Central Italy - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the dominant grape variety in Central Italy?
Sangiovese, known for its high acidity and tannins.
What moderates the hot climate in Central Italy?
Altitude from the Apennine Mountains and cooling breezes from coastal areas.
What are the key wine regions in Central Italy?
Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche, and Abruzzo.
How is Tuscany geographically divided?
Into mountainous Chianti, the hills and valleys of the south, and the flat coastal plains.
What is the primary grape variety in Chianti?
Sangiovese, often blended with other black or white grapes.
What is Chianti Classico DOCG?
A separate DOCG from Chianti, with vineyards at higher altitudes producing wines with greater acidity and herbal aromas.
What is the aging requirement for Chianti Classico DOCG?
Minimum 12 months.
What is Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?
Aged for at least 24 months, with three months of bottle aging.
What is Gran Selezione in Chianti Classico?
The highest designation, requiring grapes from a single estate and extended aging.
What is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
A wine made from 100% Sangiovese, aged for at least five years, with two years in oak.
What is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
A blend of Sangiovese and other permitted varieties, aged for at least two years.
What is the significance of the Tuscan coast for winemaking?
Produces international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, known for Super Tuscans.
What is the climate of Umbria?
Similar to Tuscany but more continental due to its inland location.
What is Umbria’s most famous white wine?
Orvieto DOC, made from a blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and other local varieties.
What is Umbria’s most prestigious red wine?
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, made from the thick-skinned Sagrantino grape.
What is the most well-known wine of Lazio?
Frascati DOC, a white blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano.
What moderates the climate in Lazio?
Altitude and nearby lakes
What are the characteristics of Frascati wines?
Medium body, medium to high acidity, with citrus and floral notes.
What is Marche best known for?
White wines from Verdicchio.
What is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC?
A wine known for high acidity, flavors of green apple, lemon, and notes of fennel and almond.
What red wine DOCG is notable in Marche?
Conero DOCG, made from Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
What is Abruzzo’s most famous wine?
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC.
What are the characteristics of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines?
Deep color, high tannins, medium acidity, with flavors of black plum and cherry.
How does altitude affect vineyards in Central Italy?
Higher altitudes slow ripening, preserving acidity and creating fresher wines.
How does oak aging influence Brunello di Montalcino?
Adds spicy, smoky flavors and softens tannins over time.
How is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano aged?
In oak for at least two years, contributing structure and complexity.
What winemaking techniques are used for Orvieto DOC?
Cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness.
What are the primary characteristics of Sangiovese?
High acidity, high tannins, with flavors of red cherries, plums, and dried herbs.
How does aging affect Sangiovese wines?
Develops complex flavors of leather, earth, and tobacco.
What are Super Tuscans?
High-quality wines often made from international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
What classification are Super Tuscans often labeled under?
Toscana IGT.
What are the key DOCs for international varieties on the Tuscan coast?
Bolgheri DOC and Maremma Toscana DOC.
What is the main grape in Sagrantino di Montefalco?
Sagrantino, known for its intense tannins and dark fruit flavors.
What is a common style of Verdicchio wines?
High-acid, light-bodied wines with flavors of citrus and fennel.
What are the characteristics of Montepulciano wines from Abruzzo?
Deep color, medium tannins, and ripe fruit flavors.
How many Chianti subzones are there?
Seven: Chianti Classico, Rufina, Colli Senesi
What is the main difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?
Chianti Classico is made from higher-altitude vineyards with stricter regulations and often higher quality.
What is Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
A lighter, earlier-drinking version of Brunello di Montalcino, made from 100% Sangiovese.
How long must Rosso di Montalcino be aged?
Minimum of one year, with no oak aging required.
How does Rosso di Montalcino differ from Brunello?
Rosso is fresher, less tannic, and more approachable when young.
What is Rosso di Montepulciano DOC?
A younger, fresher version of Vino Nobile, made primarily from Sangiovese.
How does the topography of Chianti affect wine quality?
Higher-altitude vineyards create cooler conditions, preserving acidity and producing more elegant wines.
What are the typical flavors of Brunello di Montalcino?
Red cherry, plum, leather, and dried herbs, with earthy and smoky undertones from oak aging.
What are the characteristics of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?
Full-bodied with deep color, medium acidity, and flavors of black cherry and plum.
What is the main white DOCG in Marche?
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG.
What is Orvieto DOC primarily made from?
A blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and other local varieties.
What DOC is most associated with Super Tuscans?
Bolgheri DOC.
How long must Rosso di Montepulciano be aged?
A few months, typically released earlier than Vino Nobile for immediate enjoyment.
What is the main difference between Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile?
Rosso is lighter and less structured, with less aging, while Vino Nobile has greater depth and aging potential.
What are the typical flavors of Verdicchio wines?
Citrus, green apple, almond, and a hint of fennel.
