Monferrato DOC, created in 1994, covers a large area between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti, and includes various types of wine: Red, White, Chiaretto or Ciaret, Dolcetto, Freisa and Casalese Cortese. Under this DOC, the grapes are vinified without excessive restrictions, diversifying the wines to suit vine tending and winemaking decisions as well as market demands. It has paved the way for enological experimentation which extends beyond tradition, producing new wines, which are often the best wines produced by the wineries, created by blending native and international grape varieties. The indigenous grape varieties used to make Monferrato Rosso are Barbera and Nebbiolo; the international varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Nero, Monferrato Bianco is made from the native varieties Cortese and Favorita, blended with Chardonnay, Sauvignon and, sometimes, Viognier or other international varietals.
TECHNICAL FACTS
Production zone: 116 municipalities in the province of Asti and 113 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: Grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties recommended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Wine characteristics: Minimum total alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 116 municipalities in the province of Asti and 113 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: Grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic white grape varieties recommended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum total alcohol content: 10% by vol.
Production zone: 116 municipalities in the province of Asti and 113 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: 90 to 100% Nebbiolo (with up to 10% other non-aromatic red grapevarieties, reccomended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria
Production yields: Max. 9 tons, corresponding to 63 hectoliters per hectare (Superiore version: 8 tons, corresponding to 56 hectoliters per hectare)
Minimum aging required and release: Monferrato DOC Nebbiolo: 12 months from November 1st of the year after harvesting; Monferrato DOC Nebbiolo Superiore: 18 months (at least 6 months in wood) from November 1st of the year of harvesting.
Minimum total alcohol content: 12% by vol. (Superiore 12,5%)
Production zone: 116 municipalities in the province of Asti and 113 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: Barbera, Bonarda Piemontese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Freisa, Grignolino, Pinot Nero and Nebbiolo, alone or between 85 and 100% in blends (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum total alcohol content: 10.5% by vol.
Production zone: 116 municipalities in the province of Asti and 113 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: 85 to 100% Dolcetto (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria)
Production yields: Max. 9 tons, corresponding to 63 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum total alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 39 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: 85 to 100% Cortese (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria)
Production yields: Max. 10 tons corresponding to 70 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum total alcohol content: 10.5% by vol.
Production zone: 116 municipalities in the province of Asti and 113 municipalities in the province of Alessandria
Grapes: 85 to 100% Freisa (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the provinces of Asti and Alessandria)
Production yields: Max. 9.5 tons corresponding to 66.5 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum total alcohol content: 11% by vol.