central and south italy

Question 1

What is the first DOC in Italy?

Answer 1

Vernaccia di San Gimignano, established in 1966

DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, a quality assurance label for Italian wines.

Question 2

What was the first DOCG in Italy?

Answer 2

Brunello di Montalcino, established in 1980

DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, indicating a higher level of quality than DOC.

Question 3

List the main grapes of Tuscany.

Answer 3

• Sangiovese
• Canaiolo
• Trebbiano Toscana
• French grapes for Super Tuscans
• Cabernet in Chianti Classico

Question 4

Describe the Sangiovese grape.

Answer 4

Warm climate grape, early to bud, late to ripen, with naturally high acidity and moderate to high tannin content

Sangiovese is the most important grape in Italy.

Question 5

What are the key characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino?

Answer 5

• Aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, chocolate, leather, and violets
• Higher acidity than Tuscan Sangiovese
• Thicker skins leading to more tannin

Question 6

When was the Chianti wine zone demarcated?

Answer 6

1716

Question 7

What is the aging requirement for Chianti Classico Riserva?

Answer 7

Minimum 2 years in wood and an additional 3 months in bottle

Question 8

What does the term ‘Governo’ refer to in Chianti?

Answer 8

Chianti made from semi-dried grapes

Question 9

What are the requirements for use of grapes in Chianti DOCG?

Answer 9

• 70%-100% Sangiovese
• Up to 10% Canaiolo
• Up to 10% Trebbiano Toscana or Malvasia
• 10% other authorized grapes

Question 10

What is the significance of Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico Gallo Nero?

Answer 10

Represents over 600 members and protects Chianti Classico wine and its trademark

Question 11

Who planted Sangiovese Grosso vineyards around 1870?

Answer 11

Ferrucio Biondi-Santi

Question 12

What is Rosso di Montalcino?

Answer 12

Wine made from young vines in the Montalcino region

Question 13

What are Super Tuscans?

Answer 13

Wines from Bolgheri DOC that include Bordeaux varietals plus Sangiovese

Question 14

What grape is used in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

Answer 14

Sangiovese clone known as Prugnolo Gentile

Question 15

Which Tuscan wine region is known for Sagrantino?

Answer 15

Umbria

Question 16

List the main white grape varieties from Le Marche.

Answer 16

• Verdicchio
• Trebbiano
• Malvasia

Question 17

What is the best-known wine of Le Marche?

Answer 17

Verdicchio de Castelli di Jesi

Question 18

What is unique about Verdicchio di Matelica?

Answer 18

Higher acidity and aging potential due to its inland and higher altitude location

Question 19

What are the primary grapes grown in the Latim region?

Answer 19

• Trebbiano
• Malvasia
• Greco
• Sangiovese
• Montepulciano
• Cabernet
• Syrah
• Merlot

Question 20

What is the main grape of Abruzzo?

Answer 20

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Question 21

What is the DOCG for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?

Answer 21

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane, with 90% Montepulciano minimum

Question 22

List some red grape varieties from Puglia.

Answer 22

• Primitivo
• Negroamaro
• Malvasia Nera
• Uva di Troia
• Montepulciano

Question 23

What is the primary white grape in Campania?

Answer 23

Fiano

Question 24

What is the DOCG for Aglianico in Campania?

Answer 24

Aglianico di Taurasi

Question 25

Describe the geographical characteristics of Basilicata.

Answer 25

Region of caves with tufaceous soil from volcanic activity

Question 26

What is the main grape variety in Calabria?

Answer 26

Gaglioppo

Question 27

What is the main grape of Sardegna?

Answer 27

Vermentino

Question 28

List some red grape varieties from Sicily.

Answer 28

• Nero d’Avola
• Nerello Mascalese
• Frappato
• Syrah

Question 29

What is the DOCG for reds in Sicily?

Answer 29

Cerasuolo di Vittoria