Chianti Montalbano DOCG (Montalbano Chianti CGDO)

Food, Plant source foods, Alcoholic beverages, Fermented alcoholic beverages, Wines, Ordinary wines, Chianti DOCG (Chianti CGDO)

Main characteristics: Red wines, Still wines

Consumption area(s): Italy 🇮🇹

Production area (s): Capraia e Limite, Carmignano, Cerreto Guidi, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Monsummano Terme, Poggio a Caiano, Quarrata, Serravalle Pistoiese, Vinci

Charateristics of the wine:

Maximum grape yield (t/ha): 9.5
Minimum natural alcoholic strength % vol.: 11.5
Minimum total alcoholic strength % vol.: 12
Minimum total acidity: 4.0 g/l
Minimum non-reducing extract: 24.0 g/l
Grape-to-wine yield: 70
Maximum wine yield per hectare (hl): 66.5
Minimum vine density: 4,100 vines/ha
Release date: March 1 of the following harvest year

Introduction

Chianti Montalbano DOCG is a wine produced in Tuscany, within the Montalbano wine subzone. This area takes its name from the Montalbano mountain range, also known as Monte Albano, which covers approximately 16,000 hectares across the provinces of Pistoia, Prato, and Florence. The designated production area for Chianti Montalbano encompasses several municipalities located around the mountain range. These are Capraia e Limite, Carmignano, Cerreto Guidi, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Monsummano Terme, Poggio a Caiano, Quarrata, Serravalle Pistoiese, and Vinci.

Description of Chianti Montalbano DOCG

The wine is characterized by a bright ruby-red color, which gradually develops garnet hues as it ages. Its aroma is intensely vinous, sometimes accompanied by delicate violet notes, while ageing brings greater aromatic refinement and elegance. On the palate, it is harmonious, savory, and slightly tannic, gradually becoming softer and more velvety with maturation.

History of Chianti Montalbano DOCG

The history of wine production in the Montalbano area dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence includes wine vessels found in Etruscan tombs, while between 50 and 60 BC, Julius Caesar is said to have assigned his veterans lands between the Arno and Ombrone rivers that were already being cultivated with vines. One of the earliest written records concerning wine and olive oil production in the Montalbano hills dates to 804 AD, during the period of Frankish rule.

Wine production continued throughout the Middle Ages. By the 13th century, wine from the slopes of Montalbano was being delivered as a tribute to the bishops of Pistoia, demonstrating the importance and reputation that local wines had already acquired. Among the wine’s later admirers were Francesco Redi and Edmondo De Amicis, the latter being a teetotaller who nevertheless occasionally made an exception to enjoy this wine.