Italy: Central & Southern Flashcards
What are the two DOCGs of Umbria?
Torgiano Rosso Riserva & Sagrantino di Montefalco
Which grapes make up the blend of the famed Est!Est!!Est!!! Montefiascone wines?
50-65% Trebbiano Toscano, 25-40% Trebbiano Giallo (Rossetto), 10-20% Malvasia Bianca Lunga and/or Malvasia del Lazio
Orvieto DOC spans which 2 wine regions? Which grapes are permitted?
Lazio and Umbria; Min. 40% Grechetto, 20-40% Trebbiano Toscano or Procanico
Where in Italy might you find the Trebbiano Clone known as “Trebbiano Spoletino”? How is it trained? Name a producer who makes a wine in an homage to this grape and training method.
Trebbiano Spoletino is found in Umbria and is trained so that the fruit hangs high above the ground. Paolo Bea makes a wine called “Arboreus” from this clone in this style
What city in Umbria was the historical summer retreat for the Papacy? What kind of wine is it famous for? What grape(s) is/are used to make this wine? What percentage of DOC classified Umbrian wine comes from this city/region?
Orvieto is the historical retreat of the Popes and is known for white wine produced from Grechetto & Trebbiano Toscana (along with Verdello, Canaiolo Bianco and others). Orvieto accounts for 70% of Umbria’s DOC classified wine
What are “Super Umbros”? (hint: they are not the 21st nod to the light nylon shorts beloved by soccer players (& the girls who crushed on them) in the 1990s) Which of the following producers makes a Super Umbro: Paolo Bea, Arnaldo Caprai, Lungarotti?
Super Umbro is a term that is used to describe the Umbrian version of the Super-Tuscan – wine made from Bordeaux varietals that have been stealthily invading Umbria. None of these very traditional producers makes (or probably would ever make) a Super-Umbro.
What was the first vintage of Arnaldo Caprai’s Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni? What year was it released?
1993 vintage
1996 release
What is the flagship wine and vineyard of Paolo Bea?
Sagrantino di Montefalco “Pagliaro”
What are the eight subzones of Chianti?
Classico, Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Aretini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Montespertoli
What is Occio di Pernice?
A rosé version of Vin Santo, where a minimum of 50% Sangiovese is added to the white grape blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano. (In Bolgheri, 50-70% Sangiovese with 30-50% Malvasia Nera)
Where would you find the DOC of Lacrima di Morro d’Alba?
In the Marches, just south of the capital Ancona. This red wine is produced from 100% Lacrima, which produced a light red wine that is red-fruit driven with a little spice and florality. This wine is similar to Pinot Noir and is always a fun alternative for red to pair with Indian cuisine.
Who produced the first Brunello di Montalcino? What are the aging requirements?
Biondi-Santi produced the first Brunello in 1865. Brunello must be aged for a min. 2years in wood and 4 months in bottle. The wine may not be released until January 1st of the 5th year following harvest. Riserva While riserva requires an additional 2 months in bottle and may not be released until January 1st of the 6th year following harvest.
What is Elba?
About 12 miles off the coast of Maremma is the isle of Elba, notably the site of the French Emperor Napoleon’s exile in 1814. In 2011, the Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG was finalized for sweet red passito wines made from the Aleatico grape on the island. Aleatico has been genetically linked to the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape; possibly it is a red-skinned mutation.
What is the only white wine in Tuscany to enjoy DOCG status?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano a crisp, pink grapefruit-tinged white wine produced on sandy, rock-strewn soils around the hilltop town of San Gimignano in the Siena province.
Which area of Italy became the first Italian wine to display the neck-strip of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (D.O.C.G.)?
“Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” became the first Italian wine to display the neck-strip of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (D.O.C.G.).
What is Sangiovese called in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and how much of it is required by law in the blend?
It is called “Prugnolo Gentile” at Montepulciano with a minimum 70% (may be joined up to 30% by other allowable Tuscan varieties.)
True or false the grape requirements used for Rosso di Montepulciano DOC are identical to the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
Its true. Sangiovese, minimum 70% (may be joined up to 30% by other varieties authorized for the Tuscany Region).
Who made the 1st‘super-Tuscan’ wine and when was it first released commercially? What was it’s original label designation?
The Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta first made Saissicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon from his Tenuta San Guido estate in Bolgheri) in 1944; it was his personal wine. The first vintage released for commercial sale in 1971 was the 1968 vintage. The original label was Vino da Tavola.
What is Vino Cotto, and where is it made?
AKA cooked wine. It is made from the grape must of white grapes (pecorino, passerine, pagadebito caccio, maceratina, gaglioppa). The must is boiled in a copper pot till it is reduced by a third. This is then put into oak barrels where after fermentation, it is aged. Each subsequent harvest is used to fill the barrel back up. Has no alcohol content.Originally, a typical product of the Marche region, it is also made in Abruzzo and Calabria.
Who makes Flaccionello della Pieve? What’s the appellation and the cepage? What was the first vintage?
Fontodi; Colli Toscana Centrale IGT; 100% Sangiovese; 1981
Who makes Vigna del Sorbo? What’s the appellation/cepage?
Fontodi; Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG; 10% Cab/90% Sangiovese
Who makes Fontalloro? What’s the cepage/where’s it from?
Felsina; IGT Toscana (from Chianti Classico & Colli Senesi); 100% Sangiovese
Who makes Maestro Raro? What is the appellation/cepage?
Felsina; IGT Toscana; 100% Cab
Who makes Pian del Ciampolo? What’s the cepage?
Montevertine; Sangiovese/Canaiolo/Colorino
Who makes Le Pergole Torte? What’s the cepage?
Montevertine; 100% Sangiovese
Who makes Case Basse? When was it first released normale/riserva?
Soldera; 1990/1995
Who makes Cepparello? What is the cepage? When was the first vintage?
Isole e Olena; 100% Sangiovese;1980
Who makes L’Eremo? What is the cepage?
Isole e Olena –100% Syrah
What sea borders Tuscany?
Tyrrhenian Sea
What is a tonneaux?
A 500 L barrel used in Tuscany.
What mountain range forms the border b/t Tuscany and Emilia Romagna as well as Tuscany and Lazio/Marche?
Appennine Mountains
What province does the Chianti Classico DOCG lie in?
Siena & Firenze
What are the cepage requirements for Chianti Classico DOCG?
80-100% Sangiovese (other grapes allowed: Canaiolo, Colorino, Cab, Merlot)
In what year did it become illegal to use white grapes in Chianti Classico DOCG wines? What white grapes were used prior to that? Is it still legal to use white grapes in Chianti DOCG and in what amounts?
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia; 2006
Yes, up to 10%
What are the aging requirements for Chianti Classico Riserva? What is the minimum alcohol?
24 months from 1/1 of year after harvest (3 months in bottle); 12.5% (vs. 12% for normale)
Describe the soils of Chianti Classico?
Galestro (soft marl-like soil), Alberese (sandstone), clay, schist, and sand
What are the four original communes of Chianti Classico? What are the other 5 communes? What provinces do they fall in?
Radda, Greve, Gaiole, Castellina; Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, Baberino Val d’Elsa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, San Casciano Val di Pesa
Siena: Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi
Firenze: Greve in Chianti, Barberino Val d’Elsa, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavernelle Val di Pesa
Panzano & Lamole are recognized crus of what region?
Greve in Chianti
Name two crus of Greve in Chianti?
Panzano, Lamole
Name the four original villages of Chianti Classico, clockwise, starting from the northernmost.
Greve, Radda, Gaiole, Castellina
What does the designation Chianti Classico Gran Selezione mandate? When was it created?
All estate fruit, 30 months aging w/ at least 3 months in bottle; 2013
What are the eight subzones of Chianti DOCG?
Classico (doesn’t technically count as a subzone since it’s its own DOCG), Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Colli Arentini, Montalbano, Montespertoli
What is the coolest subzone of Chianti?
Rufina
Where is the Pomino DOC and who are the only producers? How are the regulations different than the surrounding region?
Within Rufina; Frescobaldi & Fattoria Selvapiana; higher % of international grapes allowed – min. 50% Sangiovese w/ Pinot Noir and Merlot (max. 50% combined). Varietal wines, white, red, and vin santo also made.
When were the subzones of Chianti created? What is the exception, and when was it added?
1932; Montespertoli was added in 1997 – it used to be part of Colli Fiorentini
What is the straw covered bottle that Chianti once came in called?
Fiasco
What is the minimum alcohol of Chianti DOCG?
11.5%
What are the cepage requirements for Chianti DOCG? What subzone has an exception?
70-100% Sangiovese (Colli Senesi must be 75%); no more than 15% Cab/Cab Franc combined; white grapes allowed
What is “governo”?
A process permitted in Chianti whereby wine is referemented with the juice of dried grapes to strengthen the wine and initiate malo
What are the requirements for Riserva Chianti? Superiore Chianti?
Riserva – 2 years of age. Superiore – 12% alcohol and lower yields
What denomination cannot be used in conjunction with a subzone name in Chianti?
Chianti Superiore
Slavonian oak is a sub-species of what? Where is this species found?
Quercus robur – found in the Limousin & Balkan forests of France
Where does Slavonian oak come from?
A historic and geographical area of eastern Croatia.
What province is the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG in?
Siena
What are the aging requirements for regular and riserva Brunello?
Reg: min 2 yrs in wood, 4 mos in bottle, and may not be sold until 1/1, 5 years after harvest; Riserva: min 2 yrs in wood, 6 mos in bottle, may not be sold until 1/1, 6 years after harvest
Describe the soil of Brunello di Montalcino?
Clay and marine sediment at lower altitudes; galestro (soft, marl-like soil) at higher.
Compare Brunello & Chianti.
Montalcino is hotter and sandier than Chianti; producers a more alcoholic, tannic, and extracted wine.
Where is the Arbia River? What is it a torrent of?
Located in Castellina in SW Chainti; Ombrone River.
Who makes Messorio? What does it mean and what is the cepage?
Le Macchiole; “the perfect child”; 100% Merlot
Who makes Paleo Rosso? Where and what is the cepage?
Le Macchiole; Bolgheri; 100% Cab Franc
Who makes “Scrio”? What does the name mean and what is the cepage?
Le Macchiole; “the prodigal son”; 100% Syrah
What was the first vintage of Paleo Rosso? When did it become 100% Cabernet Franc and what was the cepage before that?
1989/2001/Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon
Who makes Perlato del Bosco Rosso? What is the cepage?
Tua Rita; 60% Sangio/40% Cab
Who makes Giustro di Notri? What is the cepage?
Tua Rita; 30% Merlot/60% Cab Sauv/10% Cab Franc
Who makes Redigaffi? What is the cepage? When was the first vintage?
Tua Rita; 100% Merlot; 1994
Who makes Le Volte? What is the cepage?
Ornellaia; Sangiovese, Merlot & Cab
Who makes Le Serre Nuove? What was the first vintage? What is the cepage?
Ornellaia’s second wine; Cab/Cab Franc/Merlot/PV; 1997
Who makes Massetto? What was the first vintage? What is the cepage?
Ornellaia; 100% Merlot; 1985 (Massetto is the name of the vineyard in Bolgheri)
What was the first vintage of Ornellaia? What grapes are used?
1984; Cab/Cab Franc/Merlot/PV
Who makes Le Difese? What is the cepage?
Tenuta San Guido - 70% Cab/30% Sangiovese
Who makes Guidalberto? What is the cepage?
Tenuta San Guido, predominately Merlot
Who was the first proprietor of Tenuta San Guido?
Marquis Mario Rocchetta
What was the first “Super Tuscan”? What year was it released and what was the vintage?
Tenuta San Guido’s Sassicaia; released in 1970, 1968 vintage
What was Italy’s first DOC and when was it awarded?
Vernacchia di San Gimignano; 1966
What are the cepage requirements for Suvereto DOCG?
Rosso or Rosso Riserva – Cab & Merlot, with a max. 15% other grapes. Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cab can be varietally bottled, with a min. of 85% of that grape.
Where is the Offida DOCG? What kind of wines are made there? When was it elevated to DOCG status?
Marche; red wines from Montepulciano and varietal whites from Passerina and Pecorino; 2011
What communes fall within the Classico zone of Orvieto?
Orvieto, Castel Giorgio, Castel Viscardo, Allerona, Porano, Montecchio, Baschi
What DOC can red wines made in Orvieto be released as?
Lago di Corbara DOC
What two regions does Orvieto DOC overlap?
Umbria and Lazio.
What are the cepage requirements for Orvieto DOC?
min. 40% Grechetto, 20-40% Trebbiano Toscano or Procanico
What are rosato wines called in Abruzzo?
Cerasuolo
Who are the two most famous producers of Abruzzo?
Emidio Pepe & Edoardo Valentini
What is the only DOCG of Abruzzo?
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane
What is a synonym for Trebbiano d’Abruzzo?
Bombino Bianco
What are the cepage & aging requirements for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG?
At least 90% Montepulciano (max. 10% Sangiovese) 2 years (1 in wood), 3 for Riserva
What are the aging requirements for Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG?
Min. 30 months, including 12 in wood
Where are the DOCs of Fara and Faro, respectively?
Fara – Piedmont
Faro – Sicily
What are the grapes of Vin Santo? What are the aging requirements?
Trebbiano Toscano & Malvasia
Must be aged in caratelli (chestnut wood, allowing rapid oxidation, capacity ranges from 300-500L) for 3 years. Riserva, 4 years (except in Montepulciano, where it’s 5)
What is the rosé version of Vin Santo called?
Occhio di Pernice (50% Sangiovese + white grapes)
What is the primary grape of Ciro DOC?
Gaglioppo
What is the Brunello clone of Sangiovese?
Sangiovese grosso
Who makes “Tignanello” and where? What is the cepage?
Antinori, Tuscany (80% Sangiovese/20% Cab)
In what region is the Prugnolo Gentile clone of Sangiovese grown?
Montepulciano, Tuscany
What was the first DOCG in Italy?
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 1980 (along with Brunello di Montalcino and Barolo)
Describe some of the notable Tuscan vintages from 1995 to present.
95, 96, 97 – string of excellent vintages
98 – rainy, harder, okay for Brunello
00, 02, 05 – the most problematic vintages of the decade
04, 06 – excellent, concentrated wines
What is Ca’Marcanda’s white wine?
Vistamare (“Sea View”) – Vermentino/Viognier/Chard/SB
Who makes “Promis”? What kind of soil is it made on? Cepage?
Gaja; the “terre brune” of his Tuscan vineyard in Bolgheri – dark loam and clay; 55% Merlot/35% Syrah/10% Sangiovese
What Tuscan estate translates to “The House of Endless Negotiations”?
Ca’Marcanda
What province is the Suvereto DOCG in, and when was it established?
2011; Livorno
What Tuscan winemaker is the nephew of Tenuta San Guido’s Marquis Mario Rocchetta?
Piero Antinori
Who released the second Super Tuscan ever? When? What was it?
Piero Antinori, Tignanello in 1971; 80% Sangiovese/15% Cab/5% Cab Franc
Who makes Guado al Tasso? Where from and what is the cepage?
Antinori; Bolgheri. Approx. 65% Cab/20% Merlot/12% Cab Franc/3% PV (2008 numbers)
What are the cepage/aging/ABV requirements for Morellino di Scansano Rosso & Riserva?
Min. 85% Sangiovese (Morellino); 12.5%/13%; Riserva must age 2 years
Suvereto DOCG was a sub-zone of what DOCG until it was elevated in 2011?
Val di Cornia DOCG
What are the aging requirements and min. alcohol for Suvereto DOCG Riserva?
Cannot be released until 1/1 of the 3rd year following harvest, min. 18 months in oak, 6 months in bottle. 13% ABV (vs. 12.5% for normale)
Who makes “Magari”? From where and what is it?
Gaja, Ca’Marcanda. Both terre brune (dark loam/clay) and terre blanche (stone/pepples); Merlot/Cab/Cab Franc
Where is the Misa river?
Marche – Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
What DOCG does the Esino river flow through?
Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
What are the aging requirements for Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva?
Min. 18 months before release
What are the two red wine DOCGs of the Marche?
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG & Conero Rosso Riserva DOCG
Who makes Solaia? When was the first vintage? What is the cepage?
Antinori; 75% Cab/20% Sangio/5% Cab Franc; 1978
What are the two DOCGs for Verdicchio in the Marche?
Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva, Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva
Where, specifically, is Bucci a producer?
Castello di Jesi, Marche
What is the name of Paolo Bea’s premier cuvee?
“Pagliaro,” Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Where is the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC?
Marche
In what year did Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva become DOCGs?
2009
Where is Vernaccia a red grape?
Marche; Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG
What styles of wine are made in the Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG?
Sparkling reds, dry or sweet, with 40% Passito grapes
What is the capital of the Marche?
Ancona
What is the primary grape of Carmignano DOCG? Required at what percentage? What other grapes are required/allowed?
Sangiovese, min. 50%;
10-20% required Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot
Maximum 20% Canaiolo Nero
Maximum 10% combined Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Canaiolo Bianco
Maximum 10% other red grapes authorized in the province of Prato (i.e. Merlot, Syrah)
What is the furthest north DOCG in Tuscany?
Carmignano
What are the requirements for Bolgheri Rosso Superiore?
Aged min. 2 years, with at least 1 year in oak
What does “liquoroso” mean on a bottle of Vin Santo?
It is fortified
What type of barrel is Vin Santo traditionally aged in?
Caratelli (chestnut) – 50-225L
What are the traditional grapes of Vin Santo? What other grape is sometimes authorized?
Malvasia, Trebbiano; Grechetto
What is the only white wine DOCG in Tuscany?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
What kind of wines are made in the Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG?
Red passito wines from the Aleatico grape (possibly a red-skinned mutation of Muscat)
Why are there “Super Tuscans” that are 100% Sangiovese from the Chianti region?
Italian law used to require that Chianti be a blend of grapes; it could not be 100% Sangiovese.
What DOC provides Montalcino producers a means for releasing “Super Tuscan” wines?
Sant’Animo DOC
What are the aging requirements for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Min. 1 year before release (no oak required)
What are the cepage requirements for Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG?
Min. 90% Sangiovese
What are the cepage/aging requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano? (Rosso & Rosso Riserva)
Min. 70% Sangiovese for both.
Rosso: 2 years (at least 1 in wood)
Riserva: 3 years (at least 6 months in bottle)
What is Sangiovese known as in Montepulciano?
Prugnolo Gentile
Where is the Rosso Piceno DOC? What wines are made there?
Marche; Sangiovese & Montepulciano blends
What are the cepage and aging requirements for Conero Rosso Riserva DOCG?
Min. 85% Montepulciano, max. 15% Sangiovese; 2 years of maturation before release.
Compare Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva and Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva?
Jesi - coastal, 3000 ha, fuller, rounder character
Matelica – inland, high altitude, 300 ha, sharper character
What DOC is Morellino di Scansano DOCG mostly within?
Maremma DOC
In what DOC does Sassicaia have its own sub-zone? What are the requirements?
Bolgheri; Min. 80% Cab, must be aged for a min. 2 years, with 18 months in barrique
What DOC and its subzone Suvereto were both elevated to separate DOCG status in 2011?
Rosso della Val di Cornia DOCG
What two seas border Maremma? What village is it near?
Ligurian & Tyrrhenian seas; Magliano
What year did Maremma become a DOC?
2011
Name all 5 DOCGs of the Marche
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG Conero Rosso Riserva DOCG Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG Castello di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG Offida DOCG
When did Gaja acquire its Tuscan estate, and what is it called?
1996; Ca’Marcanda
What Super Tuscan DOC shares the same territory as Brunello di Montalcino?
Sant’Antimo
What are the three varietal wines that can be made in Offida DOCG? Where is Offida located?
Montepulciano, Passerina, and Pecorino; Marche (Montepulciano is considered Offida Rosso DOCG; 85% of each is required).
Where is the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC located?
Marche
What are rosato wines made in Abruzzo called?
Cerasuolo (“cherry red”)
What is the DOCG of Abruzzo and what are its requirements?
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG; at least 90% Montepulciano, aged for 2 years, with at least one in wood (Riserva is min. 3 years)
Where is the Frascati DOC and what is the primary grape?
Lazio; Malvasia
What are the DOCGs of Lazio?
Frascati Superiore DOCG, Cannelino di Frascati DOCG (late harvest), and Cesanese del Piglio DOCG
What region lies directly south of Abruzzo on the Adriatic coast?
Molise
Where is Biferno DOC? What are the main grapes?
Molise; Trebbiano d’Abruzzo & Montepulciano
What is Falernian? What is its modern equivalent?
A historic wine praised in ancient texts, made from Greco or Aglianico, in northern Campania, at the base of Mt. Falernus, near the border of Campania and Lazio.
In modern days, there is a Falerno di Massico DOC that produces whites from Falanghina and reds from Aglianico and Primitivo.
What is the capital of Campania?
Naples
What are the four DOCGs of Campania?
Taurasi, Aglianico del Taburno, Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino
Where is Irpina?
Campania, in the province of Avellino
What Campanian DOCG lies just 40 miles from Bascilicata’s Aglianico del Vulture DOCG?
Taurasi
What are the aging requirements for Taurasi DOCG?
3 years total, with at least 1 in wood (Riserva – 4 years with 18 months in wood)
What are the cepage requirements for Taurasi DOCG and Aglianico del Taburno DOCG?
Both require 100% Aglianico
What are the cepage requirements of Greco di Tufo DOCG?
At least 85% Greco, with the secondary grape being Coda di Volpe
What are the cepage requirements for Fiano di Avellino DOCG? What are the supporting grapes?
At least 85% Fiano; Trebbiano Toscano, Coda di Volpe, and Greco
Where is the Sannio DOC and what style of wine is produced there?
Campania; Dry & sweet passito wines from Falanghina
Where is Ischia and what grapes are most prominent there?
An island in the Bay of Naples and a DOC of Campania; Forastera & Biancolella are the primary white grapes, Piedirosso & Guarnaccia, the primary reds
What is the least mountanous region in all of Italy?
Puglia
What are the three DOCGs of Castel del Monte? What region are they in?
Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia
Castel del Monte Bombino Nero;
Puglia
What DOCG of Puglia is devoted entirely to rosato wines?
Castel del Monte Bombino Nero
What is the most cultivated red grape in Puglia?
Negroamaro
Where is the Salice Salentino DOC, and what is the primary grape?
Puglia; Negroamaro
What is the sweet wine DOCG of Puglia? What are its requirements?
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce DOCG; min. 50 g/L RS, may or may not be appassimento
What is the DOCG of Bascilicata? What are its requirements?
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG; min. 13.5% ABV and three years of aging (1 in wood); Superiore Riserva requireds 5 years of aging, with 2 in wood
What do acsiutto or amabile mean, and where are these terms used?
Dry and off-dry, respectively. Used in Southern Italy – Campania, Bascilicata, etc.
Where is the Cirò DOC and what is the primary grape?
Calabria; Gaglioppo
Where is the DOC of Melissa and what grape is most grown there?
Calabria; Greco. Also a DOC for Rosso from predominately Gaglioppo.
Where is the Greco di Bianco DOC, and what style of wine is made there?
Calabria; sweet wines
What separates Calabria from Sicily?
The Straight of Messina
What two Italian regions are separated by the Straight of Messina?
Calabria & Sicily
What is the main grape for Etna Rosso and Bianco DOC wines?
Nerello Mascalese, Carricante
Where are the highest altitude red wine vineyards in all of Europe?
Guardiola, on Mt. Etna in Sicily
What is the DOCG of Sicily and what are its requirements?
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG; 50-70% Nero d’Avola, 30-50% Frappato
What country historically does Sardinia derive much of its viticulture from?
Spain; Aragon ruled Sardinia until the early 1700s
What are the primary red grapes of Sardinia?
Cannonau (genetically related to Grenache) and Carignano
What is the sole DOCG of Sardinia?
Vermentino di Gallura
Where would you be most likely to find the Nuragus grape?
Southern Sardinia – Nuragus di Cagliaria DOC
What are the three sub-zones of Cannonau di Sardegna?
Oliena, Jerzu, and Capo Ferrato
What are the 11 DOCGs of Tuscany?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Carmignano DOCG Chianti DOCG Chianti Classico DOCG Elba Aleatico Passito (Aleatico Passito dell'Elba) DOCG Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG Morellino di Scansano DOCG Rosso della Val di Cornia (Val di Cornia Rosso) DOCG Suvereto DOCG Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
What is the minimum alcohol for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
12.5%
What are the unofficial subzones (fraziones) of Brunello di Montalcino?
Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Sant’Angelo in Colle, Torrenieri
Name four other grapes authorized for production in Chianti Classico DOC besides Sangiovese?
Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
What is the minimum alcohol for Chianti, Chianti Riserva, Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva?
What about Chianti Rufina/Chianti Rufina Riserva?
11.5/12/12/12.5%; 12/12.5%
What provinces does Chianti DOCG cover?
Firenze, Siena, Arezzo, Prato, Pisa, Pistoia
What is the difference between Chianti Riserva and Chianti Superiore?
Both require 12% min. alcohol (vs. the 11.5% required by regular Chianti).
Chianti Superiore may not be released until September 1 of the year following the harvest and requires lower yields (7.5 tons/ha vs. 8 tons/ha for subzones and 9 tons/ha for Chianti Normale).
Chianti Riserva requires a minimum 2 years aging from January 1 of the year following harvest.
Which subzones of Chianti require additional aging for Riserva? Normale?
Normale Chianti cannot be released until 3/1, the year after harvest. Montespertoli cannot be released until 6/1. Rufina and Colli Fiorentini cannot be released until 9/1.
Riserva Chianti requires 2 years aging from 1/1 of the year following harvest. Colli Fiorentini and Rufina require at least 6 months of that to be in oak. Colli Senesi requires 8 months in oak, 4 in bottle.
What province is Brunello di Montalcino in?
Siena
What province is Morellino di Scansano DOCG and Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG in?
Grosseto
What two DOCGs are adjacent to Bolgheri?
Suvereto & Val di Cornia Rosso
What are the cepage requirements for Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG?
Min. 40% Sangiovese
Max. 60% combined Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Max. 20% other red grapes (except Aleatico) suitable for cultivation in Toscana
What province is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in?
Siena
What DOCGs of Tuscany allow or require the use of white grapes?
Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano
What are the cepage requirements for Vernaccia di San Gimignano?
Min. 85% Vernaccia
What are the cepage requirements for Bolgheri Rosso DOC?
10-80% Cabernet, with max. 70% Merlot and max. 70% Sangiovese
Where is Cortona a DOC, and what is the main grape?
Tuscany; Syrah
What style of wine is made in the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC?
Rosato, min. 85% Montepulciano
Where would you find a DOC for the red grape Tintilia?
Molise
What is the province of Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG?
Perugia
What styles of wine are made in the Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG?
Secco and Passito
What is the minimum alcohol for Sagrantino di Montefalco?
13%
What are the aging requirements for Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco?
Minimum 30 months from December 1 of the harvest year, including at least 12 months in wood
What are the RS requirements for Cannellino di Frascati?
Min. 35 g/L RS
What is the grape of Piglio DOCG?
Cesanese; it is also called Cesanese del Piglio
What’s the difference between Frascati DOC and Frascati Superiore DOCG?
DOCG requires 12% alcohol; DOCG Riserva requires 13% alcohol, as well as at least one year aging. Same cepage requirements.
What is the primary province of Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG? What other province is it in? What is the primary province of Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva
Ancona is the primary province of Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva, with a small part in Macerata. Macerate is the primary province of Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva, with a small part in Ancona.
What are the cepage requirements of Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCGs?
At least 85% Verdicchio with 15% non-aromatic grapes authorized for production in Ancona and Macerata.
In 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III of Medici issued a decree with 4 delimited appellations of Tuscany. Name them.
Carmignano, Pomino, Chianti, and Valdarno
What is mezzadria and how does it relate to the development of fine wine production in Italy?
Mezzadria is sharecropping; wasn’t outlawed until the 1950s and crippled Italy’s ability to produce quality wine.
When was the DOC system first introduced?
1963
What climate does Sangiovese thrive in?
Sangiovese thrives where Mediterranean meets Continental; too warm (i.e. Maremma), and it’s flabby and soft; too cold (Montepulciano), it’s astringent and tough.
What is invaiatura?
Veraison
Compare the relative altitudes of the great estates of Maremma and Bolgheri vs. Chianti.
Bolgheri estates (Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Ca’Marcanda, Guado al Tasso, and Le Macchiole) lie almost near sea level, and grow predominately Bordeaux grapes.
Chianti’s finest Sangiovese growing estates (Castello di Volpaia, Castello di Ama, Collelungo) are at 1300-1650 ft (400-500m) above sea level.
What is the ideal soil type for Sangiovese?
Limestone-based, with a balance of clay and schist. Some sand is okay, and not too low of a pH (not too acidic).
Galestro, the most prominent soil type of central Tuscany, is a schistous, crumbly rock with clay and marl. Albarese is more calcareous, and found in Tuscany as well as Umbria.
What is the primary soil type of Bolgheri?
Layers of sand, clay, and gravel.
Describe two effects of the Apennine Mountains on Chianti.
Provides altitude, which is important for Sangiovese, as well as shields from the cold wind that blows across the north toward Emilia Romagna.
Where is Monte Amiata? What region does it famously affect and how?
Monte Amiata is in southern Tuscany. It attracts precipitation and keeps Montalcino the driest region in all Tuscany.
What is the driest region of Tuscany?
Montalcino; it is protected by the rainshadow effect from Monte Amiata
What is the Mediterranean known as to the west of Italy? To the east?
West – Tyrrhenian Sea
East – Adriatic Sea
What bodies of water help regulate the temperature in land-locked Umbria?
The Tiber river; the lakes Trasimeno, Bolsena, and Corbara
What is the Alicante of Tuscany?
Grenache! Frequently used as a blending partner in Morellino di Scansano.
What are the parents of Sangiovese?
Ciliegiolo x unknown (believed to be Calabrese di Montenuovo, a grape found in Campania, of Calabrian origin)
What has historically been the most important blending grape for Sangiovese?
Canaiolo; lightens and softens Sangiovese
What qualities is Colorino said to impart to a Sangiovese-based blend?
Color!
Why do some propose Montepulciano as an ideal blending partner for Sangiovese?
It provides color and richness without overtaking aromatically as Syrah, Merlot, and Cab can.
What is Grechetto called in Tuscany?
Pulcinculo (“flea in the bottom”)
Name three synonyms for Trebbiano di Toscana.
Passerina – Marche
Procanico – Umbria
Ugni Blanc – France
What is Trebbiano di Lugana?
Trebbiano di Soave = Verdicchio
What DOCGs mandate the usage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and/or Cabernet Franc?
Carmignano (10-20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, combined, required) and Suvereto (Min. 85% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)
Describe the viticultural characteristics of Sangiovese.
Can be vigorous if not pruned/planted correctly; gets flabby quick on soils that heat up too quickly; mid to late ripening, depending on climate
What DOCGs of Tuscany require 100% Sangiovese?
Just Brunello di Montalcino.
Who (and from what winery) is credited with the creation of the Carmignano DOCG?
Contini Bonacossi of Capezzana
What year did the controversy of adding other grapes to Brunello come to a head?
2008 (primarily concerning the 2003 vintage)
Who is Giulio Gambelli?
A Tuscan enologist who consulted on many famous projects, including Gianfranco Soldera’s Brunello di Montalcino and Sergio Manetti’s Le Pergole Torte.
What consulting enologist is considered the father of the “modernist” movement in Tuscany, and who has he worked for?
Giacomo Tachis, longtime head of enology at Antinori. He also consulted for Sassicaia.
How can malolactic fermentation be induced?
Raising temperature or inoculation
What is vin santo typically aged in?
Traditionally, chestnut caratelli (50L), but now chestnut or neutral oak of 50L-500L (max.)
What can you expect the ABV on a vin santo to be?
15.5-17%
In general, what would you expect in terms of added requirements for a “Riserva” wine vs. a “Superiore” wine?
In general, Riserva denotes extended barrel aging, while Superiore denotes higher min. ABV and lower yields (riper grapes).
What towns bookend Chianti on the north, south, east, and west?
North – Firenze
South – Siena
East – Gaiole
West – Poggibonsi
At what altitudes does most serious viticulture in Chianti take place?
800-1600 feet (250-500m)
With what wine region is the black cockerel associated?
Chianti Classico
In what year did Chianti become a DOC? DOCG? In what year was Chianti Classico recognized as a separate DOCG?
1967; 1984; 1996
In what year was Chianti Classico first allowed to be 100% Sangiovese? In what year did it become illegal to use white grapes in the blend?
1996; 2006
Chianti Classico is spread over 9 communes. Name them, and which it covers in their entirety, and which only partially.
In entirety: Greve, Gaiole, Radda, Castellina
Partially: Castelnuovo Berardegna, Poggibonsi, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, San Casciano in Val di Pesa
Where is the tributary Elsa?
It is a tributary of the Arno in western Chianti
Where would you find the sub-zone Monti?
Gaiole in Chianti Classico
What is the most famous frazione of Gaiole in Chianti Classico?
Monti
Of the four communes entirely within Chianti Classico, which is least likely to be considered part of the original historic zone?
Greve, which lies further north of the other three, closer to Firenze
Where is the conca d’oro?
Greve in Chianti Classico – “golden shell” – amphitheater of ideal southern facing slopes
In what cru of Greve is Sangiovese known as Sangioveto?
Lamole
Who makes Chianti Classico “Il Poggio”?
Castello di Monsanto
Who is the proprietor of Isole e Olena, and where is it based?
Paolo de Marchi; Barberino Val d’Elsa in Chianti Classico
Name four synonyms for Sangiovese and where they are found.
Sangioveto (Chianti)
Sangiovese Grosso/Brunello (Montalcino)
Prugnolo Gentile (Montepulciano)
Morellino (Scansano)
What are the aging requirements for Offida Rosso?
At least 24 months, including 12 in barrel and 3 months in bottle.
Where would you find a DOC for the Biancame grape?
Biachello del Metauro DOC in the Marche
What are the cepage requirements for Rosso Piceno DOC?
Rosso: 35-85% Montepulciano, 15-50% Sangiovese; Varietal Sangiovese requires a min. 85%
What is the difference between Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG wines and Serrapetrona DOC wines?
DOCG wines are sparkling; DOC wines are still
What is the grape of Terre di Offida DOC?
Passerina
There are 12 “menzioni geografiche” crus that DOC Matelica wines may have on the label. Name three.
Cambrugiano, Colferraio, La Valle, La Monacesca, Mistriano, Sainale, Santa Teresola, Valbona, Vinano, Del Cerro, Fogliano, and San Leopardo.
What is the only DOC for solely rosato wines in all of Italy?
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
What regions of Italy have no DOCGs?
Alto Adige, Trentino, Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, Molise, Calabria
What DOCG allows for Aglianico Rosato?
Aglianico del Taburno DOCG in Campania
How do the Aglianico DOCGs of Campania differ from that of Bascilicata in terms of cepage?
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG in Bascilicata requires 100% Aglianico; Both Taurasi and Aglianico del Taburno DOCGs in Campania only require 85%
What is the province of Aglianico del Taburno DOCG? Taurasi DOCG?
Benevento; Avellino
Compare the alcohol and aging requirements of Aglianico del Taburno vs. Taurasi DOCGs.
Aglianico del Taburno allows for Rosato production.
AdT Rosso 12%, Rosso Riserva 13%
Taurasi Rosso 12%, Rosso Riserva, 12.5%
Adt Rosso, 2 years; Rosso Riseva, 3 years (1 in oak)
Taurasi Rosso, 3 years (1 in oak), Rosso Riserva, 4 years (18 months in oak)
What styles of wine are made in the Greco di Tufo DOCG?
Bianco and (metodo classico) Spumante
Where would you find the Sannio DOC?
Campania
What does “Vigneti ad alberata” mean on a bottle of wine and where are you likely to see it?
It means the vines are trained in the traditiona “alberata” manner up poplar trees; the Aversa DOC of Campania
Where is the Aversa DOC and what is the primary grape?
Campania; Aspirinio (Bianco and Spumante)
Where is the Campi Flegrei DOC and what are the primary grapes?
Campania; Falanghina for whites and Piedirosso for reds.
What grape is also known as Pér e palummo?
Piedirosso
What region is Capri DOC considered a part of, and what are the primary grapes?
Campania; Falanghina (min. 50%) with Greco for whites; Piedirosso (min. 80%) for reds
Where does the red grape Casavecchia have its own DOC?
Campania; Casavecchia di Pontelatone
In what region is Costa d’Amalfi a DOC, and what are its subzones? What are the main grapes?
Campania; Furore, Ravello, and Tramonti.
Bianco – Falanghina and Biancolella
Rosso – Piedirosso and Aglianico
What four sub-zones of Sannio/Falanghina di Sannio DOC were previously their own DOCs before being incorporated in 2011?
Guardia Sanframondi/Guardiolo, Sant’Agata dei Goti, Solopaca, and Taburno
Where is the Irpinia DOC, and what are the primary grapes?
Campania
Bianco – 40-50% each of Greco and Fiano
Rosso – min. 70% Aglianico
Varietal wines also made
Where is Ischia and what are the primary grapes?
An island in the Bay of Naples (Campania)
White – Biancolella and Forestera
Red – Guarrnaccia and Piedirosso
Where would you find wines labeled Lacryma Christi and what does it indicate?
The Vesuvio DOC of Campania; “Lacryma Christi” (the tears of Christ) indicates a superior alcohol content (min. 12%). Can be Bianco, Rosso, Spumante, Rosato, or Bianco Liquoroso.
White grapes – Verdeca and Coda di Volpe
Red grapes – Sciascinoso and Piedirosso
Where is Cirò DOC and what is the main white grape and the main red grape?
Calabria
White – Greco
Red – Gaglioppo
What is the grape of Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG?
Nero di Troia/Uva di Troia
Where is Brindisi DOC and what are the main grapes?
Puglia; Chardonnay/Malvasia for whites, Negroamaro for reds
Where is the DOC Cacc’e mmitte di Lucera and what are the styles/grapes?
Puglia; Rosso secco from primarily Uva di Troia with Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and/or Malvasia Nera di Brindisi supporting
Where is Salice Salentino DOC? What is the main grape of Rosso and Bianco, respectively, and what other styles of wine can be made?
Puglia
Rosso – Negroamaro
Bianco – Chardonnay
Almost all styles made – Spumate, Dolce, Varietal wines, etc.
Where is the Squinzano DOC and what styles of wine are made there?
Puglia; Rosso from Negroamaro and Bianco from Malvasia/Chardonnay, plus varietal wines
Where is the DOC of Cagliari and what other DOCs did it absorb in 2011?
Sardegna; Moscato di Cagliari, Monica di Cagliari, and Malvasia di Cagliari. Vermentino is also made varietally.
Where would you find the red grape Bovale?
Campidano di Terralba/Terralba DOC in Sardegna
What are the three official sub-zones of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
Oliena (Nepente di Oliena), Jerzu and Capo Ferrato
Where would you find the white grape Semidano?
Sardegna; Sardegna Semidano DOC covers the entire island
What is a synonym for Nero d’Avola in Sicily?
Calabrese
What are the cepage requirements of Etna Bianco, Rosato, and Rosso?
Bianco – Min. 60% Carricante, max. 40% Cataratto
Rosato & Rosso – Min. 80% Nerello Mascalese, max. 20% Nerello Cappuccio
Where is Faro and what is the primary grape?
Faro is a DOC in the commune of Messina in northeastern Sicily. It is for red wine only, primarily from Nerello Mascalese.
Where is the Passito di Pantelleria DOC and what style of wine is made there?
Pantelleria – an island off the coast of Tunisia, and technically part of Sicilia. Zibbibo (Moscato) is the grape.
