Central Italy (Tuscany, Le Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Lazio)

Question 1

Tuscany Climate and Location

Answer 1

Central Italy along the Tyrrhenian coast

Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters, and large day-night temperatures variations

Low rainfall and low humidity

Rainy autumns and winters

Question 2

Common subregions in Tuscany

Answer 2

Toscana IGT, Chianti, Val d/Arbia, Montecarlo, Montalcino Montepulciano

Question 3

Terroir

Answer 3

A lot of variations from sandy to rocky

Sandy soils produce complex and delicate wines

Clay based produce bolder more structured wines

Limestone and clay typical in Chianti sub region

Question 4

Wine Characteristics

Answer 4

Varys greatly but the warmer climate with less rain tends to produce wines with higher alcohol content and more body and fruitier flavors

Question 5

Sangiovese Grape

Answer 5

Champion grape of Chianti and Montalcino ranging from earthy to fruity but are consistent in the trademark of spiciness and subtle balsamic notes

Look at regions like Montecucco, Carmignano, Morellino di Scansano and Montefalco Ross in Umbria for great values

(Black plum, raspberry, olive, rep pepper flakes, cocoa)

Question 6

Montepulciano Grape

Answer 6

While most Montepulciano is made economically into easy drinking food wines, it has potential for more.

In Abruzzo, well-made wines are bold with ample tannin, and play between sweet and savory meaty flavors.

(Dried blackberry, smoky bacon, violet, licorice, marjoram)

Question 7

Super Tuscan Blends

Answer 7

This made up term describes blends made with French origin grapes.

Labeled with IGT because they don’t follow the DOC law.

(Black cherry, leather, graphite, vanilla, mocha)

Question 8

Vermentino Grape

Answer 8

A great white from the coastal regions of Tuscany and Liguria (and Sardinia).

Wines are richer in style and more unctuous on the palate with flavors that are between ripe fruit and fresh grassy herbs that finish bitterness that tastes like almonds

(Grapefruit, preserved lemon, fresh cut grass, almond, daffodil)

Question 9

Gretchetto Grape

Answer 9

Inland in Umbria and Lazio, medium weight white grape could be mistaken for dry rose

Orvieto is the region most known for the grape

(White peach, honeydew, strawberry, wild flowers, seashell)

Question 10

Verdicchio Grape

Answer 10

Delicate white wine that’s most known by the regional wine Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jedi from Le Marche.

Offers floral aromas that compliment with citrus and stone fruit tastes.

(Peach, lemon curd, almond, oily, saline)