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Master Sommelier Theory 2025 > Italy: Tuscany > Flashcards

Italy: Tuscany Flashcards

1
Q

What is the name for the traditional Chianti bottle?

A

a fiasco- straw wrapped

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2
Q

List major white grapes in Tuscany

A

Trebbiano Toscano*
Malvasia
Vernaccia
Vermentino

Also: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

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3
Q

Chianti DOCG- subzones (7)

A

Classico
Ruffina
Colli Senesi
Colli Fiorentini
Colline Pisane
Colli Aretini
Montalbano

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4
Q

What DOC is nested inside Chianti Ruffina?

A

Pomino DOC.

Frescobaldi (larger) and Selvapiana are here!

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5
Q

Chanti DOCG- permitted varieties?

A

70-100% Sangiovese

Maximum 30% combined other grapes authorized for Toscana (canaiolo, ciliegiolo, etc)
Maximum 10% white grapes
Maximum 15% combined CS &CF

-Chianti Colli Senesi-
minimum 75% sangiovese
max 25% other red grapes
max 10% white grapes
max 10% combined CS & CF

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6
Q

Chianti DOCG Aging Requirements - normale

A

normale (and all subzones not listed below): may be released March 1 yr following harvest

Montespertoli: June 1

Colli Fiorentini and Rufina: Sept 1

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7
Q

Chianti DOCG Riserva aging

A

Minimum 2 years aging from January 1 of the year following harvest

For Colli Fiorentini Riserva and Rufina Riserva, a minimum 6 months of the total aging period must occur in wood

For Colli Senesi Riserva, a minimum 8 months of the total aging must occur in wood and 4 months in bottle

note: only the subzones Colli Fiorentini, Rufina, and Colli Senesi require time spent in wood

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8
Q

Chianti Superiore

A

May not be released until September 1 of the year following the harvest

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9
Q

What is governo?

A

In chianti, refers to re-fermentation with the juice of dried grapes - helps stuck fermentations. Also increases the abv, initiates malolactic fermentation.

temperature controlled tanks have rendered this process unnecessary, but some producers (Banfi, Villa Puccini) still use it. Must be labelled on the bottle to use

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10
Q

When did Chianti and Chianti Classico achieve DOCG status?

A

together in 1984

Chianti Classico separately in 1996

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11
Q

What were the original 4 villages of Chianti Classico?

A

Radda
Gaiole
Castellina
Greve

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12
Q

What are the permitted grapes in Chianti Classico DOCG? Gran Selezione?

A

80-100% Sangiovese

Maximum 20% other red grapes authorized by Siena and Firenze (i.e. Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)

As of the 2006 vintage, Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianco are no longer allowed

Gran Selezione: min 90% Sangiovese, max 10% other red grapes

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13
Q

Chianti Classico DOCG aging

A

Chianti Classico: May not be released until October 1 of the year following the harvest

Riserva: Minimum 24 months aging from January 1 of the year following the harvest, including 3 months in the bottle

Gran Selezione: Minimum 30 months aging from January 1 of the year following the harvest, including at least 3 months in the bottle (new category was approved in 2014 for wines beginning with the 2010 vintage)

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14
Q

Chianti Classico min abv

A

Chianti Classico: 12%
Riserva: 12.5%
Gran Selezione: 13%

Chianti DOCG starts at 11.5%

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15
Q

Chianti min abv

A

Rosso/Colli Aretini/Colline Pisane/Montalbano: 11.5%

Colli Fiorentini/Colli Senesi/Montespertoli/Rufina: 12%
Superiore/Riserva without a subzone: 12%

Riserva with a subzone excluding Colli Senesi: 12.5%
Colli Senesi Riserva: 13%

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16
Q

Who is credited with inventing the Brunello style?

A

Clemente Santi, of Tenuta Greppo’s Biondi Santi

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17
Q

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
grapes
aging
abv

A

100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)

Brunello: Minimum 2 years in wood plus 4 months in bottle, may not be sold before January 1 of the 5th year following the harvest
(so, 2018 harvest released Jan 2023 at earliest)

Brunello Riserva: Minimum 2 years in wood plus 6 months in bottle, may not be sold before January 1 of the 6th year following the harvest

min 12.5% abv

max yields:
Brunello: 54.4 hl/ha (8 tons)
Brunello Vigna: 47.6 hl/ha (7 tons)

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18
Q

Brunello
rivers
soils

A

rivers: Asso, Orcia, and Ombrone

soils: Galestro (marl) in higher altitude vineyards, clay in the southern reaches, fossilized marine desposits throughout

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19
Q

Brunello Vigna

A

single vineyard wine

reduced yields - 7 tons instead of 8 tons

no rectified grape must may be added

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20
Q

What are the soil types in Chianti Classico?

A

top vineyards on Galestro: rocky schistous clay; and Albarese: compact clay / limestone

macigno, is a grayish-blue sandstone

calcareous tufa, found in the south.

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21
Q

macigno

A

grey-blue sandstone found in Chianti

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22
Q

What are the soil types in Montalcino?

A

Galestro (rocky, schistous clay) in higher altitude vineyards

Clay in the southern reaches

Fossilized marine desposits throughout

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23
Q

What are the sub-communes of Montalcino?

A

also called frazione (like a suburb)

Sant Angelo
Castelnuovo Abate
Torrenieri
Tavernelle

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24
Q

Name 2 modernist producers of Brunello

A

Casanova di Neri
Mastrojanni

both use shorter (warmer) fermentations, and small barrique

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25
Name 3 traditional producers of Brunello
(longer fermentations, larget barrels) Biondi-Santi Talenti Soldera
26
What DOC in Montalcino allows for "super tuscan" style wines?
Sant'Antimo DOC- allows, but not required. Created 1996
27
What DOC in Montalcino allows white wines?
Moscadello di Montalcino. (moscato bianco) Often sweet, may be still or sparkling.
28
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG grapes, aging, geography
min 70% Sangiovese max 30% other varieties, including max 5% white varieties min 12.5% abv; 13% Riserva Normale: 24 months, with options: - all 24 m in wood - 18 m in wood, 6m in alternate container -12 m in wood, 6m in bottle, 6m in alternate container Riserva: 3 years min 250 m, max 600 m elevation between Ocria and the Chiana Rivers volcanic and sandstone soils
29
'Other' appellations with Sangiovese as main red grape in Tuscany
Morellino di Scansano DOCG Carmignano DOCG Rosso della Val di Cornia DOCG Suvereto DOCG
30
What were the OG Super Tuscans? Their main grapes?
1968 Sassicaia - made by Marquis Mario Rocchetta's Tenuta San Guido. 85% CS 15% CF 1971 Tignanello - made by Antinori, 85% Sangiovese with Cabernet, new barrique Also: Ornellaia- bdx blend Solaia (Antinori) 85% Cab with Sangiovese Masseto (Ornellaia) - Merlot Paleo Rosso (Le Macchiole) - Cab Franc
31
List 3 of the OG all Sangiovese Super Tuscans
Isole e Olena 'Cepparello' Montevertine 'La Pergole Torte' San Felice 'Vigorello' (although its now a bdx blend)
32
Bolgheri DOC
grapes allowed to be bottled varietally: Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Vermentino, Sauvignon grapes allowed in blends: Sangiovese, Syrah, other red Tuscan grapes
33
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC Grapes Aging
Min. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, max. 20% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Tuscany aged min 2 years, incl 18m in 225L barrique was previously a subzone of Bolgheri, made it's own DOC in 2013
34
What DOCG allows white wine in Tuscany?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
35
What are the main grapes for Tuscan vin santo?
Trebbiano and Malvasia. Grechetto sometimes allowed Sangiovese allowed in rose (Occhio di Pernice)
36
Varietal Merlot Super Tuscans?
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" Le Macchiole "Messorio" Tua Rita "Redigaffi" Castello di Ama "L'Apparita" Barone Ricasoli "Casalferro" Boscarelli "Boscarelli" La Capella "Cantico" Frescobaldi "Lamaione" Petrolo "Galatrona" San Giusto a Rentennano "La Ricolma"
37
Varietal Sangiovese Super Tuscans (6)
Felsina "Fontolloro" Isole e Olena "Cepparello" Montevertine "Le Pergole Torte" (sangioveto) Fontodi "Flaccianello della Pieve" Poggio Scalette "Il Carbonaione" Vecchie Terre de Montefili "Anfiteatro" Antinori "Tignanello" - 75-85% w/CS and CF Riecine "La Gioia" (predominantly Sangiovese)
38
Varietal Syrah Super Tuscans?
Tenimenti d'Allesandro "Il Bosco" Le Macchiole "Scrio"
39
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Super Tuscans?
Felsina "Maestro Raro" Monsanto "Nemo" Montepeloso "Gabbro"
40
Varietal Cabernet Franc Super Tuscans?
Duemani "Duemani" Le Macchiole "Paleo Rosso"
41
Antinori Tignanello - grapes?
75-85% Sangiovese with CS & CF 1971 first vintage was previously Chianti Cls Ris, changed when they added Cabernet
42
Antinori Solaia - grapes?
75% Cabernet w/CF and Sangiovese 1978 first vintage
43
Antinori Guado al Tasso - grapes?
50-65% Cabernet 30-40% Merlot + others
44
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte - grapes?
100% Sangioveto, traditional name for Sangiovese in Chianti.
45
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" - grapes?
Cabernet, Merlot, CF, Petit Verdot 1985 first vintage
46
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" grapes?
100% Merlot
47
Tenuta san Guido "Sassicaia" grapes?
85% Cab Sauv 15% Cab Franc 1969 first vintage
48
When was the Chianti region initially defined? By whom?
In 1716, Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, officially issued a bando, or “edict,” that drew the boundaries of the Chianti wine region, roughly corresponding to the modern Classico zone, as well as of Pomino, Carmignano, and Valdarno
49
What impacts did Bettino Ricasoli have on Chianti?
- inverted the (then) classic blend by vinifying a majority of Sangiovese with Canaiolo (previously, Canaiolo was the majority) - recommended blending in white grapes (Malvasia) - toured Burgundy and Bordeaux and adopted several winemaking practices. He shortened post-fermentation maceration periods and switched from using open-top to sealed fermentation vessels. - advocated for lower vine-training systems. - transitioned his wines from Fiasco to Bordeaux-shaped bottles
50
When was Chianti granted DOC status?
1967. It was upgraded to DOCG in 1984
51
When did Chianti Classico gain DOCG status?
It separated from Chianti in 1996 In 2005, white grape varieties were prohibited entirely in Chianti Classico. Since 2010, it has been forbidden to produce Chianti within the bounds of Chianti Classico
52
What do Colli and Colline refer to?
hills in the Tuscan countryside
53
What are the requirements for Gran Selezione Chianti Classico?
Min 90% Sangiovese, no white grapes Min 13% alcohol (12% Cls, 12.5 Ris) Wines must be produced from estate fruit. Minimum 30 months aging from January 1 of the year following the harvest, including at least 3 months in the bottle (new category was approved in 2014 for wines beginning with the 2010 vintage, though wines from an earlier vintage can apply for this recognition pending they can provide documentation that demonstrates all requirements have been met)
54
List the subzones of Chianti Classico (Gran Selezione only)
Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda - high elevation San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio, Vagliagli
55
Which subzone of Chianti Classico has the highest elevation?
Radda, at above 650 meters
56
What was the Chianti Classico 2000 initiative?
it was a search for superior clonal material that would provide thicker skins and smaller berries to increase the skin-to-juice ratio; produce looser clusters to minimize disease pressure; and ripen earlier Also provided critical research into ideal rootstocks to reduce vigor while increasing sugar production, increased vine density (5,000 to 7,000 vines per hectare is now considered ideal), and vine training, with a move toward Guyot systems rather than the more historic bush vine, or alberello, training
57
What does Canaiolo add to the blend in Chianti?
It enhances "finesse and precision," - it's light and pretty, doesn't make the wine more intense or structured
58
What does Colorino add to the blend in Chianti?
Colorino is often employed to add pigment to Chianti and Chianti Classico wines, darkening the otherwise light-red Sangioves
59
List 3 producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Avignonesi Boscarelli Contucci Mullinvecchio Marchesi Antinori Poliziano Asinone Salcheto
60
Italy's first DOC
Vernaccia di San Gimignano, awarded in 1966. Upgraded to DOCG in 1993
61
Apossitoio
room where grapes are dried for Vin Santo
62
Caratelli
fermentation and aging of Vin Santo Traditional vessel for aging Vin Santo. Caratelli, usually 50L could be cherry, acacia, peach, mulberry, or mixed stave barrels, most traditional is chestnuts
63
Chianti Classico communes of production
Siena Province: Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi Firenze Province: Greve in Chianti, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Barberino Tavarnelle
64
Radda
commune of production / subzone of Chianti Classico highest elevation at 650 m producers: Montevertine, Volpaia, Poggerino
65
Gaiole
commune of production / subzone of Chianti Classico producers: Badia a Coltibuono, Castello di Ama, Riecine
66
Greve
commune of production / subzone of Chianti Classico producers: Fontodi, Quercibella
67
Castellina
commune of production / subzone of Chianti Classico producer: Fattoria Rodano, Castellare
68
Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG
rosso 100% Aleatico (minimum 10 days of air drying and 30% sugar content) Min 19% potential, 12% actual ABC
69
Top producing DOC/G Tuscany
1. Chianti DOCG 720,400 hl 2. Chianti Classico DOCG 413,200 hl 3. Morellino di Scansanso DOCG 69,400 hl 4. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 63,000 hl 5. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 53,500 hl top 5 are all DOCG- DOC produce less wine
70
Carmignano DOCG grapes
in Tuscany Minimum 50% Sangiovese 10-20% combined CF & CS Maximum 20% Canaiolo Nero Maximum 10% combined Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Chianti, Canaiolo Bianco Maximum 10% combined other red varieties suitable for cultivation in Toscana (including, among others, Merlot, Syrah) first DOC to require Cabernet in Tuscany, elevated to DOCG in 1990
71
DOC/G specifically for Vin Santo in Tuscany
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC Vin Santo del Carmignano DOC Vin Santo del Montepulciano DOC
72
quercus robur
Slavonian Oak - tighter grained than French oak, thus the larger barrel sizes. Slavonia refers to a northern Balkan/former Yugoslavian region, now shared by several countries but most notably Croatia
73
Pomino DOC
overlaps some with Chianti Ruffina high elevation- so some different grapes here: Chardonnay, PG, PB, PN, Merlot Varietal: Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, (Trebbiano for Vin Santo) Red grapes: MAX 650m White grapes: MAX 800m Frescobaldi, Selvapiana producers
74
First mono-varietal super tuscan?
San Felipe "Vigorello" was 100% Sangiovese, first vintage 1968. now a Cabernet - Merlot blend
75
Volcano in Tuscany?
Monte Amiata dominates the landscape of Montecucco DOC
76
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Vistamare
white super tuscan! Vermentino, Viognier, Fiano
77
White super tuscans
Poggio alla Gazze: Sauvignon blanc, viognier, vermentino, verdicchio (varieties and percentages vary by vintage) Bolgheri Gaja vistamare. Also from Bolgheri a blend of vermentino and viognier with the viognier seeing some oak. More recent vintages have added fiano too. It’s the only white made at the Ca Marcanda estate. Querciabella 'Batar', Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco from Greve in Chianti Ornellaia Toscana Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier from Bolgher
78
What 4 regions were demarcated with the 1716 edict in Tuscany?
1716, by Cosimo III de'Medici Chianti Pomino Valdarno Carmignano
79
Chianti Colli Senesi overlaps with what 2 other major growing areas?
Montalcino Montepulciano
80
Cortona DOC
Tuscany Rosso, Riserva Vin Santo / Vin Santo Riserva Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice Varietal wines from: Chardonnay, Grechetto, Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah minimum 50% - 60% Syrah minimum 10% - 20% Merlot maximum 30% other, non aromatic, red grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana
81
Vino Nobile Pieve
A Pieve is the local word for a parish, and Montepulciano has 12 of them. Starting with the 2021 vintage, a Vino Nobile may bear the name of its Pieve if its grapes come entirely from that Pieve, it has at least 90% Sangiovese, it has no foreign varieties, and it meets the aging requirements for a Riserva (three years). The first Pieves, from the 2021 vintage, will come on to the marketplace in 2025.
82
Montepulciano soils
Montepulciano sits on a 600m high limestone ridge soils are a mix of sand and clay
83
when did Sangiovese become dominant in the wines of Montepulciano?
not until the 1980s. before then it was a blend of Canaiolo, Mammolo, and Trebbiano, with some Gamay
84
Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG
min 90% Sangiovese Monte Amiata is here
85
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
min 85% Sangiovese Morellino is local name for Sangiovese here
86
Rosso della Val di Cornia DOCG
Min. 40% Sangiovese Max. 60% combined Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Max. 20% other red grapes (except Aleatico) suitable for cultivation in Toscana
87
Suvereto DOCG
Suvereto Rosso: Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot, plus a max. 15% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana Varietal-Labeled Wines: Min. 85% of stated variety - Sangiovese, CS, Merlot
88
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
min 85% Vernaccia (white grape here) max 15% non-aromatic white grapes (no Malvasia or Traminer) Italy's first DOC, awarded in 1966
89
What winery did Bettino Ricasoli’s family own?
Castello di Brolio
90
Pre 1975, the wines of Carmignano were sold as what?
Chianti Montalbano
91
top Brunello producers
Biondi Santi Case Basse (Soldera) Poggio di Sotto Ciacci Piccolomini Altesino Valdicava Il Poggione Casanova di Neri La Cerbaiola Uccelliera
92
2 rivers of Tuscany
Arno - flows through Firenze Orcia - marks the southern border of Montalcino
93
what are Frescobaldi's flagship wines from Ruffina?
Nipozzano Montesodi
94
What is Antinori's Brunello estate?
Pian delle Vigne
95
What is Gaja's Brunello estate?
Pieve di Santa Restituta
96
what changes helped improve the quality of chianti?
Employing better clones, reducing yields, increasing planting density, employing stainless steel, sealed tank fermentations
97
Antinori's 3 super tuscans
Tignanello (sangio), Solaia (CS), Guado al Tasso (CS)
98
Vernaccia di San Gimignano producers
Montenidoli (skin maceration) Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara
99
which DOCG overlaps with Chianti Montalbano?
Carmignano
100
tuscan vin santo producers
Isole e Olena Badia e Coltibuona Avignonesi
101
What are the mountains between the Maremma Coast and inland Tuscany?
Matellifere
102
Which Chianti Normale sub zone requires a higher percentage of sangiovese?
Colli Senesi (75% vs 70%)
103
sangiovese requirements for chianti
70% for regular, 80% for classico As of 2021 Gran Selezione 90%
104
parentage of sangiovese?
ciliegiolo x calabrese de montenuovo
105
Define Madre in the context of Tuscan winemaking
production of vin santo - must is put into old barrels still containing old slurry (lees, must) “mother”
106
First “vigna” wine in Brunello di Montalcino
Altesino - Montosoli vyd - 1970 other bottling: Baricci (all in Montosoli), Caparzo, Canalicchio di Sopra
107
names for winds in tuscany?
Sirocco- warm wind from south, can dry out mildew Tramontane- cool wind from north

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