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Italian Wine Scholar: Central & Southern Italy > Toscana: Terroir, Grapes, etc. > Flashcards

Toscana: Terroir, Grapes, etc. Flashcards

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1
Q

Where is Toscana located?

A

In the northwestern part of central Italy. The coast faces the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas on its western border; the Northern Apennines form its northeastern border.

The region includes the Archipelago Toscano (Tuscan Archipelago), a group of seven islands of which Isola d’Elba (Elba) is the largest.

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2
Q

How large is Toscana?

A

It is the largest of the central Italian regions.
More than 373 miles/600km of coast run along its western bank.

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3
Q

How much of the Toscana landscape is made up of hills, mountains and plains?

A
  • 67% hills
  • 25% mountains
  • 8% plains

The great majority of the landscape is hilly.

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4
Q

Where are the majority of Toscana’s vineyards planted?

A

On hills with elevations ranging between 500-1800ft/150-550m above sea level.

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5
Q

What is Maremma?

A

A large historic-geographic area shared between Toscana and Lazio. The borders are broadly and historically defined as the coastal territory stretching from south of Livorno in Toscana to the northern part of Lazio in the province of Viterbo. Portions reach inland.

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6
Q

Name the 3 main areas of Maremma.

A
  1. Northern Tuscan Maremma (Alta Maremma)
  2. Southern Tuscan Maremma (Maremma Grossetana): often simply called Maremma
  3. Maremma Laziale
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7
Q

How was Maremma transformed during the first half of the 20th century?

A

The area was a marshland and a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These swampy areas were drained and reclaimed during the first half of the 20th century.

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8
Q

What is the largest and longest river in Toscana?

A

Arno; it flows westward from the eastern side of Toscana passing through several major cities before emptying into the Ligurian Sea.

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9
Q

Name the rivers of Tuscana.

A
  1. Arno: largest & longest, located in northern Tuscana
  2. Ombrone: located in southern Tuscana
  3. Orcia: located in southern Tuscana
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10
Q

What is the climate in Toscana?

A

The region’s position at the head of the Italian peninsula marks an area of transition between the continental climate of the Padana Plain in the north and the more Mediterranean climate of central and southern Italy.

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11
Q

What are the topographical influences on climate in Toscana?

A
  • The Ligurian/Tyrrhenian seas exert a Mediterranean influence that is strongest on the coast.
  • Mediterranean influences decrease further inland and conditions become more continental.
  • The Apennines to the north protect the region from cool air currents (from the north) and form a rain barrier that makes the coastal and central-southern part of the region drier.
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12
Q

Where in Toscana will you find the highest temperatures?

A
  • The islands
  • Tuscan coast
  • southern part of Maremma

Average annual temperatures of 59°F/15°C.
The summer heat is partially mitigated by light sea breezes.

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13
Q

Where in Toscana will you find a greater change in temperature between the seasons?

A

Inland areas are characterized by colder temperatures in winter and hotter in summer making the climate continental. Winter can drop to freezing point and easily exceed 95°F/35°C during summer.

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14
Q

Where are the wettest areas in Toscana located?

A

Along the Apennines.

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15
Q

Where are the driest areas in Toscana located?

A

In the central and southern parts of the region. The island of Corsica blocks humid air currents coming from the west and southwest.

Drought can become a problem, especially in Maremma and southern Toscana.

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16
Q

What are Toscana’s soils mainly composed of?

A
  • clay
  • limestone
  • sandstone
    The crumbly nature of these materials is responsible for the gentle rolling shape of the hills in the central part of the region.

However, soils here are diverse and may change considerably even within the same appellation due to the complex geologic evolution of the region.

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17
Q

What are the 2 specific types of rock that characterize a large part of Toscana?

A
  • Galestro: a metamorphic rock, crumbly clayey, schist-like with sharp edges and a tendency to flake. Found in the central part of Toscana, particularly the area of Chianti Classico, Rufina and Montalcino.
  • Alberese: a fine-grained calcareous marl. Found in the central and southern part of Toscana, particularly Chianti Classico.
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18
Q

How much of Toscana’s vineyards are planted to red varieties?

A

More than 80%.

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19
Q

How much area do vineyards in Toscana account for?

A

Approx. 143,000 ac/58,000 ha

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20
Q

What percentage of Toscana’s vineyards are planted to Sangiovese?

A

More than 60%.

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21
Q

Name the native and traditional red varieties of Toscana.

A
  1. Sangiovese
  2. Canaiolo (Canaiolo Nero)
  3. Ciliegiolo
  4. Colorino (Colorino del Valdarno)
  5. Aleatico

Others:
* Mammolo
* Alicante (Cannonau)
* Malvasia Nera
* Montepulciano
* Ancellotta
* Barsaglina
* Vermentino Nero
* Pugnitello

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22
Q

Which grape is the most widely planted in, and the most representaive of, Toscana?

A

Sangiovese

It accounts for more than 60% of the total vineyard area in the region. It is the main component of the great majority of this region’s red wines.

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23
Q

What is the origin of the Sangiovese variety?

A

The lack of historic documents (no mention prior to the 16th century) and the extensive list of synonyms makes it difficult to track its true origin.
However, there is evidence to suggest that it is of southern Italian in origin.

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24
Q

Recent DNA analysis has shown that Sangiovese is a natural cross between which two varieties?

A
  • Ciliegiolo (Tuscan variety)
  • Calabrese Montenuovo (obscure southern variety)
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25
Q

What are the characteristics of the Sangiovese grape in the vineyard?

A
  • site-sensitive & demands extra care
  • early budding
  • late ripening
  • benefits from long growing season
  • prefers south-facing hillsides
  • prefers poor, well-drained soils
  • susceptible to bunch rot & oidium
  • drought- & wind-resistant
  • does not like excessive heat
  • enjoys substantial diurnal temperature swings.

Considered a difficult grape to cultivate.

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26
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Sangiovese?

A
  • Light to medium in color intensity
  • high acidity
  • tannic grip
  • violet, sour cherry, plum & tealeaf aromas
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27
Q

What is the origin of the name for Sangiovese?

A

There are several possible origins. It is classically associated with “Jupiter’s Blood” (Sanguis Jovis in Latin) because of its colour.

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28
Q

List the synonyms of Sangiovese.

A
  • Brunello in Montalcino
  • Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano
  • Morellino in Scansano
  • Sangiovese Grosso is adopted all over Toscana
  • Sangioveto is sometimes used in Chianti Classico
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29
Q

Which red varietal was widely planted in Toscana until the 18th century and was historically considered the principal red grape of Toscana before losing ground in favor of Sangiovese?

A

Canaiolo (Canaiolo Nero)

The decline further increased after phylloxera when it proved difficult to graft.

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30
Q

What is the chief usage of the Canaiolo grape in Toscana?

A

As a minor blending partner in Sangiovese-based wines. It softens Sangiovese’s rough edges and refines the perfume and the mouthfeel.

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31
Q

What does “Ciliegiolo” mean?

A

“Small cherry”; the name references the cherry aroma typical to this grape and its wines.

32
Q

How is Ciliegiolo used in Tuscana?

A
  • As a blending partner and softening agent for Sangiovese (due to its lower acidity).
  • produces single varietal wines in Maremma where it has adapted well to the warmer conditions
33
Q

What does “Colorino” mean?

A

“Little colored one”; it refers to the deep color of the grape’s skin and the wines produced from it.
This grape is used to deepen the colour of wines such as Chianti or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

34
Q

Which varietal is the Aleatico grape related to?

A

Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains); it also possesses the typical aromatic character of its kin.

35
Q

Where is the Aleatico grape grown?

A

On the Island of Elba, where it produces fragrant and distinctive sweet, red wines.

36
Q

Name the native and traditional white varieties of Toscana.

A
  1. Trebbiano Toscano
  2. Malvasia Bianca Lunga
  3. Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Others:
* Vermentino
* Ansonica (Inzolia)
* Moscato Bianco
* Canaiolo Bianco

37
Q

What is the most widely planted white variety in Toscana?

A

Trebbiano Toscano; however it is increasingly losing ground as producers grub it up in favor of varieties with more character.

38
Q

What trait is characteristic to the Trebbiano Toscano variety in the vineyard?

A

It is highly productive.

39
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Trebbiano Toscano?

A
  • light
  • crisp
  • fairly neutral
40
Q

What types of wines are made using Trebbiano Toscano?

A
  • used to add acidity in white blends
  • traditionally was one of two white grapes permitted in the Chianti blend; rarely used for this anymore
  • more prominent role in Vin Santo
41
Q

What is the Trebbiano Toscano variety called in France?

A

Ugni Blanc; in France, it is largely distilled to produce base wine for cognac.

42
Q

What is the Malvasia Bianca Lunga grape also known as?

A

Malvasia del Chianti; since it has been grown in the Chianti area for centuries.

43
Q

What wines are produced from the Malvasia variety in Toscana?

A
  • was part of the traditional Chianti blend
  • main role is in Vin Santo where it provides body & perfume.
44
Q

Which of the white varieties is a very ancient Tuscan grape highly regarded since the Middle Ages?

A

Vernaccia di San Gimignano; it is almost entirely grown around the town of San Gimignano.

45
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from the Vernaccia di San Gigmignano grape?

A

Varietal wines:
* zesty
* dry

46
Q

What does Vernaccia mean and what is its significance in Italy?

A

It is believed to have been derived from the Latin “vernaculus” which means “indigenous” or “native”.

In Italy, it is a generic term used to indicate a group of unrelated varieties as well as the wine produced from them. The most important of these are: Vernaccia di San Gimignano & Vernaccia di Oristano.

47
Q

Rank the varietals grown in Toscana from most to least widely planted.

A
  1. Sangiovese (61%)
  2. Merlot (8%)
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon (6%)
  4. Trebbiano Toscano (6%)
  5. Vermentino (2%)
  6. Syrah (2%)
  7. Canaiolo Nero (2%)
  8. Malvasia Bianca Lunga (1%)
  9. Others (12%)
48
Q

How long have international red varietals been present in Toscana?

A

Since at least the 19th century. They have significantly increased in importance/plantings over the last 30 years.

49
Q

What boosted the success of international varieties in Toscana?

A
  • growing conditions are ideal
  • success of the Super Tuscans (largely crafted from international grapes)
50
Q

List the international varieties found in Toscana.

A
  1. Merlot
  2. Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Syrah
  4. Cabernet Franc
  5. Petit Verdot
  6. Pinot Nero (lesser extent)
51
Q

How much of the total plantings in Toscana are international red varieties?

A

Almost 20%.

52
Q

How has clonal research contributed to the success of Toscana?

A

Great efforts have been made on clonal research & clonal selection since the 1970s.

As of the 1980s & 1990s, research has been directed towards finding the best clones capable of delivering:
* lower yields
* higher quality fruit

53
Q

What is “Chianti Classico 2000”?

A

A long-term project developed by the Consorzio of Chianti Classico in collaboration with the Universities of Pisa & Firenze to develop high quality clones. It was Sangiovese-focused, but they researched high quality clones for other traditional varieties such as Colorino, Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera.

54
Q

What training systems are used in Toscana?

A

Several training/pruning systems are used, with the most common being:
* Archetto (variation of Guyot)
* Cordone Speronato (cordon spur)
* Guyot system

55
Q

What is the average vine density in Toscana?

A

Between 5,000 to 7,000 vines per hectare.

56
Q

Estates in Toscana are often named with one of 4 names. What are they?

A
  1. Podere (farm)
  2. Poggio (knoll)
  3. Castello (castle)
  4. Fattoria (farm)
57
Q

What is Vin Santo?

A

An ancient and traditional passito produced throughout the entire region of Toscana.

58
Q

Which varieties are used to make Vin Santo in Toscana?

A

Made from white grapes, typically Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca Lunga. It can be made from just one of these grapes but is commonly a blend of the two.

Trebbiano provides acidity.
Malvasia provides body, texture and perfume.

59
Q

What is Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice?

A

A rare, pink Vin Santo made from red grapes, usually Sangiovese. The name means “partridge eye”.

60
Q

Where does Vin Santo get its name?

A

There are many theories.
One of the most likely refers to the fact that the grapes were traditionally pressed and fermented during Holy Week.
Vin Santo means holy wine.

61
Q

How are the grapes for Vin Santo prepared prior to vinification?

A

Healthy, ripe grapes are picked and left to dry (appassimento) on racks or straw mats in specifica well-aerated rooms such as lofts. Sometimes grapes are left to dry by hanging from rafters.
The ensuing desiccation results in concentrated sugars.
Usually grapes are left to dry at least until December but can go as late as March.

62
Q

How is Vin Santo made in the winery?

A

Once the grapes have reached the desired sugar level, they are pressed. The dense, sugary must is then placed into old barrels known as caratelli (caratello, singular) where a slow fermentation and long maturation with take place.

63
Q

What size of caratelli are used in Vin Santo production and what type of wood?

A

They can vary in size, although 50L is the most common. Typically only filled to 4/5’s of their total volume.
They are made of:
* chestnut
* oak
* acacia
* juniper
* cherry

64
Q

Where are caratelli normally stored during the fermentation process of Vin Santo?

A

Traditionally in non-temperature controlled storage rooms or lofts called vinsantaie (vinsantaia, singular) where they are subjected to seasonal temperature fluctuations.

65
Q

How long is Vin Santo aged for in Toscana?

A

The minimum ageing period varies by DOC, but is usually between 2-3 years.
However, producers tend to age for longer periods than the minimum requirement in order to increase concentration, density and complexity.

66
Q

What is the madre?

A

Meaning “mother”, it is a thick deposit of wine-soaked lees and yeast cells left in the bottom when the caratello is racked.

Traditionally, the newly pressed grape juice will be put into the caratello along with the madre from the previous fermentation. Over the years, the madre will contain a complex blend of older Vin Santo, yeast cells and lees.

The quality and the character of the final Vin Santo is then very much dependent on the quality of the madre.

67
Q

What are the characteristics of a Vin Santo wine from Toscana?

A
  • intense
  • velvety
  • demonstrate a pleasant oxidative character
  • aromas/flavors of nuts, honey, hay, dried fruit, licorice, spice
  • may be produced in all sweetness levels (Dry is the least common)

The best examples of Vin Santo are among Italy’s best dessert wines.

68
Q

What are Cantucci?

A

A local Tuscan speciality, it is a type of hard, almond cookie. In a classic tradition, it is dunked into Vin Santo resulting in a cloudy glass of wine and soaked crumbs.

Few serious Vin Santo producers will ever suggest this method of enjoying their wine.

69
Q

What is the difference between Vin Santo and Vino Santo?

A

Vin Santo:
* From Tuscana
* produced from Trebbiano & Malvasia

Vino Santo:
* From Trentino
* Made from Nosiola
* usually sweeter
* slightly lower in alcohol

Slightly different production methods, different DOC requirements

70
Q

What is the relationship between Vin Santo and DOCs in Toscana?

A

Vin Santo is produced by several DOCs.
Some are exclusively dedicated to the production of Vin Santo and have their own DOC.
Others include Vin Santo within the range of wines they can produce.

71
Q

Toscana is responsible for how much of Italy’s total wine production?

A

Approx. 6% (2.7 million hl).

72
Q

How much of Toscana’s total wine production is red?

A

Almost 90%.

73
Q

What percentage of Toscana wines are DOC/G and IGT?

A
  • 65% DOC/G
  • 30% IGT
  • 5% wine w/o origin
74
Q

Why is the Toscana IGT an important category?

A
  • It includes a large number of Super Tuscans as well as red/white wines that do not fall within the Super Tuscan definition.
  • It is far more easily recognized in export markets than smaller lesser-known Tuscan DOCs.
  • It is one of Italy’s largest IGTs in terms of volume & value.
75
Q

How many DOC/Gs are there in Toscana as of 2016?

A
  • 11 DOCGs
  • 41 DOCs

Only Piemonte has more DOC/G appellations.

Italian Wine Scholar: Central & Southern Italy (29 decks)

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