Chianti and Chianti Classico DOCG Flashcards
How many subzones of Chianti are there today? Name them.
Seven: Rufina, Montalbano, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, Montespertoli
In what years did Chianti gain DOC status, get upgraded to DOCG, and when did Chianti Classico become its own DOCG?
1967
1984
1996
Which Chianti sub-zone is considered to be the highest quality zone?
Which sub-zone surrounds Montalcino and Montepulciano?
Rufina
Colli Senesi
Which Chianti sub-zone is furthest West?
Which Chianti sub-zone is a newcomer, added in 1997?
Colline Pisane
Montespertoli
What is the minimum % sangiovese required for Chianti DOCG?
what is the maximum % of white grapes allowed?
70%
10%
Chianti DOCG allows for what max % of Bordeaux grapes?
Specifically, which 2 grapes?
15%
Cab Sauv & Cab Franc
What higher quality designations exist for Chianti DOCG?
Superiore
Riserva
Labeled by sub-zone
When, if ever, is ageing in wood required for any quality level of Chianti or Chianti Classico?
Only at the Riserva Chianti DOCG level for 3 sub-zones, Rufina, Senesi, and Fiorentini (6/8/6 months)
Under what DOCG is Governo All’uso Toscano practiced?
What is it?
Only for Chianti DOCG
The historic practice, dating to the 1800’s, of partially drying the best bunches then adding them to the primary must, kickstarting a 2nd fermentation. must be on the label
What are the general ageing timelines for Chianti DOCG’s 3 quality levels?
normale can be released 3.1 of next yr
superiore waits till 9.1 of next year
riserva requires 2 full years from jan 1st
What are the sub-zones of Chianti Classico?
San Casciano in Val di Pesa
Greve in Chianti
Radda in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Castellina in Chianti
Poggibonsi
Barberino Val d’Elsa
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
What are the 2 major soil types of Chianti Classico?
What 2 minor soils play a role?
Galestro - Schistic Clay
Alberese - hard marlstone
Macigno - grey/blue sandstone
Calcareous Tufa - limestone
What is the traditional vine training technique for Chianti Classico?
What modern one is preferred now?
Alberello - bush vine training
Guyot
In which Chianti Classico zone is the Conca d’Oro? What is it?
Its in Greve, and its a galestro rich South facing slope.
Which Chianti Classico zone reaches the highest elevations?
Radda in Chianti, up to 650 meters
Which Chianti Classico Zone is warmest?
Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the South
What are UGA’S and with which quality tier are they associated? How many are there?
Unita Geografiche Aggiuntive, or additional geographic units. They are for use with the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico tier. There are 11.
In what Chianti Classico zone are the UGA’S Lamole, Panzano, and Montefioralle?
How about Vagliali?
In Greve
In Castelnuovo Berardenga
Where is the San Donato UGA in Chianti Classico?
In the West, it encompasses Poggibonsi and Barberino Val d’Elsa
What % Sangiovese is required of Chianti Classico?
Whats the maximum amount of Bordeaux varieties allowed?
80%
max 20%
How much time ageing must Chianti Classico normale spend? Riserva?
How about Gran Selezione?
normale can be released oct 1 year after
riserva requires 2 years from jan 1st, 3 months in bottle.
gran selezione req 30 months from jan 1st, 3 months in bottle
Whats a big focus of Gran Selezione in terms of the blend?
Its eliminating French grapes. As of 2027 none will be allowed in the blend, and only 10% traditional grapes will be allowed period.
Other than the blend, whats required of gran selezione?
estate grown fruit
single vineyard
high min abv (13%)
What is the traditional fermentation vessel for Chianti in general?
Slavonian Oak Botti, 1500L and can be much larger
