Central Italy Flashcards
What makes for a moderating influence on Central Italy’s otherwise hot climate?
The mountain ranges
Why is Tuscany a good place to grow Sangiovese?
It is late to ripen, so it needs a warm climate
Describe Sangiovese
High acid High tannin Red cherries Plums Dried herbs Aged in oak to soften tannins and add spicy flavors
When Sangiovese ages, how does its flavor change?
Develops gamey and meaty aromas
Producers of large volume Chianti source their grapes from the greater region and label their wines how?
Chianti DOCG
Is Chianti Classico DOCG a sub-zone of Chianti?
No
How does Chianti Classico DOCG differ from Chianti DOCG?
Wines have greater acidity and more herbaceousness because they come from grapes planted at higher altitudes
How long must Chianti Classico DOCG be aged?
12 months
How long must Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG be aged?
24 months; 18 months must be in bottle
What is Gran Selezione
Highest designation for Chianti Classico
- Grapes must come from single estate and aged for 30 months
How do the vineyards of Southern Tuscany differ from those of Northern Tuscany, climate/environment wise?
Lower altitudes, warmer climate
2 best known appellations of Southern Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
How are wines from Southern Tuscany relative to wines from Chianti?
Fuller bodied, more intense
Describe a wine labeled Rosso di Montalcino DOC or Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
Bad harvest or very young vines for Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Regulations for Brunello di Montalcino
100% Sangiovese
5 years aging, 2 years oak
Describe the Tuscan coast
Relatively flat
Cooled by the sea, not altitude
Describe a wine bottled as Toscana IGT or Bolgheri DOC
Super-Tuscan; blend entirely from non-Italian varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot
Where is Orvieto DOC from?
Umbria
Describe Orvieto DOC wine
White wine blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and others Light body Medium to high acid Ripe grapefruit and peach notes
What wines from Central Italy undergo cool fermentation in stainless steel?
Orvieto
What is Umbria’s most prestigious red wine?
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOC
Describe Frascati DOC
Medium body
Medium to high acidity
Citrus fruit
What is the best known wine from Marche?
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jessi DOC
What is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jessi DOC made with?
Verdicchio
