Central Italy

Question 1

Which grape variety is Central Italy mostly known for

Answer 1

The Sangiovese grape.

Question 2

Describe the terrain of Tuscany

Answer 2

It stretches down from the western coast of central Italy and divided into three parts; Chianti in the north (mountainous), the hills and valleys to the south and the flat coastal plain.

Question 3

Which mountain range runs the full length of the Italian Peninsula?

Answer 3

Apennine Mountains - Altitude and coastal breezes help regulate the temperature of the grapes.

Question 4

Describe the Sangiovese wine from Tuscany

Answer 4

Sangiovese is the main grape creating wines with high acidity and high tannins. It’s late to ripen and needs a warm climate. The wine has aromas of red cherries, plums and dried herbs are aged in oak to soften the tannins and spicy flavours. Both large oak casks and small barrels are used. With age, the wines develop a meaty and gamey aroma.

Question 5

What are the main regions of Tuscany?

Answer 5

Chianti, Chianti Classico, Southern Tuscany and The Coast

Question 6

How are wines labelled in Chianti?

Answer 6

Chianti DOCG -grapes sourced from around the whole region.

Chianti (subregion) DOCG - are higher quality wines (eg: Chianti Rufina DOCG and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG)

Question 7

How does Chianti Classico DOCG differ from Chianti DOCG?

Answer 7

Vineyards are at higher altitudes than Chianti DOCG, which slows the ripening of Sangiovese and results in wines with greater acidity and more herbal aromas.

Question 8

What is considered the best wine made in Chianti Classico DOCG?

Answer 8

Gran Selezione

Question 9

Describe the ageing requirements for wines in Chianti Classico DOCG.

Answer 9

Ageing -
12 months before released (Chianti Classico) and
24 months, three of which in bottle (Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG)
Wines aged for 6 months longer than Riserva (Gran Selezione)

Question 10

Describe the region and wines of Southern Tuscany

Answer 10

The vineyards are at lower altitudes than in the north and have a warmer climate. Cool southern maritime breezes help moderate temperatures. Best known appellations Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Style- Wines are more intense and fuller-bodied than Chianti due to the warmer climate.

Question 11

What are the ageing requirements of wines from Southern Tuscany?

Answer 11

Brunello di Montalcino - wines must be made from Sangiovese and minimum 5 years ageing (two in oak) before released
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG - can be a blend of Sangiovese with other permitted varieties and minimum 2 years ageing before released.
Poor vintages can be declassified to Rosso di Montalcino DOC or Rosso di Montepulciano DOC.

Question 12

Describe the terrain and wines from The Coastal areas of Tuscany.

Answer 12

The vineyards are cooled by sea breezes rather than altitude. Black Bordeaux varieties and international varieties are planted here.

Question 13

What is a Super Tuscan?

Answer 13

It was originally made from Cabernet Sauvignon and sold for a premium price, despite not being eligible for PDO status. Re-established Italy’s reputation for excellence.

Question 14

How are wines labelled in The coastal areas of Tuscany?

Answer 14

Toscana IGT
Bolgheri DOC and Maremma Toscana DOC permit wines to be made entirely from non-Italian varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

Question 15

Describe the terrain and wines from Umbria.

Answer 15

similar climate as Tuscany but is more continental without Mediterranean influences.
Orvieto DOC - most famous white wine which is a blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano and local grapes.

Question 16

Describe the style of Orvieto DOC wines.

Answer 16

Style- light in body with medium to high acidity, and flavours of ripe grapefruit and peaches.
Best examples have the most Grechetto in the blend.
Protective winemaking, cool fermentation in stainless steel.

Question 17

What is the red wine DOCG from Umbria?

Answer 17

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG - most famous red wine made with the thick-skinned Sagrantino grape.

Question 18

Describe the terrain and wines from the Lazio region.

Answer 18

Southern Tuscany known for Frascati DOC wine. Situated in the hills to the south of Rome, the vineyards are cooled by altitude and nearby small lakes offering the perfect conditions for white grapes.
Wines are a blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano, usually made in a fresh, unoaked style. Medium bodied with high acidity and flavours of citrus fruits and sometimes the Malvasia provides floral, orange blossom aromas.

Question 19

Describe the white wines from the Marche region.

Answer 19

Located on the eastern side of the Apennines and is known for white wines made from the Verdicchio grape. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC is the most famous.
Verdicchio is naturally high in acidity, flavours of green apples, lemons, notes of fennel and almonds
Most are simple and fruity but the best have greater concentration and can develop notes of honey and almond with bottle age.

Question 20

Describe the red wines from the Marche region

Answer 20

The red wines are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. Conero DOCG is the best known.

Question 21

Describe the wines from the Abruzzo region.

Answer 21

Located below Marche. Known for the black variety Montelpulciano, hence Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (no relation to the town Montepulciano in Tuscany)
Montepulciano grape has high levels of tannins, medium acidity and flavours of black plums and cherries. Wines are simple and fruity, without oak ageing. The most concentrated examples are often matured for a short time in oak.

Question 22

What is Central Italy’s climate like

Answer 22

Warm Mediterranean