Bolgheri DOC Flashcards
Where is Bolgheri located?
In Toscana. It is small picturesque hamlet in the northern coastal portion of the Maremma.
What s the Maremma?
It is the reclaimed cosatal area running from Livorno to Northern Lazio. The swampy area was drained in the first half of the 20th century.
Where is Bolgheri DOC located?
The appellation lies on a strip of largely flatcoastal land.
What is the climate of Bolgheri DOC?
The vineyards enjoy plenty of sun and the sea provides plenty of cooling breezes to cool the warmth of the growing season.
How do climate conditions affect the grapes and wines of Bolgheri DOC>
The conditions allow the grapes to ripen fully yet maintain enough acidity to craft wines of freshness and vitality.
What are the main grapes used in Bolgheri DOC wines?
They are based on the Bordeaux blend - Cabernet Sauvigno, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Small amounts of sangiovese, syrah and petit verdot are occasionally included.
What are the blending rules of Bolgheri DOC wines?
They are flexible - producers can opt for any proportion of the three Bordeaux grapes.
What is the rule for including Syrah or Sangiovese in the wine?
They can only account for maximum of 50% of the blend if used.
What other wines are produced in Bolgheri?
Bolgheri Rosso DOC and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC.
How long must Bolgheri Rosso DOC wine be aged for?
One year.
How long must Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC wine be aged for?
Minimum of two years of which one must be in oak. This is generally the top wine of an estate.
Is any white wine made in Bolgheri DOC?
A small amount based on Vermentino.
What makes Bolgheri DOC wines special?
They are Bordeaux-style blends with a combination of lush, concentrated fruit and sweet oak notes coupled with a distinctive hint of mediterranean garrique.
What is the structure of Bolgheri DOC wines?
Body - rich and full;
Acidity - Medium;
ABV - high;
Tannins - dense and velvety
What are the common descriptors of Bolgheri DOC wines?
Ripe black fruit, balsamic notes, baking spices, hints of mediterranean scrub.
What is the most famous wine of Bolgheri DOC?
Sassicaia which gave rise to the Super Tuscan phenomenon.
