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.