Montonico bianco
Ancient Greek-origin white grape of Calabria, used in DOC blends.
Montonico bianco is a white wine grape variety grown in the Calabria region of southern Italy. Ampelographers believe it likely originated in Greece and was brought to southern Italy by ancient Greek settlers. Though historically significant in Calabria, its planted area had declined to 1100 hectares by the end of the 20th century.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Calabria, southern Italy
- Maximum yield (bivongi doc)
- 12 tonnes/hectare
- Minimum alcohol (bivongi doc)
- 10.5%
- Maximum yield (pollino doc)
- 11 tonnes/hectare
- Minimum alcohol (pollino doc)
- 12%
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- DNA profiling has shown Garganega to be one of the parent varieties of Montonico bianco.
- It is not yet clear if Montonico bianco is related to the red Calabrian grape Gaglioppo, also known as Mantonico or Montonico nero.
- Montonico bianco has been known under synonyms including Bottato, Caprone, Coppa, Montanaro, and Trebbiano Marchigiano.
DOC wines
In the Bivongi DOC, located on the slopes of Mount Consolino, Montonico bianco must constitute 30–50% of the blend, alongside Greco bianco and Guardavalle. Ansonica and Malvasia bianca may together account for an additional 30–50%, while other non-aromatic white varieties are limited to 30%. Grapes for DOC wines are harvested at yields no greater than 12 tonnes per hectare, and the finished wine must reach a minimum alcohol level of 10.5%. In the Pollino DOC, situated in the shadow of the Pollino massif, Montonico bianco is permitted up to 40% of the blend in red wines, where Gaglioppo (also called Montonico nero) makes up at least 60% and Greco nero up to 40%. Guarnaccia bianca and Malvasia bianca are also allowed, while all other white varieties combined cannot exceed 20%. Yields are limited to 11 tonnes per hectare, and the finished wine must attain at least 12% alcohol by volume.
More in White Wine Grape Varieties from Italy
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