Must Know Varieties Flashcards
Is Colorino a group or a family?
Colorino grapes form a group.
How many members are in Colorino group?
4:
- Colorino del Valdarno
- Colorino di Pisa
- Colorino di Lucca
- Colorino Americano
What is the main role grapes in Colorino group play in wine making?
They’re added to boost color in wine and add deeper structure from phenolic compounds found in grape’s thick skins.
Similar to how Petit Verdot is used in Bordeaux blends.
Which of the Colorino grapes shows the best wine making potential?
Colorino del Valdarno
What happens to Colorino vines around harvest?
Their leaves turn dark red near maturation, making it easy to spot in the vineyard.
What region is Colorino del Valdarno grape planted in?
Primarily in Tuscany.
List key DOPs for Colorino del Valdarno?
All in Tuscany:
- Chianti Classico DOCG
- Chianti DOCG
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
- Montecarlo DOC
and many others
What area in Tuscany has a concentration of high quality plantings of Colorino del Valdarno?
Chianti Rufina zone
What is a special quality of Colorino del Valdarno comparing to other members of Colorino group?
Its pulp is clear instead of colored, giving colorless juice when pressed.
List key features of Colorino del Valdarno in the vineyard?
- disease resistant and hardy
- late-ripening
What color is Colorino group?
Red
What are the key features of Colorino del Valdarno in the glass?
- deep violet color
- full bodied and structured
- flavors of: dark berries, black licorice, blackberry jam with herbal notes (ex. menthol)
Because Colorino del Valdarno is a late ripening variety, what quality may be present in a glass in rainy vintages?
May show green streak due to a lack of ripeness in cool rainy years.
List key wine styles for Colorino del Valdarno?
Usually blended in still dry wine.
In Tuscany, especially in the Rufina and Classico area, it is added anywhere from 1 to 10% to Sangiovese wines to increase their color.
