Montecarlo is a denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) in northern Tuscany, Italy. The vineyards surround the small town of Montecarlo which is located close to Lucca and Pisa. Montecarlo wines are unusual for the region in that they are commonly made from the Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc and Pinot bianco grape varietals. This is unusual as most Tuscan white wines are made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. Wines from the region are often called the best Tuscan whites.[1]
The DOC is defined under the following laws:[2]
| Decree | Official Gazette | |
|---|---|---|
| Dpr 13 Aug 69 | 283 - 08 Nov 69 | |
| Dpr 15 Sept 79 | 48 - 19 Feb 80 | |
| Dpr 01 Oct 85 | 110 - 14 May 86 | |
| Dm 17 Oct 94 | 253 - 28 Oct 94 |
The DOC bianco allows between 40% and 60% Trebbiano Toscano, and between 40% and 60% Semillon, Pinot gris, Pinot bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon blanc and/or Roussane, with no more than 10% of any single one.
The DOC rosso is 50% to 75% Sangiovese, 5% to 15% Canaiolo, 10% to 15% Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Malvasia nera, Sjriak, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot, and up to 20% other red varietals.