Central Italy Flashcards
Learn the regions of Central Italy: their topography, climate, grapes, appellations, and wines.
What are the 5 regions of central Italy?
- Tuscany
- Umbria
- Latium (aka Lazio)
- Marche
- Abruzzo
What are the climates of central Italy?
Coastal parts: Maritime
Inland: Continental
What is the major white grape to know from central Italy?
Vernaccia (grows in Tuscany)
What are the red grapes to know from central Italy?
- Sangiovese
- Syrah
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
What 3 DOCGs of Tuscany do you need to know?
- Chianti DOCG
- Chianti Classico DOCG
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
What are the minimum percentages of Sangiovese required for:
- Chianti DOCG
- Chianti Classico DOCG
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Chianti - 70% min
Chianti Classico - 80% min
Brunello di Montalcino - 100% only
The one style of wine allowed to be made in Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino is ____, ____, ____ wines.
Dry, still, red wines – all based on Sangiovese.
What are the soils of Chianti Classico?
- Sandstone
- Galestro, a layered, friable, clay/marl-like soil
Brunello di Montalcino is in and around which town?
Montalcino
What are the soils of Brunello di Montalcino?
- Lower elevations: clay + marine sediment
- Higher elevations: Galestro
What is the name of the Sangiovese clone that goes into Brunello di Montalcino?
Sangiovese Grosso, aka Brunello by locals
What are the aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino?
- aged in wood barrels minimum 2 years
- aged in bottle minimum 4 months
- cannot be sold before Jan 1 the 5th year following harvest
What kinds of oak barrels are used in Brunello di Montalcino?
- Small barriques
- Large Slavonian casks
Where is Le Marche (aka Marches)?
pronounced MAR-kay
On the Adriatic (east coast)
What is the climate of Marches?
Mediterranean