Toscana: Coastal Appellations Flashcards
1
Q
Name the appellations of the Northern Tuscan Coast.
A
- Montecarlo DOC
- Candia dei Apuani DOC
- Colline Lucchesi DOC
- Colli di Luni DOC
2
Q
Where is Montecarlo DOC located?
A
It is a small town located on the eastern outskirts of Lucca in Northern Tuscana.
3
Q
What styles of wine are produced in Montecarlo DOC?
A
- Bianco
- Rosso
- Rosso Riserva
- Vin Santo
- Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice
- Varietal wines
4
Q
What white grape varieties are used to produce wines in Montecarlo DOC?
A
White wines are based on Trebbiano, but require the addition of at least 3 other complementary grapes such as:
* Pinot Bianco
* Semillon
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Roussane
5
Q
What red grape varieties are used to produce wines in Montecarlo DOC?
A
Red wines are based on Sangiovese complemented with other grapes such as:
* Canaiolo
* Merlot
* Syrah
6
Q
Where is the Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC located?
A
It lies along the Ligurian border.
7
Q
What styles of wine are produced in Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC?
A
- frizzante
- bianco
- rosato
- rosso
- vin santo
- bianco vendemmia tardiva
- varietal wines
8
Q
What grapes are used to make white wine in Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC?
A
- Vermentino (both blend and varietal)
9
Q
What grapes are used to make red wine in Candia dei Colli Apuani DOC?
A
Blends:
* Sangiovese-based
Varietals:
* Barsaglina
* Vermentino Nero
Note: Barsaglina & Vermentino Nero are rare local red grapes.
10
Q
Where is Colline Lucchesi DOC located?
A
It encompasses the hills surrounding the northern outskirts of Lucca in Northern Tuscana.
11
Q
What styles of wine are produced in Colline Lucchesi DOC?
A
- bianco
- rosso
- riserva
- vin santo
- vin santo occhio di pernice
- varietal
12
Q
What varieties are used to produce wines in Colline Lucchesi DOC?
A
Blends:
* Trebbiano-based white
* Sangiovese-based red
Varietals:
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Vermentino
* Merlot
* Sangiovese
13
Q
Where is Colli di Luni DOC located?
A
This inter-regional DOC is shared between Liguria and Toscana. Most vineyards lie in Liguria but there are 3 small growing areas in the northwest corner of Tuscana.
14
Q
What styles of wines are produced in Colli di Luni DOC?
A
- bianco
- rosso
- rosso riserva
- Vermentino superiore
- varietal
15
Q
What grapes are used to produce wines in Colli di Luni DOC?
A
- Vermentino (most prominent)
- Sangiovese-based red
16
Q
Name the appellations of Northern Tuscan Maremma.
A
- Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
- Bolgheri DOC
- Val di Cornia DOC
- Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG
- Suvereto DOCG
Minor DOCs:
* Terratico di Bibbona DOC
* Montescudaio DOC
17
Q
Where is Bolgheri located?
A
This tiny hamplet is located in the northwestern coastal portion of Maremma.
The winegrowing area lies on a strip of land between the Ligurian Sea and a series of north-south running hills that parallel the coastline.
18
Q
What is the climate in Bolgheri?
A
Mediterranean-influenced; more temperate and warmer than the inland hills.
19
Q
What types of soils are found in Bolgheri?
A
- alluvial soils with high pebble & gravel content
- soils of marine origin composed of sand, limestone and clay
- some volcanic elements.
20
Q
Where are the vineyards planted in Bolgheri?
A
The vineyards gradually rise from the flat coast onto the west-facing slopes of hills running parallel to the sea. However, most of the vineyards are located on the flats.
21
Q
How long has wine tradition been practiced in Bolgheri?
A
The area had no wine making tradition until the release of the first vintage of Sassicaia in the 1970s. The area’s reputation began with this iconic wine.
22
Q
Where does Sassicaia get its name from?
A
It derives from the word “sassi” meaning stones and it is used to indicate a stony site.
23
Q
When was the Bolgheri DOC modified to include Sassicaia?
A
1994; this modification allowed for the production of red wine throughout the region.
24
Q
When did Sassicaia achieve its own official sub-zone within the Bolgheri DOC?
A
2013; Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC was created.
The only case of an appellation granted for a single estate wine in Italy.
25
Name the single estate wine that is the only case of an appellation granted in Italy.
**Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC**
26
What are the requirements of wines produced in **Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC** according to the disciplaire?
* min. 80% **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* aged min. 24 months
* min 18 months in oak barrels
27
What grapes and percentages has **Sassicaia** been crafted with since its first release?
* 85% **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* 15% **Cabernet Franc**
28
When/why was the **Bolgheri DOC** created?
In **1983**, for **whites** and **roses** - the only wines produced in this area at the time.
29
Name the estates that helped transform **Bolgheri** into one of the most dynamic and promising districts for fine red wines in Italy, as of the 1980s and thoughout the 1990s.
* **Grattamacco**
* **Tenuta dell'Ornellaia**
* **Le Macchiole**
* **Michele Satta**
* **Ca' Marcanda**
* **Guado al Tasso**
Among others.
30
What are **Super Tuscans**?
An unofficial category of generally high-quality, pricey red wines that started to emerge between the late 1960s and the early 1970s. They are made using international grapes and/or non-traditional blending formulas and matured in new, small, French oak barrels.
**Sassicaia** was the original prototype.
31
Where is the epicenter for the **Super Tuscan** winemaking movement?
In the **Chianti** district, in particular, **Chianti Classico**.
Wines here became the groundswell for this phenomenon and included:
* *Antinori's* **Tignanello**
* *Tenuta San Felice's* **Vigorello**
Despite the prototype, **Sassicaia**, being produced in **Bolgheri**.
32
What grapes are used to produce red wines in **Bolgheri DOC**?
Red wines usually crafted from:
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* **Merlot**
* **Cabernet Franc**
With small additions of:
* **Petit Verdot**
* **Syrah**
* **Sangiovese**
33
What style of wine is typically produced in **Bolgheri DOC**?
Bordeaux style:
* aged in small French oak barrels
* varying proportions of new oak.
Other wine styles:
* *bianco*
* *rosato*
* varietal
34
What are the characteristics of wines from **Bolgheri DOC**?
The palate combines suppleness with dense velvety tannins.
The best examples combine richness with elegance.
35
What are the 2 categories of red wine within **Bolgheri DOC** and their requirements?
* **Bolgheri Rosso DOC**: cannot be released before September 1st of the year after the vintage.
* **Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC**: must be aged for a minimum of 2 years (min. 1 year in oak). Generally reserved for an estate's top wine.
36
What grapes are used to produce white wines in **Bolgheri DOC**?
Varietal:
* **Vermentino**
White wines account for a very small proportion of the production today.
37
In the mid-1990s, when the price of land in **Bolgheri** began to skyrocket, where did investors/producers buy land?
**Valdi Cornia**; the mild climatic conditions are very similar to **Bolgheri** and quite suitable for Bordeaux grapes.
38
Where is Val di Cornia DOC located?
This appellation is located by the coast in central *Tuscana* or northern *Maremma*. It is surrounds Bolgheri to the east and south.
39
What types of soil are in Val di Cornia?
* From light alluvial mixes of sand and silt
* to heavier alluvial soils composed of silt and clay
40
What styles of wine are produced in Val di Cornia DOC?
* *bianco*
* *rosato*
* *superiore*
* *passito*
* varietal
41
What grapes are used to produce white wine in Val di Cornia DOC?
Varietal:
* **Vermentino**
* **Ansonica**
Blend:
* **Vermentino**-based
42
What grapes are used to produce red wine in Val di Cornia DOC?
Varietal:
* **Sangiovese**
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* **Merlot**
* **Ciliegiolo**
43
When was **Val di Cornia Rosso** elevated to it's own **DOCG**?
2011
44
Where is **Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG** located?
This appellation shares the same zone of production as **Val di Cornia DOC**.
45
What grapes are used to produce wines from **Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG**?
A red blend is produced based on:
* **Sangiovese**
* (and) **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* (and/or) **Merlot**
46
What are the requirements for wines produced in **Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG**?
*Riservas*:
* min. 24 months aging
* min. 18 months in oak
* min. 6 months in bottle
47
When was **Suvereto** separated and elevated to **DOCG** status?
**2011**; it was previously under the **Val di Cornia DOC**.
48
Where is **Suvereto DOCG**?
This former subzone of the **Val di Cornia DOC** is located around the medieval village of *Suvereto*.
Most of the estates in Val di Cornia are found here.
49
Name the 4 types of wine produced in **Suvereto DOCG**.
1. a red based on **Cabernet Sauvignon** and/or **Merlot** (labeled as **Suvereto DOCG**)
2. varietal **Sangiovese**
3. varietal **Cabernet Sauvignon**
4. varietal **Merlot**
50
What are the requirements for wines produced in **Suvereto DOCG**?
*Riservas*:
* min. 24 months aging
* min. 18 months in oak
* min. 6 months in bottle
51
Where is Terratico di Bibbona DOC located?
It lies on a strip of coast that extends from the city of Livorno to the Bolgheri DOC.
52
What styles of wine are produced in Terratico di Bibbona DOC?
* *bianco*
* *rosso*
* varietal
53
What grapes are used to produce wines in Terratico di Bibbona DOC?
Blends based on:
* **Vermintino**
* **Sangiovese**
* **Merlot**
Various varietal wines.
54
Where is Montescudaio DOC located?
It lies between the city of *Livorno* and the **Bolgheri DOC**, inland from the coast. It is in Northern Coastal Tuscan Maremma.
55
What styles of wine are produced in Montescudaio DOC?
* **bianco**
* **rosso**
* **riserva**
* **vin santo**
56
What grapes are used to make wines in Montescudaio DOC?
Blends based on:
* **Trebbiano**
* **Sangiovese**
Multiple varietal wines.
57
Name the appellations of *Southern Tuscan Maremma*.
* Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC
* **Montecucco DOC**
* **Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG**
* **Morellino di Scansano DOCG**
* Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC
* Bianco di Pitigliano DOC
* Sovana DOC
* **Maremma Toscana DOC**
Minor DOCs:
* Capalbio DOC
* Parrina DOC
58
Where is Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC located?
It lies in the northernmost part of the Southern Maremma.
59
What styles of wine are produced in Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC?
* *bianco*
* *rosso*
* *rosato*
* *novello*
* *riserva*
* *vin santo*
* *vin santo occhio di pernice*
* varietal wines
60
Which region has attracted considerable investment and an influx of new producers, both Italian and non-Italian, in Tuscana?
Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC
61
What grapes are used to produce wines in Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC?
Blends based on:
* **Sangiovese**
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* **Merlot**
* **Syrah**
* **Trebbiano**
* **Vermentino**
62
Where is the winegrowing area of **Montecucco DOC/DOCG** located?
It is inland on the gentle hills running northeast of *Grosseto* to the foothills of *Mount Amiata*. The *Orcia River* separates this appellation from **Montalcino** to the north.
63
How do topographical features contribute to the climate of **Montecucco**?
The warm mediterranean climate is moderated by:
* its more inland position
* elevation
* plethora of wind currents
The area benefits from significant diurnal temperature swings.
64
How long has the winemaking tradition been practiced in **Montecucco**?
Since the 1990s, when producers, attracted by the suitable growing conditions and low land prices, established new estates.
65
What styles of wine are produced in **Montecucco DOC**?
* *bianco*
* *rosato*
* *rosso*
* *rosso riserva*
* *vin santo*
* *vin santo occhio di pernice*
* Vermentino
66
What grapes are used to produce wines in **Montecucco DOC**?
Blends based on:
* Sangiovese
* Trebbiano
67
What are the requirements for wines produced from **Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG**
* min. 90% Sangiovese
* min. 1 year aging in wood
*Riserva*:
* min. 2 years aging in oak
* min. 6 months aging in bottle
68
How many MGAs (UGAs) are there for **Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG**?
25
69
What is the most well-known wine of the Southern Maremma?
**Morellino di Scansano DOCG**
70
Where is **Morellino di Scansano DOCG** located?
It surrounds the small village of *Scansano* in *Southern Maremma* (Tuscana).
71
What is the climate in **Morellino di Scansano DOCG**?
Warm, Mediterranean.
72
What are the requirements for grapes used in wines from **Morellino di Scansano DOCG**?
Made from:
* min. 85% **Morellino** (Sangiovese)
* remaining 15% often includes one or more grapes such as:
* **Alicante** (Cannonau)
* **Ciliegiolo**
* **Merlot**
* among others
Some producers use 100% Sangiovese
73
What are the requirements for riserva wines from **Morellino di Scansano DOCG**?
* min. 2 years aging
* min. 1 year in oak
74
What are the characteristics of wines from **Morellino di Scansano DOCG**?
Usually soft and fruit-forward.
The *Riserva* is fuller, more complex and structured.
75
Where is Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC located?
This small appellation is located in southern Toscana/Maremma. It includes the island of Giglio, the tiny peninsula of Argentario (which faces the island), and the hills that lie beyond the peninsula.
76
What wine is produced in Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC?
A white wine made from a minimum of 85% **Ansonica**.
77
What is significant about the island of Giglio (Isola del Giglio)?
Ansonica produced here has its own specific MGA.
78
Where is Bianco di Pitigliano DOC located?
In southern Toscana/Maremma, overlapping the appellation of Sovana and the eastern half of the **Morellino di Scansano DOCG**.
79
What styles of wine are produced in Bianco di Pitigliano DOC?
* *bianco*
* *bianco superiore*
* *spumante*
* *vin santo*
80
What grapes are used to produce wines in Bianco di Pitigliano DOC?
Only **Trebbiano**-based white wines.
81
Where is Sovana DOC located?
This tiny, medieval hamlet is near *Pitigliano* in southern Tuscana/Maremma, situated at the border with *Lazio*.
82
What styles of wine are produced in Sovana DOC?
* *rosso*
* *rosato*
* *superiore*
* *riserva*
* Aleatico *passito*
* varietals
83
What grapes are used to produce wines in Sovana DOC?
* Only red wines
* blends are based on Sangiovese
* Varietal wines from local varieties
* Varietal wines from international grapes
84
When was **Maremma Toscana** elevated from and **IGT** to **DOC** status?
2011
85
What area does **Maremma Toscana DOC** cover?
All of *Maremma* within *Tuscana*.
86
What styles of wines are produced in **Maremma Toscana DOC**
* *spumante*
* *bianco*
* *rosato*
* *rosso*
* *novello*
* *vendemmia tardiva*
* *passito*
* *vin santo*
* varietal
Due to the large and diverse zone of production, a wide range of grapes and wine styles are permitted by law. The wines range from high-quality premium bottlings to simple, easy-drinking examples.
87
What grapes are used to produce wines in **Maremma Toscana DOC**?
Blends:
* **Sangiovese**-based *rosso*
* **Trebbiano**-based *bianco*
* **Vermentino**-based *bianco*
Varietals:
* local grapes
* international grapes
88
Where is Capalbio DOC located?
It surrounds the medieval village of *Capalbio* in close proximity to the sea in southern Maremma/Toscana, bordering *Lazio*.
89
What styles of wines are produced in Capalbio DOC?
* *bianco*
* *rosato*
* *rosso*
* *rosso riserva*
* *vin santo*
* varietals
90
What grapes are used to produce wines in Capalbio DOC?
* White wines based on **Trebbiano**
* Red wines based on **Sangiovese**
91
Where is Parrina DOC located?
This tiny appellation is completely surrounded by the Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC and is situated in southern Maremma/Toscana.
92
What styles of wine are produced in Parrina DOC?
* *bianco*
* *rosso*
* *riserva*
* *vin santo*
* varietals
93
What grapes are used to produce wines in Parrina DOC?
White wines based on:
* **Trebbiano**
* **Ansonica**
* **Vermentino**
Red wines based on:
* **Sangiovese**
94
What is Italy's third larged island?
**Elba**
95
Where is the island of **Elba** located?
It lies about 6mi/10km off the coast of Tuscana, sandwiched between the *Ligurian Sea* to the north and the *Tyrrhenian Sea* to the south.
96
What does *insula vini ferax* mean? What is its significance?
"*The island fertile of wine*." This is how Pliny the Elder described the island of **Elba** during Roman times.
The sweet Passito wines made in Elba have been highly praised by illustrious figures like the Medici family and Napoleon. (Napoleon was kept in exile on the island between 1814 and 1815).
97
Where in **Elba** are vineyards planted?
The island is mainly hills and rocks with a massif on its western side. Most vineyards lie on steep narrowly terraced slopes sustained by dry-stone walls, a small percentage of vines are located on relatively flatter inland areas.
98
Name the apellations of **Elba**.
* **Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG**
* Elba DOC
99
When was **Elba Aleatico Passito** separated from the Elba DOC and elevated to DOCG status?
2011
100
What wine is produced in **Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG**?
Sweet red *passito* wines from 100% **Aleatico**.
101
What are the requirements for the grapes used in winemaking in **Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG**?
Grapes must be air-dried for a minimum of 10 days.
102
What are the characteristics of wines from **Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG**?
Ruby-garnet with purple highlights. They are intensely aromatic with a distinctive grapey-Muscat character that hints of rose, violet, cherry and jam.
103
What styles of wine are produced from Elba DOC?
* *bianco*
* *rosso*
* *rosso riserva*
* *rosato*
* *spumante*
* *passito*
* *vin santo*
* *vin santo occhio di pernice*
* varietals
104
What grapes are used to produce wines in Elba DOC?
Blends:
* *Elba Bianco*: a white blend based on **Trebbiano** (locally called **Procanico**)
* Red wine based on Sangiovese
Varietal:
* *Elba Ansonica* (one of the most distinctive)
