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
The southern most and largest sub-zone of Chianti DOCG in terms of area under vine and volume and also the most dynamic.
With warmer conditions, it has the potential to produce more substantial, fuller bodied wines than most of the other sub-zones. It has little more stringent production rules.
Colli Senesi
True or False
Bolgheri climate has hot summers and cold winters typical of continental climate.
False
The Mediterraneal influenced climate is more temperate and warmer than the inland hills.
List characteristics of typical Super Tuscans.
- Wines made in Bordeaux style
- Aged in small french oak barrels with varying proportions of new oak
- Dense velvety tannins
- Combnne richness and elegance
Whatr is the grape makeup (in percentage) of Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
What is the ageing requirement according to the disciplinare?
Minimum of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged for minimum of 24 months with at least 18 months in small oak barrels.
Since its first release, Sassicaia has been crafted with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.
What year Brunello di Montalcino became one of the first DOCs in Italy to receive DOCG status?
1980
This Chianti DOCG subzone occupies a large hilly area on the southern and easter outskirts of Firenze.
It has one of the most long standing winemaking traditions among Chianti sub-zones.
Colli Fiorentini
What are main winemaking differences between traditional and modern style producers in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG(!)? (specifically related to grape mix and ageing)
- Traditional style producers: use higher proportion of Prugnolo Gentile / Complement with Caniolo and/or Mammolo / Age the wines for logner periods of time in larger Slavonian oak botti
- Modern style producers: Blend Prugnolo Gentile with international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah / Age the wine in in new, small French oak blends
Overall Toscana appellations can be divided into three geographical areas. List the three.
- Coastal Appellations
- Appellations of Central Toscana
- Appellations of Southern Toscana
What are grape content requirements for Chianti Classico?
Minimum 80% Sangiovese
Maximum 20% sanctioned red grapes in Toscana, most commonly Canaiolo and Colorino and the international Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Most use at least 90% Sangiovese and many opt for 100% or close to it.
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required for Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG(!)?
70%
What are release and ageing requirements for Carmignano DOCG (!) wine and Riservas?
- Cannot be released before June 1st of the second year following the harvest.
- At least 8 months in oak or chestnut
- Riserva: minimum of 3 years with at least 12 months in wood.
What is one of the most distingushing characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino wine?
Long ageing requirements - the longest in Italy
Minimum of four years including at least 2 years in oak and four months in bottle
For Riserva, minimum of five yeers with at least two years in oak and six months in bottle
What is the difference between the wines of “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG or Rosso di Montepulciano” and “Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC”?
Montepuliciano d’Abruzzo DOC is beased on the grape, Montepulciano.
Both Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC uses Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and reference the town of Montepulciano, not the grape.
This small DOC is located on the left bank of the Sesia River in the foothills of the Norhtern Appenines, lying just to the east of Chianti Rufina.
It was one of the four wine zones in Toscana delimited by Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici in 1716.
Pomino DOC
True or False
Each sub-zone of Chianti DOCG (!) is entitled to produce its own Vin Santo using the sub-zone designation,
True
What is the minimum percentage required of Ansonica for Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario?
85%
What is the minimum alcohol requirement and when can it be released for Chianti Classico DOCG(!)
- Minimum of 12% abv
- Can be released after October 1st of the year following harvest
- They are usually best consumed within a few years of release
List two primary reasons that Vald di Cornia area in Northern Tuscan Maremma was developed as a wine region in the mid 1990s.
- The price of land in Bolgheri skyrocketed, the land prices were cheaper
- Mild climatic conditions are very similar to Bolgheri and quite suitable for Bordeaux grapes.
True or False
When Bolgheri DOC was created in 1983, only whites and rose wines were produced in the area.
True
List seven sub-zones of Chianti DOCG(!).
- Rufina
- Colli Fiorentini
- Colli Aretini
- Colline Pisane
- Montalbano
- Montespertoli
- Colli Senesi
While the prototype Super Tuscan Sassicaia was produced in Bolgheri, name the epicenter district of this winemaking movement and two representative wines.
Chianti Classico
- Tignanello by Antinori
- Vigorello by Tenuta San Felice
What is the grape content requirement in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (!)?
100% Sangiovese
What grape makes the majority of Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice, the pink
version?
What sweetness style the wine is available?
- Minimum 80% Sangiovese
- Dolce (sweet) only
Vin Santo di Montepulicano DOC(!) is renowned for producing complex and instense wine.
What are three grapes that can be used to make the wine and minimum percentage?
What grape is used to make the Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice?
Minimum 70% of
- Malvasia and/or
- Trebbiano and or
- Grechetto Bianco (locally called Pulcinculo)
- Prugnolo Gentile for Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice
What are the ageing requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG(!) and Riserva?
- Minimum of 24 months with 12 months in wooden vessels
- Riserva: Minimum of 36 months with minimum of 12 months in wood and six months in botte
For Montecucco DOC (!) wines, what red and white grapes are based?
Red: Sangiovese
White: Trebbiano
This Chianti sub zone lies in the eastern part of the Chianti area between the Chianti Classico zone to the west and the city of Arezzo to the east.
The Arno River flows through the sub-zone.
Colli Areteni
This DOCG produces what is considered to be Toscana’s most important dry white wine and it is the only white DOCG in Toscana(!).
It was also the first Italian wine to receive DOC status (1966)
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG (!)
This DOC overlaps the eastern half of the Morellino di Scansano DOCG (!). The DOC only produces Trebbiano based white wines.
Bianco di Pitigliano DOC
This Brunello DOC was created in 1996 to allow the producers more flexibility in terms of grapes and wine styles.
The appellation corresponds almost entirely to the Montalcino zone of production.
The DOC includes rosso and bianco styles that can be made from any grapes authorized in Toscana including international varieties.
Sant’Antimo DOC
What is Rosso di Montepulciano DOC (!) considered as and what is the mandatory ageing requirement?
“Second wine” of Montepulciano appellation
No mandatory ageing requirement (can be released after March 1 of the year following harvest)
The proximity of this sub-zone of Chianti DOCG to the Tyrrhenian Sea provdes milder climatic conditions.
One of the smallest sub-zones in volume and in area under vine.
Colline Pisane
What vintage year was the fist official commercial vintage of Sassicaia?
1968 vintage released in 1972
Locate the following two minor DOC appellations:
- Capalbio DOC
- Parrina DOC
Which area of Toscana these DOCs are situated?
Capalbio DOC and Parrina DOC are located in the Southern Tuscan Maremma.
Capalbio DOC surrounds the medieval village of Capalbio in close proximity to the sea for whites based on Trebbiano and reds based on Sangiovese.
Parrina DOC is completely surrounded by Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario DOC with Trebbiano and Ansonica based whites and Sangiovese based reds.
List ageing requirements of Bolgheri Rosso DOC and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC.
- Bolgheri Rosso DOC cannot be released before September 1st of the year after the harvest
- Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC must be aged 2 years minimum with at least one year in oak
This appellation in the Southern Maremma was elevated to DOC in 2011 from IGT, producing wide ranges of wines and styles. The DOC includes Sangiovese based rosso blend, Trebbiano and or Vermention based bianco blend as well as varietal grapes from local and international grapes.
Maremma Toscana DOC(!)
Two appellations cover the entire island territory of Elba.
Name the two.
- Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG (!)
- Elba DOC
Which sub-zone is the highest and coolest winegrowing zone in Chianti and Chianti Classico?
This historic winegrowing zone is the smallest in size but the most prestigious and consistent producer of quality wine out of all the sub-zones.
Rufina
Name the DOC appellation located in the northernmost part of the Southern Marmma with influx of new producers both Italian and non-Italian.
List one native and three international red grapes and two white grapes in which the appellations is known for the production.
Monteregio di Massa Martitima DOC
Red: Sangiovese, Cabermet Sauvginon, Merlot and Syrah
White: Trebbiano and Vermentino
What is the minimum alcohol by volume and ageing requirement for Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?
- 12.5% abv minimum
- Minimum of 24 months inlcuding minimum of three months in bottle
True or False:
Most vineyards in Bolgheri are located on the flats.
True
List two white grapes and four red grapes used for varietal wines in Val di Cornia DOC.
- Vermentino
- Ansonica
- Sangiovese
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- ‘Merlot
- Ciliegiolo
This DOC revived the ancient tradition in Montalcino in 1980s.
The wine has a minimum of 85% Moscato Bianco and is a sweet dessert wine that can be produced in still, fizzy and vendemmia tardiva styles.
Moscadello di Montalcino DOC
Which appellation entirely overlaps all three Carmignano’s appellations?
Chianti Montalbano DOCG
What are the minimum ageing requirements for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and its Riserva, the longest in Italy.
- Four years including at least two years in oak and four months in bottle
- Riserva: Five years with at least two years in oak and six months in bottle.
What grape is mainly based in Pomino Bianco and what three grapes are based for Pomino Rosso blends (3)?
- Bianco: Chardonnay (varietals with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc)
- Reds based on Sangiovese, Merlot and Pinot Nero
Montalcino has no official sub-zones however there are specific areas, usually named after the tiney hamlets surround Montalcino.
How many of these specific areas are in Montalcino?
7
- Montalcino (original and historic winegrowing zone)
- Torrenieri
- Tavernelle
- Camigliano
- Sant’Angelo in Colle
- Castelnuovo dell’Abate
- Sant’Angelo Scalo
Sassicaia was first released under Vino da Tavola in 1972. What year the existing Bolgheri DOC (!) was modified to incorporate the prestigeous wine within the unique Bolgheri Sassicaia subzone.
1994
What were the wines of Chianti Classico traditionally aged in?
Slavonian oak or chestnut casks (botti)
In which area the following two minor DOCs are located:
- Terratico di Bibbona DOC
- Montesudaio DOC
Northern Tuscan Maremma area
What are the sweetness levels avaialble for Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC(!)?
- Secco (dry)
- Abbocato (medium dry)
- Amabile (medium sweet)
What is traditional ageing containers used by traditional Brunello producers?
Large Slavonian oak botti (some uses large botti made with French oak)
List three typical grape varieties that Super Tuscan red wines are crafted from as well as three other grapes that may be added in smaller portion.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
- Syrah
- Sangiovese
What is the ageing rquirement of Suvereto DOCG Riservas?
24 months with at least 18 months in oak and six months in bottle.
List two DOCG appellations in Val di Cornia DOC.
- Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG (!)
- Suverto DOCG (!)
What are four types of wines produced in Suvereto DOCG - one red blend made of which grapes, three varietal grapes?
- Red based on Cabernet Sauvignon andor Merlot
- Sangiovese
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
True or False
Bolgheri had no wine making tradition until the release of the first vintage of Sassicaia in the 1970s.
True
What are grape requirements for Carmignano DOCG (!)?
Red wines based on a minimum of 50% Sangiovese and between 10-20% Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Framc.
They sometimes include a small addition of Canaiolo and Merlot.
What is the minimum alcohol by volume and aging requirement for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG(!)?
- 13% Minimum alcohol by volume
- At least 30 months ageing
- Subject to laboratory anaysis and tasting commission approval
This DOCG appellation produces the most well known wine of the Southern Maremma. The area has a warm Mediterranean climate.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG (!)
What led to the decline of Chianti wines between the late 19th century and 20th century after adopting the formula suggested by Baron Bettino Riscasoli?
The producers began to replace Malvasia with the more productive and lesser quality Trebbiano and often in larger quantities than 15%.
The use of white grapes, and in particular, Trebbiano, ultimately resulted in lighter, more dilute wines and considerabley changed the character of the finished product.