3.23 Sangiovese and Montepulciano

Question 1

What are the 2 most important black grapes in Central Italy?

Answer 1

1. Sangiovese
2. Montepulciano

Question 2

Which Central Italian region is famous for Sangiovese?

Answer 2

Tuscany

Question 3

If we think of Italy as a lizard, which mountain range is its spine?

Answer 3

The Apennines

Question 4

What Tuscan appellations are famous for Sangiovese?

Answer 4

Chianti DOCG
Chianti Classico DOCG
Chinatii Classico DOCG Riserva
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Question 5

How do the following DOCGs differ?

Chianti DOCG
Chianti Classico DOCG
Chinatii Classico DOCG Riserva
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Answer 5

Chianti DOCG is a wide are in the Apennine foothills. Wine have varied quality, but most are simple, inexpensive, meant for early consumption.

Chianti Classico DOCG wines come from higher altitude sites in the historic production zone (long ripening season). Wines are medium bodied, with red fruit and dried herb aromas/flavors. Wines are often matured in oak to soften tannins and add complexity (cloves, cedar). The best are age-worthy, developing favors of meat and leather in the bottle.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva wines have stricter ageing requirements and may show tertiary development upon release.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wines come form the sunny southern Tuscan town of Montalcino. High acid, High tannin. Oak ageing is required. Very long ageing potential.

Question 6

What does the term “Classico” mean?

Answer 6

• Grapes come from the smaller, historic area of given region
• More hills, often higher elevation
• More concentrated/intense flavor

Question 7

What does the term “Riserva” mean?

Answer 7

• Used for DOC or DOCG (not IGT!)
• Wine has been aged for a certain number of months prior to release (varies from one DOC/DOCG to another)

Question 8

Which Central Italian region is famous for the grape Montepulciano?

Answer 8

Abruzzo

Question 9

Describe the profile of Montepulciano.

Answer 9

• Dry
• High tannin
• Medium acid
• Black fruit (plum, cherry)
• Most are simple inexpensive versions, but some are oak aged and have more concentrated flavors

Question 10

What is the most famous DOC in Abruzzo for the Montepulciano grape?

Answer 10

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC