Central Italy Flashcards
What two geographic features is Tuscany situated between?
Mediterranean Sea
Apennine Mountains
What is Tuscany’s climate type?
Warm Mediterranean with adequate rainfall
What is the main grape of Tuscany?
Sangiovese
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon often used in Tuscany?
To add color and power to Sangiovese
Why is Canaiolo often used in Tuscany?
It promotes the floral and red-berried character of Sangiovese when blended with that grape
What is the most planted red varietal in Italy?
Sangiovese
What is the principal red grape of Chianti DOCG? Other grapes? Minimum and Maximums?
Sangiovese - 70%
Cab Sauv and/or Cab Franc cannot exceed 15%;
10% can be white grapes!
What is the principal red grape of Chianti Classico DOCG?
What is the minimum? What other grapes are allowed?
Sangiovese - min 80%. Most are 90%.
Others can be 10% each (e.g., Canaiolo or Merlot).
NO WHITES.
What is the principal red grape of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
What is the minimum % of that grape?
Sangiovese - min 70%
What is the only red grape allowed in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
Sangiovese - 100%
What are the primary grapes of Tuscany?
Sangiovese
Trebbiano
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Canaiolo Nero
What is the main white grape of San Gimignano?
Vernaccia di San Gimignana
When was Chianti elevated to DOCG?
1984
Name two subzones of Chianti DOCG
Chiani Rùfina DOCG
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
What white grapes are permitted for blending in Chianti DOCG wines?
Trebbiano Toscano
Malvasia
What is the general aging requirement for Chianti DOCG?
What about Riserva?
Any oak requirements?
March 1 of the year after harvest;
Chianti DOCG Riserva must be aged two years, no oak required.
No oak ageing required for Chianti DOCG but some subzones require 6 mos in oak.
What is the general aging requirement for Chianti DOCG Riserva?
What if it’s a subzone Riserva?
Two years of ageing; no oak requirements
Two years; six months in oak.
When was Chianti Classico declared an autonomous DOCG (not a subzone)?
1996
What are the two most common soil types of Chianti Classico DOCG?
Galestro - schistous, crumbly rock with clay and marl
Alberese - calcareous soils with clay
What percentage of Chianti Classico DOCG wines must be Sangiovese?
Minimum 80%
What does Gran Selezione mean in Chianti Classico DOCG?
Wine produced from estate fruit
Minimum 30 months of aging; no oak required
What is the common wood vessel used to age Chianti Classico DOCG wines?
It was French barriques but now returning to large format oak casks (“botti”) and tonneaux.
In which country and region is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG located?
Italy
Tuscany
What is the only grape used in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wines?
Sangiovese aka Brunello