Toscana Flashcards

1
Q

When was toscana settled and by whom?

A

the etruscans in 8th century bc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

in 1716, grand duke cosimo III de Medici issues an edict, deliminating boundaries to 4 different regions in toscany. what are the four regions?

A

Chianti
Pomino
Carmignano
Val d’Arno di Sopra

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what happened in toscana after the mezzadria system was abolished?

A

farmers were not prepared and many abandoned their vineyards

land prices fell, causing an influx of new investors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what 3 vineyard practices were adopted in the 1980s in toscana?

A

higher planting density
lower yields
better clones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

the supertuscans were birthed from what movement?

A

the quality renaissance of the 1980s

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

who was a pioneer of sassicaia, tignanello, solaia

A

giacomo tachis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Who is considered the father of sangiovese wines

A

Giullo Gambelli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the largest river in toscana?

A

the arno

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what do the appenines provide for the climate in toscana

A

protects from cold northerly air currents

rain barrier for coastal and central-southern part

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what mitigates the summer heat on the coast and maremma in toscana?

A

sea breezes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

locate the wettest and driest areas in toscana

A

wettest areas are in the appenines

driest areas are in the south and central parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what can be a vineyard problem in southern toscana and maremma

A

drought

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

what are soils in general in toscana

A

clay, limestone and sandstone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

what are the two types of rock in toscana

A

glaestro (central toscana)

alberese (central and south toscana)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

describe galestro

A

metamorphic rock
crumbly clayey, schist-like rock

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

where is glaestro notably located in toscana

A

chianti classico, rufina and montalcino

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

describe alberese

A

fine grained calcareous marl

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

where is alberese notably located

A

chianti classico

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

t or f: in toscana whites dominate

A

false; reds dominate 80%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

what are the 4 challenges with growing sangiovese

A

site sensitive

buds early and ripens late

prefers south facing slopes with poor and well drained slopes

highly susceptible to bunch rot and oidium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is sangiovese called in montalcino

A

brunello

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is sangiovese called in montepulciano

A

prugnolo gentile

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is sangiovese called in scansano

A

morellino

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is sangiovese also called throughout tuscany

A

sangiovese grosso

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is sangiovese called in chianti classico

A

sangioveto

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

what was widely planted in toscana until the 18th century?

A

canaiolo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

what is the purpose of canaiolo in a blend?

A

used to soften the wine and refine the perfume

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

what is the most widely planted white in toscana

A

trebbiano toscano

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is trebbiano toscano’s purpose in blends

A

used to add acid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

what is malvasia blanca lunga used for in vin santo

A

adds body and perfume

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

what is chianti classico 2000

A

a project created in the 70s to research clones and find higher quality ones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

what are the three main training systems used in toscana?

A

archetto (variation of guyot)
guyot
cordon speronato

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

what are the two main grapes used in vin santo?

A

trebbiano toscano and malvasia blanca lunga

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

what are caratelli?

A

50l barrels used to age vin santo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

describe the climate of bolgheri

A

mediterranean

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

who is the pioneer of the bolgheri sassicaia doc

A

Marchese Mario Incisa Della Rochetta

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

what did Marchese Mario Incisa Della Rochetta do when he came to Bolgheri?

A

recognised the potential for bordeaux style wines to be produced here. Grew cab sav and cab franc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

what actions were taken by Marchese Mario Incisa Della Rochetta after his first vintage failed

A

replanted on Sassicaia soil with great success

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

what two important figures joined Mario Incisa after recognising the potential of the wines of sasicaia?

A

Antinori and Giacomo Tachis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What are the main grapes of Bolgheri Sassicaia?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabenet Franc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What was historically produced in Bolgheri DOC before the 1980s?

A

whites and roses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are the dominant varieties in the bordeaux blends of Bolgheri DOC?

A

cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What is the predominant variety for whites in Bolgheri DOC?

A

Vermentino

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

what is the soil mix in val di cornia

A

light alluvials and heavy alluvials

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

the climate of Val di Cornia is similar to which other appelation?

A

Bolgheri

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

what varieties are suitble for the Val di Cornia?

A

Bordeaux varities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

what are the dominant varieties in the Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG blend?

A

Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

what are the dominant varieties in the Suvereto DOCG rosso blend?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What three varieties can make varietal wines in Suvereto DOCG?

A

Sangiovese, Cab Sav and Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

describe the climate of Monteccuco DOC

A

mediterranean climate BUT tempered by more inland position, higher altitude, winds and large diurnal range

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

what brought investors to Montecucco DOC in the 90s?

A

similar climate to bolgheri but lower land prices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

what are the dominant varieties used for red and white in MOntecucco DOC?

A

Sangiovese and Trebbiano TOscano

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What is the most well known DOCG of southern maremma

A

Morellino di Scansano DOCG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

what is the dominant variety in the Morellino di Scansano DOCG blend?

A

Sangiovese

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

describe the range of styles produced in Maremma toscana DOC

A

sangiovese based red
trebbiano/vermentino biano blend
varietal wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

what is the vineyard topography of Elba

A

vineyards are located on steep, terraced-slopes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

what is elba Aleatico DOCG

A

sweet red passito
100% aleatico
air dried for 10 days

58
Q

what DOC is located around the village of carmignano?

A

Carmignano DOCG

59
Q

Which Tuscan DOC has been documented since 804 ad

A

Carmignano DOCG

60
Q

Carmignano DOCG was resusciatated by which count?

A

Count Ugo Contini Bonacossi of Tenuta Capezzana

61
Q

Which italian appellation has traditionally always used Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese

A

Carmignano DOCG

62
Q

name the second wine of Carmignano DOCG

A

Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC

63
Q

what are the varieties used in the Carmignano DOCG blend?

A

cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and Cabernet Franc

64
Q

t or f: Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC uses the same blend as Carmignano DOCG

A

true

65
Q

what is the name of the rose made in Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC?

A

Vin Ruspo

66
Q

What does vin ruspo mean?

A

describes the process used to make the wine, juice is ‘bled off’ the skins to make a rose

67
Q

What are the grapes used for red and white vin santo di Carmignano DOC?

A

red is sangiovese based
trebbiano and malvasia for white

68
Q

how long have the wines of Chianti Classico DOCG been known for ?

A

since the 13th century

69
Q

t or f: the first reputable wines of chianti classico were white

A

true

70
Q

when did chianti Classico begin exports to England?

A

as early as 17th century

71
Q

Who suggested that Sangiovese replace canaiolo as the backbone of the Chianti blend?

A

Baron Bettino Ricasoli

72
Q

What did Baron Bettino of Castello di Brolio suggest that the new blend of AGEWORTHY chianti should be when he wrote his letter in 1872?

A

Sangiovese is predominant with a small percentage of canaiolo

73
Q

What did Baron Bettino of Castello di Brolio suggest that the new blend of APPROACHABLE EASY-DRINKING chianti should be when he wrote his letter in 1872?

A

Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero and Malvasia

74
Q

what caused the expansion of the chianti zone?

A

demand exceeded supply in the 19th and 20th century due to the wine shortage caused by phylloxera in France

75
Q

what is the symbol of chianti classico?

A

the gallo nero (black rooster)

76
Q

what are the 3 important rivers of Chianti?

A

the Pesa, Greve and Arbia

77
Q

In chianti on what side are the hills higher?

A

the east side

78
Q

what are the main soils of chianti?

A

galestro alternating with alberese and sandstone

79
Q

describe the climate in chianti

A

continental with moderating influences from the mediterrean and altitude

80
Q

describe the two styles of chianti classico in relation to elevation

A

higher sites are more elegant and perfumed, higher acid and tannin, lower sites are fuller and richer

81
Q

which Tuscan zone has some of the lowest max yields in italy?

A

Chianti Classico

82
Q

t or f: chianti classico is 100% sangiovese

A

false

83
Q

what are the 3 categories fo chianti classico?

A

Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

84
Q

what is the common criteria for chianti classico gran selezione?

A

best quality, often single vineyard
laboratory approval
tasting commision approval

85
Q

what are the two grape varieties used in Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC

A

trebbiano toscano and malvasia bianca lunga

86
Q

In the Chianti DOCG the best wines are from which 3 subzones?

A

Rufina
Colli Senesi
Colli Fiorentini

87
Q

What does governo mean?

A

a small portion of the grapes are left to desiccate, then used to start a secondary fermentation in the newly made wine, adding more body and alcohol whilst softening the tannins

88
Q

in chianti docg what is the smallest yet most prestigious sub-zone?

A

rufina

89
Q

Where is rufina located in the chianti docg?

A

close to the Apennines

90
Q

what is the coolest and highest subzone of chianti docg?

A

rufina

91
Q

Which subzone of chianti docg is hallmarked by its bright acidity?

A

Rufina

92
Q

Which subzone of chianti is located in the hilly area south and east of firenze?

A

Colli Fiorentini

93
Q

The arno river flows through which chianti sub zone?

A

colli aretini

94
Q

which chianti subzone experiences a mild climate due to its proximity to the ocean?

A

Colline Risane

95
Q

What is the southernmost and largest subzone of chianti docg

A

Colli Senesi

96
Q

What factor allows for fuller wines in the colli senesi subzone of chianti

A

the warmer climate

97
Q

which chianti subzone has more stringent production rules then the others

A

Colli Senesi

98
Q

which chianti subzone has more stringent production rules than the others

A

Colli Senesi

99
Q

vin santo can be produced in which subzones of Chianti DOCG?

A

all of the subzones

100
Q

What is considered toscana’s most important dry white

A

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

101
Q

what was the first italian wine to recieve doc status?

A

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

102
Q

What other important appellation is located within the chianti and chianti colli senesi docg areas?

A

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

103
Q

What are the soils of Vernaccia di San Gimignano

A

yellow sands, yellow clay and calcareous marl

104
Q

What wine making method was traditionally used on Vernaccia di San Gimignano and what is the current style?

A

skin contact but now clean, light and fresh

105
Q

Which DOC was home to a powerful Etruscan city in the 8th century BC

A

Cortona DOC

106
Q

What are the varieties in focus in Cortona DOC?

A

Syrah, Sangiovese and Merlot

107
Q

what was montalcino originally known for before brunello?

A

Sweet passito moscadello

108
Q

What are the important things Clemente Santi did for Brunello Di Montalcino?

A

began experimenting with brunello

Introduced monoculture replacing the mixed crops of the mezzadria system

promoted dry reds, longer macerations and fermentations

109
Q

What are the important things Ferrucio Biondi did for Brunello Di Montalcino?

A

Created biondi-santi

massal selection (picked best vines and propogated)

introduced destemming to reduce astringent tannins

introduced botti

introduced the word brunello in the 1880’s

110
Q

who is ferrucio biondi related to?

A

grandson of clemente santi

111
Q

What are the important things Tancredi Biondi-Santi did for Brunello Di Montalcino?

A

made brunello a sought after wine

most of the practices in the disciplinare come from him

112
Q

name two other notable producers in Brunello di Montalcino?

A

Castello Banfi

Fattoria dei Barbi

113
Q

What region is bordered by the Asso, Orcia and Ombrone Rivers?

A

Montalcino

114
Q

What is the climate of Montalcino?

A

mediterranean, some continental influence from its position and proximity to the appenines

climate is warmer and milder here than montepulciano and chianti

monte amiata to the south east prtects the region from humid air currents, storms and hail

115
Q

Why has brunello always been 100% sangiovese

A

it ripens more reliably here

116
Q

describe the soils of montalcino

A

complex

lower altitude areas are younger with marine deposits of clay and sand

higher altitudes are older, poorer, shallower with gravel and stone

galestro and alberese are present throughout the region

117
Q

what are the soils of ‘Montalcino’ area of montalcino

A

limestone, sandstone and galestro

118
Q

name the 7 recognised areas of montalcino?

‘mothers talk too crass’ say crappy sisters

A

montalcino

torrenieri

tavernelle

carmigliano

sant’Angelo in Colle

Castelnuovo dell’Abate

Sant’Angelo Scalo

119
Q

Which DOCG has the longest ageing requirements in italy?

A

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

120
Q

what are the ageing requirements for brunello di montalcino?

A

4 years, 2 in oak, 4 months in bottle

121
Q

what differentiates the traditionalists from the modernists in brunello?

A

traditionalists use botti

modernists use small oak barrels

many use a combination of the two

122
Q

t or f: in brunello di montalcino, regional blends are the norm

A

false, single vineyard bottling is the norm

123
Q

what is the second wine of brunello di montalcino?

A

rosso di montalcino doc

124
Q

rosso di montalcino is a blend t or f:

A

false it is 100% sangiovese

125
Q

what region was revived in the 1930’s by Adamo Fanetti

A

Montepulciano

126
Q

what divides the winegrowing area of montepulciano?

A

val di chiana

127
Q

compare the climate of montepulciano to montalcino

A

montepulciano is more continental and slightly cooler

128
Q

what are the soils of montepulciano?

A

marine origin, clay and sand

129
Q

what is the minimum percentage of sangiovese in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

A

70%

130
Q

What region is said to produce sangiovese that marries the elegance of Chianti with the structure of Brunello?

A

Montepulciano

131
Q

Describe the differences between traditionalist and modernists in Brunello

A

traditionalists use more sangiovese and age in botti

modernists blend sangiovese with international varieities and use small new oak

132
Q

What is the second wine of vino nobile di montepulciano

A

rosso di montepulciano DOC

133
Q

What are the main grapes in Vin Santo di Montepulciano

A

Malvasia, trebbiano and Grechetto Bianco

134
Q

What are the flavour characteristics of the ‘montalcino’ area of Montalcino

A

elegant complex and ageworthy

135
Q

Which area of Montalcino is cooler, has higher clay content and produces wines with lean, firm tannins?

A

Torrenieri

136
Q

Which area of Montalcino is slightly warmer, has stony calcareous soils and produces ripe, deep and complex wines?

A

tavernelle

137
Q

Which area of Montalcino is at a lower elevation, warm and dry and produces powerful, concentrated wines with lower acid?

A

Camigliano

138
Q

Which area of Montalcino is situated at medium elevations and produces wines that are powerful yet refined?

A

Sant’Angelo in Colle

139
Q

Which area of Montalcino is situated at medium elevation and produces wines with ripe fruit, depth and finesse?

A

Castelnuovo dell’Abate

140
Q

Which area of Montalcino is situated at low elevation, is the hottest and driest and produces big wines with less acid and complexity?

A

Sant’Angelo Scalo