Blend, Grapes, Viticulture Flashcards
Which grape formed main backbone the Chianti Classico blend until the late 19th Century?
Caniaolo
Who was first to create a “recipe” for Chianti Classico wines?
The “Iron Baron” Bettine Ricasoli in 1872.
What did the “Iron Baron” seek to do?
He used his estate to develop the “best wine possible” based on Sangiovese to be regarded as a world class wine, equal to the great blends of Bordeaux etc.
What was the original “Ricasoli recipe”.
70% Sangiovese
20% Canaiolo
10% Malvasia
What was the Gloria laws.
In the 1960’s the Italian government decree protecting wine appellations.
What was the blend created in the 1967 rules for Classico wines?
Sangiovese 50 to 80%
Canaiolo Nero 10 to 30%
Trebbiano/Malvasia 10 to 30%
Unspecified complementary varieties 5%
Why did the Classico producers introduce more stringent regulations than other Chianti DOCG subzones in 1984?
They wished to showcase the importance of it’s terroir and wines. They changed the blend to:
Sangiovese 75-90%;
Canaiolo 5-10%;
Trebbiano/Malvasia 2-5%.
When did Chianti Classico become its own DOCG? Why was it momentous for “the blend”?
In 1996. The rule was amended to 75-100% Sangiovese. No longer necessary to add Canaiolo or white grapes. Other red grapes allowed in the production zone could be blended - 15%.
Included Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah and native Tuscan grapes.
Are varieties from outside Tuscany permitted in the Classico blend?
None from other Italian regions.
What minor change was made to the blend rule in 2002?
Had to be a minimum of 80% Sangiovese.
What changes were made to the Classico blend rules in 2005?
From the 2006 vintage, no white grapes permitted. Must be:
Minimum 80% Sangiovese
Up to 20% permitted red varieties - both native and international.
What Classico blend change takes place in 2027?
For the Gran Selezione made in the UGAs the blend must be:
Minimum -90% Sangiovese
Maximum of 10% NATIVE varieties ONLY.
What is the most planted grape in Italy?
Sangiovese. It has been shown there are over 100 versions.
What are the main characteristics of Sangiovese wines?
- Wines of moderate colour;
- Floral character aromas - red fruit, black cherries,fresh rose, dry violets. Even without wood it can have aromas of pine forest, camphor, flint, sweet/savoury spices, incense.
- High acidty - vibrancy on the pallet;
- Fine to firm tannins depending on where its grown.
- Flavour - red fruits, savoury and spice notes.
What was the overall purose of the Chianti Classico 2000 Project?
To modernise the viticultural practices and increase the quality of the wines. Set out to determine the best clones for the 21st century wines.
How many clones were eventually chosen for Chianti Classico from the 2000 Project?
Seven - CCL 2000/1 to CCL 2000/7. Newer clones continueto be developed.
What do the permitted indigenous grapes add to the Classico blend:
1.Canaiolo- vibrancy and lift;
2. Colorino - deeper colour;
3. Ciliegiolo (cherry) - cherry notes;
4. Malvasia Nera - floral and deep colour almost purple;
5. Mammolo (violet) - increase floral notes;
6. Pugnitello - deep colour, firm tannins, dark fruit;
6. Foglia Tonda - intense spice, black fruit flavours.
Which international grapes have been permitted in the Classico blend since 1996?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah
What is the Disciplinare?
The appellation rules of Chianti Classico.
What are the Disciplinare of Chianti Classico?
- Minimum 4400 vines per hectare;
- Maximum yield is 7.5 tons per hectare. Average under 4 tons;
- No irrigation allowed
How does the vine landscape of Classico differ from most wine regions in the world?
Its biodiversity. The vineyards are planted among the forests and occupy a small % of the land(10%). This allows for a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
How much of the vine growing is environmentally certified?
Over 50% certified Sustainable or Organic and growing larger. They are also promoting renewable resource use.
