Sangiovese and Montepulciano

Question 1

Describe the characteristics of Sangiovese:
-Acidity
-Tannins
-Flavours

Answer 1

-Acidity: high
-Tannins: high
-Flavours: red fruit (red cherries, red plums) and dried herbs

Question 2

True or false: the wines of Chianti must be made exclusively form Sangiovese.

Answer 2

False. they are often blended with a small amounts of other black grape varieties.

Question 3

True or false: many wines labelled chianti DOCG are simple, inexpensive and not intended for ageing.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

what is the difference between the Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG vineyards?

Answer 4

Classico = comes from the historic, hillier part of the region. Classico vineyards are at higher altitude = slower ripening of grapes

Question 5

Is this an accurate description of a Chianti Classico DOCG wine?
Medium bodied, pronounced red fruit aromas with dried herb notes and complex flavours of cloves and cedar.

Answer 5

Yes.

Question 6

What stylist difference will you find in a wine labelled with the word “Riserva” (i.e. Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva)

Answer 6

It will likely show some tertiary character by the time it is released, due to stricter ageing requirements.

Question 7

The word “Brunello” is the local name for what grape variety in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?

Answer 7

Sangiovese

Question 8

Name the powerful and full-bodied Italian wine made exclusively from Sangiovese and which must be aged for an extended period in oak before release.

Answer 8

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Question 9

Describe the characteristics of Montepulciano:
-Acidity
-Tannins
-Flavours

Answer 9

-Acidity: medium
-Tannins: high tannins
-Flavours: black fruit flavours (black plum, black cherry)

Question 10

Are Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC wines typically:
-high volume, inexpensive, simple and fruity, for early drinking
or
-premium priced, complex, full bodied, oak aged and made to be matured in bottle.

Answer 10

high volume, inexpensive, simple and fruity, for early drinking