Italy - Toscana

Question 1

Tuscany climate

Answer 1

Tuscany has a Mediterranean with maritime influenced climate, winters can be harsh and summers can be hot.
Montalcino (south) much drier
Montepulciano further inland has a more continental climate

Question 2

When Chianti DOCG was established

Answer 2

In 1984

Question 3

When was added 7th sub-zone in Chianti? Which one?

Answer 3

In 1997

Montespertoli

Question 4

Chianti DOCG sub-zones (7)

Answer 4

Rufina
Colli Fiorentini
Colli Senesi
Colli Pisane
Colli Aretini
Montalbano
Montespertoli

Question 5

Chianti DOCG grapes

Answer 5

Sangiovese 70-100 % (Chianti Classico 80-100%)
Canaiolo
Colorino
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Trebbiano (In Chianti Classico is not permitted)
Malvasia (In Chianti Classico is not permitted)

Question 6

Governo process

Answer 6

Its a refermentation with the juice of dried grapes (racked wine) , to strengthen the wine(increase glycerol content to make wine rounder and more refreshing) and initiate malolactic fermentation. It may be repeated in March or April and this called rigoverno. Its legally permitted. On the label - “Governo all’uso Toscano”

Question 7

Chianti Normale
Chianti Riserva
Chianti Superiore
requirements

Answer 7

Chianti Normale may be released on March 1 of the year following the harvest (except Rufina, Colli Fiorentina and Senesi)
Chianti Riserva - min 2 years of aging 12%abv
Chianti Superiore - additional 0.5 % abv and lowered vineyard yields

Question 8

Chianti Classico soils

Answer 8

Galestro (soft, friable, marl-like)

Alberese (sandstone)

Question 9

Chianti Classico requirements: grape, alc, ageing)

Answer 9

Sangiovese min 80-100%
Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cab. Sauv, Merlot.

Chianti Classico Normale - 1 year aging
Chianti Classico Riserva - 2 years 3 months in btl

Gran Selezione - wine must be produced from Estate fruits. Min 30 months aging from Jan 1 of the year following harvest, including at least 3 months in bottle

Question 10

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG ageing (normale, riserva, rosso di montalcino, vigna)

Answer 10

100% Sangiovese (Brunello)
Brunello di M - 4 years 2 in wood, 4 m in btl
Brunello di M Riserva - 5 years 2 y. wood, 6m in bottle

Rosso di Montalcino - 1 year (no cask required)

Brunello di Montalcino Vigna - single vineyard wine

Question 11

Soil in Brunello di Montalcino

Answer 11

Galestro in the higher vineyards

Clay is predominant in the south of the zone

Question 12

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Answer 12

Min 70 % - Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese clone) and max 30% of other Tuscan varieties (no more than 5% of white varieties).
Normale - 2 years in oak
Riserva - 3 years in oak (6 month in bottle)

Question 13

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOCG

Answer 13

trebbiano, malvasia

14-17 % abv

Question 14

Morellino di Scansano DOCG

Answer 14

Min 85% Morellino grapes (sangiovese)
Normale - It may be released after 1 March of the year following the harvest
Riserva - aged min 2 years (1 year in wood)

Question 15

Carmignano DOCG

Answer 15

Min 50% Sangiovese
Canaiolo Nero
Cabernet Sauvignon 
Normale - 2 year (8 month in oak) 
Riserva - 3 years (1 year in oak)

Question 16

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

Answer 16

85-100% Vernaccia with up to 10% Chardonnay

3 m in bottle

Question 17

Bolgheri DOC

Answer 17

DOC in 1994

Question 18

Sassicaia grape

Answer 18

80% Cabernet Sauvignon

aged 2 years (18 months in wood)

Question 19

Chianti Rufina
Chianti Senesi
Chianti Colli Fiorentini
ageing requirements

Answer 19

Chianti Rufina and Chianti Fiorentini - min of 6 months

Chianti Senesi - min 8 months in wood and further 4 months in bottle