Central Italy Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the topography of Central Italy

A

Dominated by the Apennine Mountains which run the length of the Italian Peninsula, grapes are planted on hills and valleys. Providing a moderating influence in a hot climate.

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2
Q

Tuscany can be divided into three regions:

A
  1. the mountainous chianti in the north
  2. the hills and valleys in the south
  3. the flat coastal plain
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3
Q

What is the dominant grape in Tuscany and what are its characteristics?

A

Sangiovese.
High tannin and acid.
Late ripening so needs a warm climate.
Aromas of red cherries, plums and dried herbs.
Usually aged in oak for a while to soften tannins and add spice.

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4
Q

Where is Chianti, what is it divided into and what is the dominant grape?

A

Based in the foothills of Apennines between Pisa, Florence and Siena.
7 Sub regions.
Sangiovese but often blended with others.

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5
Q

What are two famous sub-regions in Chianti?

A

Chianti Rufina DOCG
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG

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6
Q

What are the vineyards and wines like that are labelled Chianti Classico DOCG?

A
  • Vineyards are at higher altitude than any Chianti DOCG, slows ripening with greater acidity and more herbal aromas.
  • Must be aged for 12 months (Riserva is 24 months)
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7
Q

What does Gran Selezione in Chianti mean?

A

Single estate
6 months longer than risevera (30)

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8
Q

Describe the vineyards of southern Italy and and two best known appellations.

A

Lower altitude than those in the north but have cool maritime breezes from the south west that moderate the temperatures.
1. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
2. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

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9
Q

Regulations for Brunello di Montacino DOCG?

A

100% sangiovese
minimum 2 years in oak
only released the 5th year after harvest

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10
Q

Regulations for Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG?

A
  • Can blend Sangiovese with other varieties
  • aged minimum of 2 years
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11
Q

If there is a bad vintage in Brunello di Montecino what might the wind be called?

A

Rosso di Montalcino DOC

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12
Q

Where do Super Tuscans come from?

A

The flat coastal region of southern italy. The original was made from Cab Sauv. These wines were essential in giving italy an opportunity to get a good reputation/

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13
Q

What grapes are grown on the coastal region of Tuscany?

A

Black Bordeaux varieties.

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14
Q

What kind of grapes are in Bolgheri DOC

A

A blend of non-italian varieties including Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.

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15
Q

What wines are made in Umbria?

A

Orvieto DOC - Blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano and other local varieties.
light in body
medium to high acidity
flavours of ripe grapefruits and peaches

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16
Q

What is Umbrias most prestigous red wine?

A

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG - Sagrantio grape

17
Q

What are the vineyards of LAzio like and what is the best wine known ?

A
  • South of Tuscany
  • Situated in the hills to the south of Rhome, the vineyards are cooled by altitude and small number of lakes.
    Frascati DOCG
18
Q

Describe a typical wine from Lazio.

A

Made from Malvasia and Trebbiano. Usually fresh and unoaked. Medium body, medium to high acidity, with flavours of citrus (malvasia can provide floral, orange blossom aromas).

19
Q

Where is Marche and what is it known for?

A

Eastern side of the Appenines, Verdicchio. Most famous is Verdiccihio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC. Reds are Montepulciano and Sangiovease (Conero DOC)

20
Q

What are the attributes of Verdicchio?

A
  • natural high acidity
  • green apples and lemons
  • sometimes fennel and almods
  • most simple and fruity but can develop to honey and almond
21
Q

Where is Abruzzo, whats it famous for and what is the wine like?

A

Below Marche, famous variety of Montepuliciano.
- deep colour
- high tannin
- medium acidity
- black cherries and plums.

22
Q

What is the main wine of Abruzzo?

A

Montepulicino d’Abruzzo DOC