3.13 | Regionally Important Varieties - Sangiovese & Montepulciano

Question 1

what are the key characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 1

dry with high tannins and high acidity
red fruit (red cherries, red plums)
dried herbs

Question 2

what is the most famous wine dominated by Sangiovese

Answer 2

Chianti in central Tuscany

Question 3

What differentiates Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva?

Answer 3

Chianti Classico has a higher altitude, and a long ripening season.

Chianti DOCG is a wide area in the foothills of the Appenine Mountains with varied quality. often oaked. the best examples evolve tertiary aromas.

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: stricter ageing requirement. May have tertiary aromas when released.

Question 4

What grape is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG made from?

Answer 4

Sangiovese

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?

Answer 5

full-bodied, powerful. 
high tannin
high acid
must mature in oak for an extended period
long ageing potential

Question 6

What are the key characteristics of Montepulciano?

Answer 6

deeply colored
medium acidity
high tannin
black fruit (black plum, black cherry)

Question 7

Where is the key region for Montepulciano?

Answer 7

Abruzzo, in east-central Italy

Question 8

True/False: Montepulciano from Abruzzo is always a simple and fruity wine

Answer 8

False. though there are inexpensive Montepulcianos from Abruzzo that are simple and fruity, more concentrated examples are produced that are matured in oak for a short time

Question 9

what does the Italian labelling term ‘Classico’ denote?

Answer 9

grapes were grown in center of region (often hilliest part). these wines are typically more concentrated than the broader region

Question 10

what does the Italian labeling term ‘Riserva’ denote?

Answer 10

a DOC or DOCG wine aged a set # of months pre-release.