh and fruity perfumes and a savoury, dry and harmonious flavour. Even the white wines (vol. 11.5%), straw yellow in colour, are very fresh wines, embellished with fruity and floral notes, more or less accentuated. On the palate they are dry, harmonious, soft and more or less savoury. The types of Vin Santo and Vermentino have further specific organoleptic characteristics, which can easily be found in the product specification.

Grape production area

The production area is particularly limited, all included in the province of Grosseto. The area extends to the slopes of Monte Amiata.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture in the Montecucco area has undergone three major phases of growth: the beginning, dating back to Etruscan times, the improvement, which occurred during Roman rule, and the development on a large scale, attributable to the Middle Ages.