Bianco dell'Empolese DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin)
To be enjoyed with Florentine flavors
Grapes destined for the production of the Bianco dell'Empolese DOC must come from vineyards located in the municipalities of Empoli, Cerreto Guidi, Fucecchio, Vinci, Capraia e Limite and Montelupo Fiorentino. The Bianco dell'Empolese was recognized as a DOC wine in 1989, even though the hills that ideally make up the industrious town on the banks of the Arno have always produced esteemed wines. In fact, historian Federigo Melis recalls in his writings how in the past the wines of this area, particularly from the countryside of Cerreto Guidi and Vinci, were well known to the Florentines.
From the valorisation of these places by the Medici family, who built one of their most beautiful villas in Cerreto Guidi, to the present day, when the efforts of many small and medium-sized wineries have improved the quality of local wines to the point of obtaining DOC status, the tradition of local viticulture has never been interrupted. The DOC includes, in addition to white wine, the Vin Santo.
Vine varieties
We are in the realm of the Tuscan Trebbiano, so these grapes form the basis of the Bianco dell'Empolese DOC (80-100%). Other white grape varieties may contribute, with the 8% limit for the Malvasia del Chianti. The yield may not exceed 120 quintals per hectare.
We are in the realm of the Tuscan Trebbiano, so these grapes form the basis of the Bianco dell'Empolese DOC (80-100%). Other white grape varieties may contribute, with the 8% limit for the Malvasia del Chianti. The yield may not exceed 120 quintals per hectare.
Organoleptic characteristics
When released for consumption, the Bianco dell'Empolese DOC must have a light yellow color tending to straw yellow, a characteristic aroma and a dry, harmonious, fresh and delicate flavor; minimum alcohol content not less than 10.5º. The Vin Santo type ranges from golden to amber in color; an intense, ethereal, characteristic aroma; and a dry or sweet, harmonious, soft flavor with a characteristic aftertaste. The minimum alcohol content is 16º for the dry type and 15º for the sweet type.
When released for consumption, the Bianco dell'Empolese DOC must have a light yellow color tending to straw yellow, a characteristic aroma and a dry, harmonious, fresh and delicate flavor; minimum alcohol content not less than 10.5º. The Vin Santo type ranges from golden to amber in color; an intense, ethereal, characteristic aroma; and a dry or sweet, harmonious, soft flavor with a characteristic aftertaste. The minimum alcohol content is 16º for the dry type and 15º for the sweet type.
Gastronomy
An excellent companion for appetizers, soups, vegetables, fish dishes and boiled meats, this wine also lends itself well to accompany the artichoke, king of these plains. Cooked, of course, because the difficulty of pairing a vegetable with a particular flavor, so rich in iron, with a wine is well known. For the Vin Santo, the choice is between the dry or sweet type, to be paired with dry pastries.
An excellent companion for appetizers, soups, vegetables, fish dishes and boiled meats, this wine also lends itself well to accompany the artichoke, king of these plains. Cooked, of course, because the difficulty of pairing a vegetable with a particular flavor, so rich in iron, with a wine is well known. For the Vin Santo, the choice is between the dry or sweet type, to be paired with dry pastries.
