Central Italy

Question 1

What makes for a moderating influence on Central Italy’s otherwise hot climate?

Answer 1

The mountain ranges

Question 2

Why is Tuscany a good place to grow Sangiovese?

Answer 2

It is late to ripen, so it needs a warm climate

Question 3

Describe Sangiovese

Answer 3

High acid
High tannin
Red cherries
Plums
Dried herbs
Aged in oak to soften tannins and add spicy flavors

Question 4

When Sangiovese ages, how does its flavor change?

Answer 4

Develops gamey and meaty aromas

Question 5

Producers of large volume Chianti source their grapes from the greater region and label their wines how?

Answer 5

Chianti DOCG

Question 6

Is Chianti Classico DOCG a sub-zone of Chianti?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

How does Chianti Classico DOCG differ from Chianti DOCG?

Answer 7

Wines have greater acidity and more herbaceousness because they come from grapes planted at higher altitudes

Question 8

How long must Chianti Classico DOCG be aged?

Answer 8

12 months

Question 9

How long must Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG be aged?

Answer 9

24 months; 18 months must be in bottle

Question 10

What is Gran Selezione

Answer 10

Highest designation for Chianti Classico

- Grapes must come from single estate and aged for 30 months

Question 11

How do the vineyards of Southern Tuscany differ from those of Northern Tuscany, climate/environment wise?

Answer 11

Lower altitudes, warmer climate

Question 12

2 best known appellations of Southern Tuscany

Answer 12

Brunello di Montalcino

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Question 13

How are wines from Southern Tuscany relative to wines from Chianti?

Answer 13

Fuller bodied, more intense

Question 14

Describe a wine labeled Rosso di Montalcino DOC or Rosso di Montepulciano DOC

Answer 14

Bad harvest or very young vines for Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Question 15

Regulations for Brunello di Montalcino

Answer 15

100% Sangiovese

5 years aging, 2 years oak

Question 16

Describe the Tuscan coast

Answer 16

Relatively flat

Cooled by the sea, not altitude

Question 17

Describe a wine bottled as Toscana IGT or Bolgheri DOC

Answer 17

Super-Tuscan; blend entirely from non-Italian varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot

Question 18

Where is Orvieto DOC from?

Answer 18

Umbria

Question 19

Describe Orvieto DOC wine

Answer 19

White wine
blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and others
Light body
Medium to high acid
Ripe grapefruit and peach notes

Question 20

What wines from Central Italy undergo cool fermentation in stainless steel?

Answer 20

Orvieto

Question 21

What is Umbria’s most prestigious red wine?

Answer 21

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOC

Question 22

Describe Frascati DOC

Answer 22

Medium body
Medium to high acidity
Citrus fruit

Question 23

What is the best known wine from Marche?

Answer 23

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jessi DOC

Question 24

What is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jessi DOC made with?

Answer 24

Verdicchio

Question 25

Describe Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jessi DOC

Answer 25

Simple and fruity, but develop honey and almond notes with age

Question 26

Describe the most famous wine from Abruzzo

Answer 26

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC

Question 27

Describe the Montepulciano grape

Answer 27

High tannin
Medium acid
Dark color
Black plum and cherry notes