Toscana - Appellations Flashcards
Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG (!) is a red blend based appellation.
Name three varieties used in the blend and minimum aging requirement for the Riserva.
- Sangiovese
- Cabernet Sauvignon and/or
- Merlot
- Riserva: 24 months; at least 18 months in oak and six months in bottle.
This DOC/DOCG is inland on the gentle hills running northeast of Grosseto to the foothills of Mount Amiata. The Orcia River separates this wine growing area from Montalcino to the north.
The Mediterranean climate is moderated by inland position, higher elevation and plethora of wind currents also benefitting from significant diurnal temperature swings.
Montecucco DOC /
Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (!)
Elba DOC produces Elba Bianco, a white blend based on Trebbiano.
What is Trebbiano called locally in Elba?
Procanico
What are three categories of wines produced within the Chianti Classico DOCG?
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
- Chianti Classico Riserva
- Chianti Classico (annata)
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese for Colli Senesi sub zone of Chianti DOCG (!)?
75%
This sub-zone of Chianti is an outtake of Colli Fiorentini and is the most recent addition as it was created in 1997.
Montespertoli
What is the former sub-zone of Val di Cornia DOC and now a DOCG located around a medieval village where most of the estates of Val di Cornia are found?
Suvereto DOCG
What are the grapes used for Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC (!)?
- Trebbiano and/or Malvasia
The wine made from this appellation must be air dried for a minimum of 10 days and it is intensely aromatic with a distinctive grapey-Muscat character that hints of rose, violet, cherry and jam.
The DOCG was separated from the Elba DOC and elevated to DOCG in 2011.
Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG (!)
It produces sweet red wines from 100% Aleatico.
The white grape Ansonica has been grown in the very southern part of Maremma for centuries. This small DOC includes the island of Giglio, the tiny penunsula of Argentario (which faces the inland) and the hills that lie beyond the peninusula.
Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario DOC
List characteristics of Super Tuscans
- Unofficial category of generally high quality pricey red wines that strarted to emerge between late1960s and early 1970s.
- They were considered innovative as they were made using international grapes and/or non-traditional blending formulas.
- Matured in new small French oak barrels
- Not adhered to the DOC regulations, as a result bottled under lowest quality category, Vino da Tavola.
- Distingushed by fancy labels with attention grabbing proprietary names.
How many MGAs are in Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (!)?
25 MGA
What was the grape makeup suggested by Baron Bettino Ricasoli in the 19th century for more approachable Chianti blend as then, the Chianti wines were produced mainly from Canaiolo?
- 70% Sangiovese
- 15% Canaiolo Nero
- 15% Malvasia
Which island has its own specific MGA for Ansonica produced for Ansonica Coast dell’Argentario?
Isola del Giglio
What year the sub-zone Bolgheri Sassicaia (!) was elevated to its own separate DOC?
2013
The only case of an appellation granted for a single estate wine in Italy.
True or False
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC (!) hails from the same geographic area as the Chianti DOCG (!).
True
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese in the Chianti DOCG wine?
What are the most common grapes (two native and two international) used as the blending partners?
Minimum of 70% Sangiovese
Common blending parters are (up to 30%):
- Canaiolo
- Colorisno
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
How many appellations are in Montalcino?
4
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (!)
- Rosso di Montalcino DOC (!)
- Sant’Antimo DOC
- Moscadello di Montalcino DOC
*
What is grape makeup of Morellino di Scansano DOCG (!) wine?
Minimum of 85% Sangiovese (locally known as Morellino).
The remaining 15% often includes Alicante (Cannonau), Ciligieolo and Merlot.
How long Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC (!) and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice to be aged in caratelli?
24 months - cannot be released before November 1st of the third year after the vintage.
What were two significant medications made in Chianti Classico DOCG in the disciplinare?
- Allowed for 100% Sangiovese
- White grapes were banned from inclusion in 2006
This Brunello DOC produces essentially a “second wine” for the grand vin, considered the first example of the “second wine” concept in Italy.
The DOC zone of production corresponds to that of Brunello.
Rosso di Montalcino DOC (!)
What sets Carmignano apart from all other Tuscan appellations (and actually from all other Italian appellations) as related to the use of grapes?
The traditional use of Cabernet grapes (both Sauvginon and Franc) to complement Sangiovese.
As with Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOCG, Vin Santo Chianti DOC uses the same red grape varieties.
Name the two white grapes that may be added for the DOC and one red for pink Occhio di Permice.
Trebbiano and/or Malvasia
Sangiovese for Occhio di Pernice
True or False
The appellation of Montepulciano received their DOCG designation much later than Chianti and Brunello wines and only in 2000.
False
Surprisely one of the first to DOCs to receive DOCG recognition in 1980.
This was largely due to its ancient prestige rather than the quality of the wines at that time..
The conferral of DOCG status represented a real turning point for the region.
True or False
Chianti DOCG(!) allows up to 10% white grapes in the total blend.
True
Which wine is at the top of Chianti Classico quality pyramid?
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG(!)
True or False
The wines of Chianti DOCG (!) no longer practice “governo”?
False
It is rarely done but they can still be done.
In such cases, the word “governo” (or “governo all’uso Toscano”) must be inidcated on the label.
What are the minimum percentage required of grape variety and aging requirement for Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (!)?
90% Sangiovese
At least one year in wood (Riserva must ge aged for at least two years in oak and six months in bottle)
True or False
White grapes can be used for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG(!).
True
Limited to a maximum of 5% of the blend, though rarely used today.
What are differences in attributes comparing the higher and lower elevation sites in Chianti Classico region?
- Higher sites: more elegant and perfumed with higher acidity and firm tannins
- Lower sites: fuller and richer with less subtle aromas, less acidity and softern tannins
What contribution did the following estates make:
- Grattamacco
- Tenuta dell’Ornellaia
- Le Macchiole
- Michele Satta
- Ca’ Marcanda
- Guardo al Tasso
They transformed Bolgheri area into one of the most dynamic and promising districts for fine red wine in Italy.
Which grape variety is used most for Bolgheri DOC white wine?
Vermentino
True or False
Disciplinare for Chianti Classico rules one of the lowest maximum yields per hectare and per vine.
True
What are supporting grapes (4) commonly used with Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG(!)?
- Canaiolo
- Colorino
- Mammolo
- Merlot
In what year Bolgheri DOC was modified to allow the production of red wine as a result of reputation established by Super Tuscans?
1994
This DOC produces only red wine frm a tiny hamlet near Pitigliano. Its blend is based on Sangiovese for rosso and rosato and varietals from local and internation grapes.
Sovana DOC
What is the so called “second” wine of Carmignano?
What is the major difference with Carmignano DOCG wine?
- Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC (!)
- The same grape and proportions as Carmignano DOCG(!) but no ageing requirements
- Carmignano DOCG (!) wines can be declassify to Barco Reale di Carmginano DOC (!)
This sub-zone of Chianti DOCG lies in the northwestern part of Chianti and overlaps most of the Carmignano DOCG.
Montalbano
Whcih three sub zones of Chinanti DOCG(!) (outside of the Classico) are considered to produce the most substantial wines?
Out of the three, which wine can produce quite distinctive that have the potential to match the quality, the legendary and the prestige of the wines of Chianti Classcio (!)?
- Rufina
- Colli Senesi
- Colli Fiorentini
Rufina