Tuscany Flashcards
In what century was Tuscan winemaking first recorded?
700 BCE, even before the Etruscans.
What factor led to a resurgence of Tuscan wines in the 12th century?
Rise of noble families excursions into wine - Ricasoli, then Frescobaldi, Antinori.
When was the first written reference to Chianti recorded?
1404
What did Cosimo Medici do in 1716?
He defined four premier growing areas in Tuscany:
- Chianti
- Pomino
- Carmignano
- Valdarno di Sopra
What is the most celebrated white wine of Tuscany?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano (followed by Trebbiano)
Where were the super Tuscans born and who produced the first?
Bolgheri, Ornellaia
What are aging requirements for a Brunello di Montalcino?
Min 5 yrs (min 2 in wood, 4mos in bottle prior to release)
Min 6 yrs for Riservas
Montalcino wines are generally named for what?
The producer’s name or the name of their farm. Traditionally, they bought from multiple growers, so geography was unimportant.
What grapes are allowed in Brunello di Montalcino and Rooso di Montalcino?
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Rosso di Montal… is ready younger, generally a great value and the second label for most producers. Cash flow.
Primary white grapes of Tuscany
Trebbiano and Malvasia
What % of Sangio must be used in a Chianti DOCG?
70%
Remaining 30% mostly from s Canaiolo and Colorino
Of what significance to Chianti is Baron Bettino Ricasoli?
He created the recipe for Chianti
What is unique about the soils of Chianti?
They are 50KM from the sea and consist of high levels of decomposed coral
What soil types are in Colli Sinesi?
Iron - laden, so meatier wines, blood-notes.
What typifies wines from Ruffina area within Chiani?
High altitude
Colli Fiorentini is booming now because of what?
Global warming, great acidity from high dirurnal swings. Floral and complex.
What are the aging rewuirements in Chianti Classico?
All - 1yr
Riserva = 2 yrs
Gr Seleczione - 30 mos
What are soil types for ea sub-zone of Chianti Classico DOCG? (incompl)
Eastern - foothills of mountains Greve - Radda - very minerally Castelnuovo - compacted sandstone called Tufo (not same as elsewhere), so darker fruit , vibrant and soft Gaiole - juicier wines and good acidity
Compare Chianti and Montalcino
Brighter cherry notes in Chianti
Montalcino - darker
Both - bright acidity
Where is the Sangio biotype”Prugnolo Gentile” found
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Where is Carmignano DOCG located?
East of Firenze
Min of 50% Sangio
Remainder:
Canaiolo Nero, max. 20%; Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc
max. 20%; Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo Bianco and/or Malvasia del Chianti max.10%; other red grape varieties max. 10%
Where is best Vernaccia found
Base is the Latin word for “Local”
Best is from San Gimignano DOCG. It’s a non-aromatic white and translates the soil type very well, hence the importance of the ‘local’
