Chapter 3- Central Italian Reds Flashcards

1
Q

What are the regions of Central Italy and what do they have in common?

A

Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Marche, Lazio, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise

  1. All regions are connected by the Apennine Mountains- too high and rugged for viticulture, non-mountain areas tend to be very hilly
  2. Temperatures in summer quite warm, not as hot as south except in Po Valley
  3. Temperature in winter fall into range between cold north and mild south
  4. Moderate temperatures and ample sunshine
  5. Wines have moderate acidity and high alcohol
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2
Q

What are the unique qualities of each of the central regions?

A
  1. Emilia Romagna is transitional region between north and central, more like north economically and climactically
  2. Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio have more Mediterranean climate, little rain in summer and relatively mild winters
  3. Regions on Adriatic coast, northeast of Apennines, get more rain in summer and have cold winters
  4. Umbria is landlocked
  5. Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Lazio are more populated and have larger economies than other four central regions
  6. Marche, Umbria, Molise, and Abruzzo more rural and relatively less affluent
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3
Q

What is the primary red grape of Central Italy?

A

Sangiovese- most planted grape variety in Italy overall, red or white, grown in almost every region but most of it is in Central Italy

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4
Q

What percentage of Tuscany’s vineyards are planted with Sangiovese?

A

2/3

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5
Q

Where is most Sangiovese planted outside of Tuscany?

A

Emilia Romagna, Marche, Umbria, and Puglia

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6
Q

What is the other principle grape variety in Central Italy, outside of Sangiovese?

A

Montepulciano

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7
Q

What is the second most planted red grape variety in Italy?

A

Montepulciano, grown in every region of Italy but home is Adriatic coast of central Italy

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8
Q

What regions have the most Multipulciano?

A

Majority is in Abruzzo, also in other Adriatic regions of Marche, Molise, and Puglia

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9
Q

What are the significant red varieties in Central Italy outside of Sangiovese and Montepuliciano?

A

Lambrusco in Emilia Romagna, Sagrantino in Umbria, Cesanese in Lazio

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10
Q

Cesanese:

  1. Main region?
  2. What are the two distinct varieties?
  3. Wine characteristics?
  4. Aromas and Flavors?
A
  1. Lazio
  2. Cesanese Comune and Cesanese di Affile (latter considered better)
  3. Moderate in color and tannin
  4. Red cherry, spices (cinnamon, white pepper), rose petals
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11
Q

Lambrusco:

  1. Family of how many varieties?
  2. Primary family members?
A
  1. 8 related varieties, one of Italy’s oldest
  2. Lambrusco Grasparossa (di Castelevetro), Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Mariani, Lambrusco Viadenese
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12
Q

Lambrusco Grasparossa (di Castelvetro) - characteristics and flavors/aromas

A

Full bodied, tanic

Ripe black cherry, dark plum, sometimes almond

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13
Q

Lambrusco di Sorbano - characteristics, aromas/flavors

A

Light bodied, high in acidity

Violet, red currant, strawberry

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14
Q

Lambrusco Salamino - Characteristics, aromas/flavors

A

Midway between Sorbara and Grasparossa, moderately tannic

Violet, rose, red berries

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15
Q

Lambrusco Maestri - Aromas/flavors

A

Plum, black cherry, chocolate, violet, bubblegum

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16
Q

Lambrusco Marani - characteristics, aromas/flavors

A

Tannic

Violet, iris, peony, black currant, red cherry

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17
Q

Lambrusco Viadanese also known as

A

Lambrusco Montovano

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18
Q

Montepulciano

  1. Wine characteristics?
  2. Flavors/aromas?
A
  1. Light to full body, soft tannins

2. Red cherry, herbs

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19
Q

Sagrantino

  1. Wine characteristics?
  2. Flavors/aromas?
A
  1. Italy’s most tannic native grape variety

2. black fruit, herbs

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20
Q

Sangiovese:

  1. Biotypes?
  2. Wine characteristics?
  3. Flavors/aromas?
A
  1. Brunello, Morellino, Nieluccio, Prugnolo Gentile, Sangiovese Grosso di Lamole, Sangiovese Marchigiano, Sangiovese Montanino, Sangiovese Romagnolo
  2. Light in color
  3. In warmer areas: sweet red cherry, plum, herbs
    In cooler areas: sour red cherry, red berries, licorice, violet, tea
    With age: underbrush, leather, tobacco
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21
Q

Where does Emilia Romagna rank in wine production in Italy

A

Third after Veneto and Puglia, doesn’t have high profile in export market

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22
Q

How many DOCs, DOCGs, and IGTs in Emilia Romagna?

A

2 DOCGs, 19 DOCs, and 9 IGPs

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23
Q

What are the primary red grape varieties in Emilia Romagna?

A

Lambrusco and Sangiovese

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24
Q

What are the most famous red wine denominations in Emilia Romagna?

  1. What wines do they produce?
  2. Wine characteristics?
A

From north to south: Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, Lambrusco di Sorbano, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro

  1. Varietal Lambrusco wines
  2. Always either frizzante or fully sparkling; red/rosato, dry or sweet
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25
Q

How many DOCs, DOCGs, and IGPs are in Tuscany?

A

11 DOCGs, 41 DOCs, and 6 IGPs

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26
Q

What percent of wines produced in Tuscany are red?

A

90%, mainly Sangiovese

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27
Q

What are noteworthy varieties in Tuscany outside of Sangiovese?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah

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28
Q

In which region are most well-known wines made from Sangiovese produced?

A

Tuscany

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29
Q

What are the most renowned Sangiovese-based DOCGs?

A

Brunello di Montalcino, Carmignano, Chianti, Chianti Classico, Morellino di Scansano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

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30
Q

What are the most familiar DOCs that make Sangiovese based wines

A

Rosso di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepuliciano

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31
Q

How far back do references to Chianti date?

A

Back to the 14th century

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32
Q

How was Sangiovese traditionally made and how has that changed recently?

A

Traditionally made primarily from Sangiovese, blended with other grapes- only recently able to be made from 100% Sangiovese, requirement to contain white grapes dropped, new varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added to allowed blending varieties

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33
Q

What other grape varieties were traditionally blended with Sangiovese in Chianti?

A

Canaiolo Nero, white varieties Trebbiano and Malvasia, requirement to contain white grapes

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34
Q

What happened to the size of Chianti over time?

A

size of area increased as fame increased to keep up with demand

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35
Q

What is the original production zone of Chianti now called?

A

Chianti Classico

36
Q

What was the evolution of Chianti Classico as a denomination?

A

Originally when Chianti denomination was legally defined (spread to cover good portion of interior Tuscany), Chianti Classico was denominations central subzone, eventually split from Chianti DOCG and became distinct and non-overlapping Chianti Classico DOCG

37
Q

What are changed Chianti Classico has made to uphold its reputation as more prestigious than Chianti DOCG?

A

Upped required percent of Sangiovese to 80% and banned use of white grapes, created quality level over riserva called gran selezione

38
Q

What are the seven Chianti sub-zones whose names may appear on the label?

A

Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano, Montespertoli, rufina

39
Q

Which Chianti sub-zones are most likely to be seen on an exported Chianti label?

A

Colli Senesi (“Hills of Siena”, includes area around city of Siena as well as Montalcino and Montepulciano), and Rufina (small but esteemed district east of Florence)

40
Q

What percent of Sangiovese is required in Chianti DOCG wines?

A

70%

41
Q

What are the three towns within the Chianti region that have their own DOCG level wines?

A

Carmignano, Montalcino, and Montepulciano

42
Q

What grapes are required in Carmignano DOCG?

A

Sangiovese-based wines which require small amount of Cabernet

43
Q

What is the DOCG of Montalcino called? What are characteristics of DOCG?

A

DOCG of Montalcino is called Brunello di Montalcino, made from 100% Sangiovese, which is called Brunello there; one of Italy’s most expensive wines and one of its greatest (simpler wine from area also 100% Sangiovese- Rosso di Montalcino DOC)

44
Q

Characteristics of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?

A

From village of Montepulciano, 70% minimum Sangiovese, called Prugnolo Gentile in area (simpler wine from same area is Rosso di Montepulciano DOC)

45
Q

Where is Morellino di Scansano and what grapes is it known for?

A

Coastal area of southern Tuscany called Maremma, Sangiovese based

46
Q

What is Maremma renowned for?

A

Sangiovese and red wines made from international varieties

47
Q

Coastal Tuscany is best known for what category of wines?

A

Super Tuscans

48
Q

What are Super Tuscans?

A

Great wines that could not be categorized under current terminology- 100% Sangiovese which was not allowed as denomination wine or wines made with international varieties

49
Q

Are “Super Tuscans” labeled as such?

A

No, Super Tuscan is not an official term

50
Q

What does the term Super Tuscan indicate?

A

Very high quality wine that does not meet requirements for prestigious DOP, people may disagree which wines to include in this category

51
Q

How did Super Tuscans impact the creation of IGPs?

A

Originally classified as vino da tavola, irrational situation is major reason the IGT level was created to give super Tuscans recognition above table wines; IGP Toscana covers entire region of Tuscany and allows many different styles of wine

52
Q

What changes have been made recently with regards to Super Tuscans?

A

New DOCs have been established with rules that allow/encourage production of untraditional wines

53
Q

What is the most renowned Tuscan example of new-style denominations?

A

Bolgheri DOC, on coast of northern Maremma- Bolgheri is little town where first Super Tuscans were created, reputation as hotbed of innovation and excellence

54
Q

What wines are Bolgheri DOC best known for?

A

Red wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot, usually blended Sangiovese and/or Syrah- some considered among Italy’s greatest wines

55
Q

What wines are produced in Maremma Toscana DOC and where is it located?

A

Covers much of Maremma in southern Tuscany, produces lots of wines from international and native varieties that range in price and include some that would be considered Super Tuscans

56
Q

What wines are produced in Sant’Antimo DOC and where is it located?

A

Denomination created for Super Tuscan type wines, covers same area as Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino, allows producers in Montalcino commune to make wines that are not 100% Sangiovese

57
Q

What is the historical and geographical significance of Lazio? What is it also called?

A

Lazio is where the Roman empire was founded and where you will find Rome, the nation’s largest city and capital

58
Q

How many DOCGs, DOCs, and IGPs are in Lazio?

A

3 DOCGs, 27 DOCs, and 6 IGPs

59
Q

How large is Lazio’s production of red wine and what are its most planted and signature red varieties?

A

Primarily known for white wines, red wine is relatively small; most planted red varieties are Merlot and Sangiovese, signature red grape variety is Cesanese (becoming more familiar in export markets)

60
Q

Where is the production of Cesanese centered, what denominations are specifically for Cesanese variety?

A

Centered in the hills east of Rome, three denominations specifically for Cesanese - Cesanese del Piglio DOCG (most important by far, also called Piglio DOCG), two small adjacent DOCs- Cesanese di Affile and Cesanese di Olevano Romano

61
Q

What does Le Marche mean in English?

A

The Marches (name rarely used), medieval term referring to frontier or border area ruled over by marquis (in Italian, marchese)

62
Q

What are the main red grape varieties in Marche?

A

Sangiovese and Montepulciano, a little more Sangiovese than Montepulciano grown

63
Q

What kind of wine output does Marche have? What proportion red and white?

A

Marche has fairly small wine output, roughly equally split between red and white

64
Q

How many DOCGs, DOCs, and IGPs does Marche have?

A

5 DOCGs, 15 DOCs, and 1 IGP

65
Q

What are the most famous red wine denominations in Marche?

A
  1. Rosso Conero DOC and Conero DOCG: from same area, produce solely varietal Montepulciano wines
  2. Offida DOCG: varietal Montepulciano wines, also makes white wines
  3. Rosso Piceno: large DOC that produces only red wine- varietal Sangiovese or blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese
66
Q

What amount of wine does Umbria produce and what proportion is red vs. white?

A

Relatively small production volume of wine, slightly more red than white

67
Q

How many DOCGs, DOCs, and IGPs does Umbria have?

A

2 DOCGs, 13 DOCs, and 6 IGPs

68
Q

What are the primary red grapes in Umbria? What variety is Umbria best known for?

A

Primary red grape varieties are Sangiovese and Merlot, best known for Sagrantino (Italy’s most tannic native variety)

69
Q

What is Umbria’s most famous red wine denomination?

A

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG- red wine made around town of Montefalco from 100% Sagrantino

70
Q

What is the terrain of Abruzzo?

A

Quite mountainous that has a broad belt of foothills and lower terrain along Adriatic Sea where most of the vineyards are

71
Q

How many DOCGs, DOCs, IGPs does Abruzzo have?

A

2 DOCGs, 7 DOCs, and 8 IGPS

72
Q

Does Abruzzo make more red wine or white wine?

A

Abruzzo produces more red and rosato wine than white

73
Q

What is the predominant grape variety in Abruzzo?

A

Abruzzo is the heartland of Montepulciano

74
Q

What is the most important denomination in Abruzzo?

A

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC- varietal Montepulciano wines that include essentially entire Abruzzo apart from high mountain terrain

75
Q

What did Montepulciano d’Abruzzo have for years?

A

The largest wine production volume of any red wine DOP in Italy

76
Q

What former subzone of Montepulciano d’Aruzzo now has DOCG status?

A

Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

77
Q

What are the characteristics of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC?

A

Denomination strictly for varietal rosato wines made from Montepulciano, covers same area as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (Cerasuolo is the word for Cherry, light red color- some of best rosatos in Italy)

78
Q

What is the predominant grape variety in Molise?

A

Montepulciano

79
Q

What size is Molise geographically and in terms of wine production and export?

A

Second smallest Italian region, small production volume of wine- not often seen in export market

80
Q

How many DOCGs, DOCs, and IGPs does Molise have?

A

No DOCGs, 4 DOCs, and 2 IGPs

81
Q

How do Montepulciano DOPs lay out geographically in Italy?

A

Form continuous band along coast from Northern March to southern Abruzzo and beyond into Molise and northern Puglia

82
Q

What are legendary food products of Emilia Romagna?

A

Parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma), Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Romano), Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Salami from Bologna

83
Q

What regional food specialties is Tuscany known for?

A

Wild boar and other game (rabbit, duck), Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florence, thick cut enormous T-Bone steak, grilled over wood/charcoal fire, served very rare, side of Tuscany beans), Ribollita- hearty Tuscan stew made with cannellini beans, vegetables, adn leftover bread

84
Q

What pastas and pasta sauces are common in Central Italy

A

Pasta more typical than in the north- ravioli, tortellini, spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, penne, rigatoni, and orzo; Abruzzo known for pasta strngs with square cross section
Sauces: Amatriciana- traditional Roman cuisine (cured pork cheek, pecorino cheese, and tomato), Arrabbiata (spicy sauce of garlic, tomato, red chili peppers), bolognese, carbonara, smple oil/butter

85
Q

Regional delicacies of Marche?

A

Olive ascolane (stuffed olives from Asciolo Piceno- stuffed with ground seasoned pork/beef, coasted with breadcrumbs and deep fried)

86
Q

Where can truffles be found in central italy?

A

Both black and white truffles in Apennines, especially Umbria