Central South Italy Paul

Question 1

What is the main viticultural threat?

Answer 1

Rain during harvest and summer droughts

Question 2

Recently a generic move away from using oak barriques has happened. What is now more favourable?

Answer 2

Stainless steel introduced in the 90’s to preserve primary fruit aromas, also larger neutral oak casks are now used + 500l tonneaux

Question 3

What characteristics does the Sangiovese grape have? What percentage of vines does it account for in whole of Italy?

Answer 3

Med/Full bodied, high acid, high tannin, red cherry, plum, herbs, 10% of all plantings.

Question 4

The Sangiovese grape buds early and ripens late, what threats does this pose?

Answer 4

Frosts when ripening early, rainfall when ripens late increasing risk of fungal disease. Sangiovese is best produced on south facing slopes where ripeness is optimized.

Question 5

In Chianti Classico DOCG the yield limit is 63 ha/Hl, what minimum percentage of the blend must be Sangiovese?

Answer 5

70% minimum, Cab Franc and Cab Sav can make up 15% of the blend.

Question 6

What can Chianti producers put on their label if aged for 2 years prior to release?

Answer 6

Riserva

Question 7

There are 7 Chianti sub zones with lower yield limits, what is the limit?

Answer 7

56hL/ha

Question 8

Can you name the subzone in Chianti that requires oak aging? And the subzone that is the largest producing fuller bodied wines?

Answer 8

Chianti Rufina DOCG AND Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG.

Question 9

What are the yield requirements and Sangiovese % for Chianti Classico DOCG?

Answer 9

53.5 hL/ha and 80% min Sangiovese.

Question 10

What would you call a Chianti from a single vineyard and aged for a minimum of 30 months with no oak requirement prior to release?

Answer 10

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Question 11

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG must be made of 100% Sangiovese. It produces fuller bodied higher alcohol reds than Chianti, what are the ageing requirements?

Answer 11

It cannot be released until 5 years after harvest 1st Jan, with 2 years in oak, Riserva is 6 years.

Question 12

What do you know about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?

Answer 12

Wines on south and east facing slopes, heavier clay soils, producing more austere and tannic wines, 70-100% Sangiovese, min 2 years ageing (12-24 months oak) Riserva is 3 years. Shorter extraction times now practiced for earlier drinking styles.