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Italy's Native Wine Grapes Guide

Montù

Grape's Data Sheet

The Montù Wine Grape in Italy

Montù - The Grape and the Wines

Monù, also known as Montù or Montuni, is a native white grape variety from Emilia-Romagna, primarily cultivated in the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Ravenna. The name Montù derives from the Bolognese dialect, meaning “a lot of grapes,” reflecting its high-yielding nature. It is also known by various synonyms, including Bianchina, Bianchetto, and Montuno, and was first recorded in the 1879 Ampelographic Bulletin of the Ministry of Agriculture under the name Montoncello. The origin of Montù is uncertain; some suggest it might be of Spanish origin, while others propose a Marche connection due to its resemblance to the Marchigiano Montonico grape.

Montù does not have specific soil and climate requirements, although it prefers well-ventilated and cool clay-limestone soils and has a high and consistent yield. The Montù grape is included in the ampelographic composition of the Reno DOC, and its wines can be produced in still (Tranquillo), slightly sparkling (Vivace), and fully sparkling (Frizzante) versions, ranging from Dry (Secco) to Slightly Sweet (Abboccato), Semi-Sweet (Amabile), and Sweet (Dolce) styles.

The Montù grape clusters are medium-sized, ranging from compact to moderately compact, with a cylindrical or conical shape, often with wings. The berries are medium, spherical, with a thick, firm, and highly pruinose skin, in a yellow-green hue. Montù wines, when vinified in purity, exhibit a straw-yellow color and are characterized by fruity, fresh, savory, and dry notes, with a good body and harmonious profile. They pair well throughout the meal but are particularly ideal with fish dishes, grilled meats, lightly aged cheeses, and cured meats. The recommended serving temperature is between 12°C and 14°C (54°F to 57°F).

montu a native wine grape of Italy

Montù - General Info Table

Montù is one of the  Native Grapes with White berry widespread mainly in Emilia-Romagna, officially listed in the “Catalogo nazionale varietà di vite” since 1970. Its surface under vines in Italy is 500 ha.
Berry colorWhite berry
Grape CategoryNative Grapes
Main RegionEmilia-Romagna
Surface under Vines in Italy500 ha
Synonym(s)Montuni
Year of listing1970

Montù - Ampelographic Data

Each grape variety is characterized by Ampelographic Descriptors that define the appearance of its main elements. The ampelographic features of the Montù grape variety are:
Leaf Features
The leaf of the Montù grape variety is medium-sized, pentagonal, with five lobes, with three lobes.
Bunch Features
The bunch of the Montù grape variety is dense, medium-sized, cone-shaped, pyramidal, 1-2 wings.
Berry Features
The berries of the Montù grape variety are medium-sized, of spheroidal shape and with very waxy, firm, thick and yellow-greenish colored skin.

Montù - Wine Features

The Varietal Wine obtained from each and every Grape Variety, features precisely defined organoleptic characteristics. Referred to Montù grapes, they are as follows:
Varietal Wine's features
The wine obtained from Montù grapes is straw yellow. On the palate the wine is fruity, fresh, thin.

Montù - Agricultural & Productive Features

Each and every grape variety features very specific agricultural and productive characteristics, such as productivity, yield, ripening time, the ideal type of climate or pruning system, sensitivity to adversities, varying degrees of disease resistance and many others. For the Montù grape variety, the main characteristics are:
Ripening timelate
Vegetative vigorhigh vigor
Productivityhigh, normal

Montù - Appellations of Origin

The Quattrocalici Grape Varieties Database collects data on all grape varieties that are explicitly mentioned in at least one Italian PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) denomination. The Montù grape variety is mentioned in the regulations of the following denominations:
DenominationTypeRegion
Bianco di Castelfranco Emilia IGTIGTEmilia-Romagna
Emilia o dell’Emilia IGTIGTEmilia-Romagna
Forlì IGTIGTEmilia-Romagna
Ravenna IGTIGTEmilia-Romagna
Reno DOCDOCEmilia-Romagna
Rubicone IGTIGTEmilia-Romagna