Central Italy - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

What is the dominant grape variety in Central Italy?

Answer 1

Sangiovese, known for its high acidity and tannins.

Question 2

What moderates the hot climate in Central Italy?

Answer 2

Altitude from the Apennine Mountains and cooling breezes from coastal areas.

Question 3

What are the key wine regions in Central Italy?

Answer 3

Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche, and Abruzzo.

Question 4

How is Tuscany geographically divided?

Answer 4

Into mountainous Chianti, the hills and valleys of the south, and the flat coastal plains.

Question 5

What is the primary grape variety in Chianti?

Answer 5

Sangiovese, often blended with other black or white grapes.

Question 6

What is Chianti Classico DOCG?

Answer 6

A separate DOCG from Chianti, with vineyards at higher altitudes producing wines with greater acidity and herbal aromas.

Question 7

What is the aging requirement for Chianti Classico DOCG?

Answer 7

Minimum 12 months.

Question 8

What is Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?

Answer 8

Aged for at least 24 months, with three months of bottle aging.

Question 9

What is Gran Selezione in Chianti Classico?

Answer 9

The highest designation, requiring grapes from a single estate and extended aging.

Question 10

What is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?

Answer 10

A wine made from 100% Sangiovese, aged for at least five years, with two years in oak.

Question 11

What is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?

Answer 11

A blend of Sangiovese and other permitted varieties, aged for at least two years.

Question 12

What is the significance of the Tuscan coast for winemaking?

Answer 12

Produces international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, known for Super Tuscans.

Question 13

What is the climate of Umbria?

Answer 13

Similar to Tuscany but more continental due to its inland location.

Question 14

What is Umbria’s most famous white wine?

Answer 14

Orvieto DOC, made from a blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and other local varieties.

Question 15

What is Umbria’s most prestigious red wine?

Answer 15

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, made from the thick-skinned Sagrantino grape.

Question 16

What is the most well-known wine of Lazio?

Answer 16

Frascati DOC, a white blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano.

Question 17

What moderates the climate in Lazio?

Answer 17

Altitude and nearby lakes

Question 18

What are the characteristics of Frascati wines?

Answer 18

Medium body, medium to high acidity, with citrus and floral notes.

Question 19

What is Marche best known for?

Answer 19

White wines from Verdicchio.

Question 20

What is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC?

Answer 20

A wine known for high acidity, flavors of green apple, lemon, and notes of fennel and almond.

Question 21

What red wine DOCG is notable in Marche?

Answer 21

Conero DOCG, made from Montepulciano and Sangiovese.

Question 22

What is Abruzzo’s most famous wine?

Answer 22

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC.

Question 23

What are the characteristics of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines?

Answer 23

Deep color, high tannins, medium acidity, with flavors of black plum and cherry.

Question 24

How does altitude affect vineyards in Central Italy?

Answer 24

Higher altitudes slow ripening, preserving acidity and creating fresher wines.

Question 25

How does oak aging influence Brunello di Montalcino?

Answer 25

Adds spicy, smoky flavors and softens tannins over time.

Question 26

How is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano aged?

Answer 26

In oak for at least two years, contributing structure and complexity.

Question 27

What winemaking techniques are used for Orvieto DOC?

Answer 27

Cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness.

Question 28

What are the primary characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 28

High acidity, high tannins, with flavors of red cherries, plums, and dried herbs.

Question 29

How does aging affect Sangiovese wines?

Answer 29

Develops complex flavors of leather, earth, and tobacco.

Question 30

What are Super Tuscans?

Answer 30

High-quality wines often made from international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Question 31

What classification are Super Tuscans often labeled under?

Answer 31

Toscana IGT.

Question 32

What are the key DOCs for international varieties on the Tuscan coast?

Answer 32

Bolgheri DOC and Maremma Toscana DOC.

Question 33

What is the main grape in Sagrantino di Montefalco?

Answer 33

Sagrantino, known for its intense tannins and dark fruit flavors.

Question 34

What is a common style of Verdicchio wines?

Answer 34

High-acid, light-bodied wines with flavors of citrus and fennel.

Question 35

What are the characteristics of Montepulciano wines from Abruzzo?

Answer 35

Deep color, medium tannins, and ripe fruit flavors.

Question 36

How many Chianti subzones are there?

Answer 36

Seven: Chianti Classico, Rufina, Colli Senesi

Question 37

What is the main difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?

Answer 37

Chianti Classico is made from higher-altitude vineyards with stricter regulations and often higher quality.

Question 38

What is Rosso di Montalcino DOC?

Answer 38

A lighter, earlier-drinking version of Brunello di Montalcino, made from 100% Sangiovese.

Question 39

How long must Rosso di Montalcino be aged?

Answer 39

Minimum of one year, with no oak aging required.

Question 40

How does Rosso di Montalcino differ from Brunello?

Answer 40

Rosso is fresher, less tannic, and more approachable when young.

Question 41

What is Rosso di Montepulciano DOC?

Answer 41

A younger, fresher version of Vino Nobile, made primarily from Sangiovese.

Question 42

How does the topography of Chianti affect wine quality?

Answer 42

Higher-altitude vineyards create cooler conditions, preserving acidity and producing more elegant wines.

Question 43

What are the typical flavors of Brunello di Montalcino?

Answer 43

Red cherry, plum, leather, and dried herbs, with earthy and smoky undertones from oak aging.

Question 44

What are the characteristics of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?

Answer 44

Full-bodied with deep color, medium acidity, and flavors of black cherry and plum.

Question 45

What is the main white DOCG in Marche?

Answer 45

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG.

Question 46

What is Orvieto DOC primarily made from?

Answer 46

A blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and other local varieties.

Question 47

What DOC is most associated with Super Tuscans?

Answer 47

Bolgheri DOC.

Question 48

How long must Rosso di Montepulciano be aged?

Answer 48

A few months, typically released earlier than Vino Nobile for immediate enjoyment.

Question 49

What is the main difference between Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile?

Answer 49

Rosso is lighter and less structured, with less aging, while Vino Nobile has greater depth and aging potential.

Question 50

What are the typical flavors of Verdicchio wines?

Answer 50

Citrus, green apple, almond, and a hint of fennel.