Additional Geographic Units Flashcards
Which mountain range Borders Chianti Classico to the east? What is the highest point?
Monte Chianti.
Monte San Michele.
Why are there differences in temperature throughout the Classico area?
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.
What the two fundamental geological formations in Classico?
Continental and marine. The latter is most widespread.
What are the categories of marine formation?
Sandstones and marls.
What are the categories of continental formation?
Fluvial and Lacustrine
Besides climate and geology what other aspects need to considered in understanding UGA Chianti Classico wines?
Aspect, soil texture, forests and human factors.
When was the UGA system introduced?
In July 2023. It is partof the appellation system not a separate entity.
How does the UGA system change the focus on wines of Classico?
It moves the focus from ageing process and grapes to territory ( terroir).
What UGA mean?
Unita Geografiche Aggiuntive.
What is a UGA. How many are there?
It is a specifically delineated zone within the Chianti Classico appellation. There are 11 at present.
Which is the largest/smallest UGA?
Largest - Gaiole
Smallest - Lamole
Which UGA’s are most planted to vine?
Castellino and San Casciano.
What does UGA on a label specify?
It only certifies area of origin of the grapes. It has no qualitative significance or classification value.
Which category of wine can display the UGA. Is it mandatory?
Only Gran Selezione level. It is not mandatory.
What are the names of the 11 UGA of Chianti Classico?
From N to S going clockwise:
San Casciano, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardegna, Vagliagli, Castellina, San Donato.
What is the character of wines from San Casciano?
Well balance structure, rounded gentle fruit, not too dark or over ripe.
What is the climate of San Casciano?
It is warmer and therefore one of the earliest ripening zones.
How many UGAs in Greve?
The commune has been divided in four:
Lamole, Panzano, Montefiorella and Greve.
Where are Greve and Lamole UGAs located?
On the right bank ( east) of the Grevé river.
Where are Panzano and Montefiorella UGAs located?
On the left bank ( west) of the Grevé river.
What are the three geographical landmarks of Greve?
Monte del Chianti in the east, Grevé river in the west and the Ema Valley to the north.
Which soil types are foundin Greve?
Shale, Formaccio Sillano, Macigno, Pietraforte.
Which isthe smallest UGA?
Lamole
Where is Lamole located?
At the foot of San Michelé mountain.
Which three factors characterise the the Lamole zone?
Elevation, geology and woods.
Why is Lamole the last ripening UGA.
It has higher elevation between 50 and 600 MASL making it the coldest.
What is the primary soil of Lamole?
Derived from Macigno it has up to 90% sand content.
What unmistakeable aroma has Lamole wines?
Floral.
What training method is traditional in Lamolé?
Alberello - bush style.
Which two geological formations dominate in Montefiorell UGA.
Pietraforte and Albarese. The latter is more dominant.
How can Panzano be divided?
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.
What is the main geology of Panzano UGA?
Pitraforte, Sillano and some shale.
Which area of Radda UGA is most important for vine growing?
The Pesa Basin has vineyards on both left and right banks.
Why is Radda cooler climate?
Its proximity to the Monte del Chianti rather than altitude. This results in a later harvest.
What are the geological formations in Castelnuovo?
In the north mainly Macigno and Albarese. In the south marine clay and silts.
What are geological formations of Valiagli?
In the north mainly Macigno
