Additional Geographic Units

Question 1

Which mountain range Borders Chianti Classico to the east? What is the highest point?

Answer 1

Monte Chianti.
Monte San Michele.

Question 2

Why are there differences in temperature throughout the Classico area?

Answer 2

The elevation changes from the highest in the east (893 MASL) to lowest (200 MASL) in the west. Average in the centre is from 350 to 500 MASL. Temperatures therefore vary from 13 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Question 3

What the two fundamental geological formations in Classico?

Answer 3

Continental and marine. The latter is most widespread.

Question 4

What are the categories of marine formation?

Answer 4

Sandstones and marls.

Question 5

What are the categories of continental formation?

Answer 5

Fluvial and Lacustrine

Question 6

Besides climate and geology what other aspects need to considered in understanding UGA Chianti Classico wines?

Answer 6

Aspect, soil texture, forests and human factors.

Question 7

When was the UGA system introduced?

Answer 7

In July 2023. It is partof the appellation system not a separate entity.

Question 8

How does the UGA system change the focus on wines of Classico?

Answer 8

It moves the focus from ageing process and grapes to territory ( terroir).

Question 9

What UGA mean?

Answer 9

Unita Geografiche Aggiuntive.

Question 10

What is a UGA. How many are there?

Answer 10

It is a specifically delineated zone within the Chianti Classico appellation. There are 11 at present.

Question 11

Which is the largest/smallest UGA?

Answer 11

Largest - Gaiole
Smallest - Lamole

Question 12

Which UGA’s are most planted to vine?

Answer 12

Castellino and San Casciano.

Question 13

What does UGA on a label specify?

Answer 13

It only certifies area of origin of the grapes. It has no qualitative significance or classification value.

Question 14

Which category of wine can display the UGA. Is it mandatory?

Answer 14

Only Gran Selezione level. It is not mandatory.

Question 15

What are the names of the 11 UGA of Chianti Classico?

Answer 15

From N to S going clockwise:
San Casciano, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardegna, Vagliagli, Castellina, San Donato.

Question 16

What is the character of wines from San Casciano?

Answer 16

Well balance structure, rounded gentle fruit, not too dark or over ripe.

Question 17

What is the climate of San Casciano?

Answer 17

It is warmer and therefore one of the earliest ripening zones.

Question 18

How many UGAs in Greve?

Answer 18

The commune has been divided in four:
Lamole, Panzano, Montefiorella and Greve.

Question 19

Where are Greve and Lamole UGAs located?

Answer 19

On the right bank ( east) of the Grevé river.

Question 20

Where are Panzano and Montefiorella UGAs located?

Answer 20

On the left bank ( west) of the Grevé river.

Question 21

What are the three geographical landmarks of Greve?

Answer 21

Monte del Chianti in the east, Grevé river in the west and the Ema Valley to the north.

Question 22

Which soil types are foundin Greve?

Answer 22

Shale, Formaccio Sillano, Macigno, Pietraforte.

Question 23

Which isthe smallest UGA?

Answer 23

Lamole

Question 24

Where is Lamole located?

Answer 24

At the foot of San Michelé mountain.

Question 25

Which three factors characterise the the Lamole zone?

Answer 25

Elevation, geology and woods.

Question 26

Why is Lamole the last ripening UGA.

Answer 26

It has higher elevation between 50 and 600 MASL making it the coldest.

Question 27

What is the primary soil of Lamole?

Answer 27

Derived from Macigno it has up to 90% sand content.

Question 28

What unmistakeable aroma has Lamole wines?

Answer 28

Floral.

Question 29

What training method is traditional in Lamolé?

Answer 29

Alberello - bush style.

Question 30

Which two geological formations dominate in Montefiorell UGA.

Answer 30

Pietraforte and Albarese. The latter is more dominant.

Question 31

How can Panzano be divided?

Answer 31

Two opposing slopes.
Eastern slope faces Monte del Chianti range and is cooler;
Western slope which is warmer.
This makes exposure more important than in other areas.

Question 32

What is the main geology of Panzano UGA?

Answer 32

Pitraforte, Sillano and some shale.

Question 33

Which area of Radda UGA is most important for vine growing?

Answer 33

The Pesa Basin has vineyards on both left and right banks.

Question 34

Why is Radda cooler climate?

Answer 34

Its proximity to the Monte del Chianti rather than altitude. This results in a later harvest.

Question 35

What are the geological formations in Castelnuovo?

Answer 35

In the north mainly Macigno and Albarese. In the south marine clay and silts.

Question 36

What are geological formations of Valiagli?

Answer 36

In the north mainly Macigno