Central and Southern Italy Flashcards
What is Italy’s most planted red varietal?
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the principal red grape in which DOCG’s?
Chianti
Chianti Classico
Carmignano
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Morellino di Scansano
Montecucco Sangiovese
Brunello di Montalcino (100%)
In addition to Sangiovese, what other red grapes wield influence in Tuscan wine production?
The native grapes Colorino and Canaiolo Nero and the international grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.
Syrah is also gaining momentum.
What are the 8 subzones of Chianti?
Classico
Rùfina
Colli Fiorentini
Colli Senesi
Colline Pisane
Colli Aretini
Montalbano
Montespertoli
Which 2 subzones of Chianti are regareded as the most consistent in quality?
Classico
Rùfina
What are the blending requirements of Chianti DOCG?
Minimum 70% Sangiovese (75% for Colli Senesi)
Blending of the white grapes Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia is optional.
Cabernet grapes may not exceed 15% of the blend.
What does it mean when a Chianti DOCG wine has Governo all’uso Toscano on the label?
It means that the traditional practice of governo was used.
The refermentation with the juice of dried grapes, to strengthen the wine and initiate malolactic fermentation.
What are the aging requirements for a Chianti DOCG wine labeled riserva?
2 years
What is required for a Chianit DOCG wine to be labeled superiore?
An additional half-degree of alcohol and lowered vineyard yields.
What are the 2 main soil types found in Chianti Classico?
- Galestro* - a soft, friable, marl-like
- Alberese* - sandstone
What are the blending requirements of Chianti Classico DOCG?
Minimum 80% Sangiovese
No white varietals allowed
What is the minimum alcohol required for Chianti DOCG?
11.5%
What is the minimum alcohol required for Chianti Classico DOCG?
12%
What is required of a Chianti Classico DOCG wine to be labeled riserva?
The wine must be aged (usually barrique) for a minimum 24 months. with a minimum 12.5% alcohol.
What is required for a Chianti Classico DOCG wine to be labeled Gran Selezione?
The wine my be aged for at least 30 months.
What grape is used to produce the red wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
100% Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso)
What are the aging requirements for a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wine?
Minimum of 2 years in cask and an additional 4 months in the bottle.
What additional aging is required for a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wine to be labeled riserva?
An additional 2 months in bottle. (?)
Describe the soil in Montalcino.
Galestro in the highter altitude vineyards with clay dominating in the warmer southern reaches of the zone. Fossilized marine deposits are scattered throughout.
What area produces what could be described as a “junior” version of Brunello?
Rosso di Montalcino DOC
What grape is used to produce the wine of Rosso di Montalcino?
100% Sangiovese
What are the aging requirements of the wine produced in Rosso di Montalcino?
1 year although cask aging is not required.
What wines are produced in the Sant’Antimo DOC?
Red wines from grapes other than Sangiovese.
Super Tuscans in Montalcino.
White wines of Montalcino are labeled as what DOC?
Moscadello di Montalcino DOC
What grape is used to produce Moscadello di Montalcino?
Moscato Bianco
What is the primary grape used to make Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG wines?
70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile)
What are the blending requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
Minimum 70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile)
Maximum 30% other Tuscan varieties
Maximum 5% white varieties
What are the aging requirements of a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG wine?
Minimum of 2 years with 1 year in wood.
What are the aging requirements of riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG wine?
Minimum of 3 years
What percentage of Sangiovese is required for the wines of Morellino di Scansano DOCG?
85%