Tuscany Flashcards
When was Chianti first demarcated?
1716 by Cosimo III de’Medici by Bando
Who came up with the modern formula for Chianti?
Bettino Ricasoli at Catello di Brolio
What is the Gallo Negro?
The black rooster required to be on every bottle of Chianti Classico
What Tuscan DOCG are non-contiguous?
Chianti
Vino Nobile de Montepulciano
How many subzones of Chianti are there? Name them.
7
Rufina
Montalbano
Colli Fiorentini
Colli Senesi
Colli Arentini
Colline Pisane
Montespertoli
When did Bordeaux shaped bottles become the choice of the majority in Chianti Classico? What did they replace?
1969 replacing the Fiasci
Name 5 super Tuscans that are 100% Sangiovese
Cepparello (Isole e Olena)
Flaccianello della Pieve (Fontodi)
Percarlo (San Guisto a Retennano)
Fontalloro (Felsina)
Le Pergole Torte (Montevertine)
When did the region of Chianti Classico ban the production of Chianti within it?
2010
What is a UGA? What does it stand for?
An identification of a specific village or commune within Chianti Classico
Unita Geographiche Aggiuntive
How many UGA are authorized in Chianti Classico?
11
What are the Florentine communes of Chianti Classico production
Greve
Barberino Tavarnelle
San Cassiano Val di Pesa
What are the Sienna communes of Chianti Classico Production?
Rada
Gaiole
Catellina
Castelnuovo Beradenga
Poggibonsi
San Donato
What are the four soils of Chianti Classico?
Galestro ** (Friable Schistic clay)
Alberese ** (hard marlstone)
Macigno (Gray Blue Sandstone)
Calcareous Tufa
What is the Chianti Classico 2000 Initiative?
Research that began in 1988 to find higher quality clonal material for Sangiovese
How did the Chianti Classico 2000 initiative change the landscape of Chianti Classico?
Widespread replanting of vineyards starting in the 1990’s (roughly 60% has been replanted since the late 90’s)
Vine density increased from 5000 to 7000 vines per hectare
What vine training system is favored now? What was used historically?
Guyot now
Alberello (bush vine) historically
Sangiovese must comprise what % of the blend in Chianti?
70%
Sangiovese must comprise what % of the blend in Chianti Classico?
80%
What variety can Colorino be likened to in another classic wine region?
Petit Verdot in Bordeaux
What are the named grapes approved for Chianti and Chianti Classico?
Sangiovese
Canaiolo
Malvasia Nera
Colorino
Ciliegiolo
Mammolo
May white grapes be added to Chianti? Chianti Classico?
Yes - up to 10% in Chianti
No in Chianti Classico
What is the Governo technique? Why might it be used?
Only permitted in Chianti DOCG
Essentially, partially dried grapes or fresh grapes/must are added midway through fermentation in order to prevent a stuck fermentation
If the Governo Technique is used, how must it be indicated on a bottle of Chianti?
with “Governo all’uso Toscano” on label
When may Chianti be released?
Not until March 1 of year following harvest
When may Chianti Superior be released?
Not until September 1 of year following harvest
When May Chianti Riserva be released?
January 1 of 3rd year following harvest (2 yrs min aging)
When may Chianti Classico be released?
Not until October 1 of year following harvest
Aging requirements for Chianti Classico Riserva?
Min 24 months aging from January 1 of year following harvest w/ min 3 mo in bottle
Aging requirements for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Min 30 mo aging from January 1 of year following harvest
Min 3 mo in bottle
% of sangiovese required for Gran Selezione wine?
90
What was the first vintage permitted for Gran Selezione?
2010
Must gran selezione wine be estate grown?
No - can be acquired from long term contract
For what style of wine was Montalcino historically renown?
Moscadello
Who was the first to make a 100% sangiovese Montalcino wine?
Clemente Santi
Is Biondi Santi ‘Il Greppo’ Riserva aged in barrique or botti?
Botti
Who was Giulio Gambelli?
Consultant who went all over Tuscany but pretty much created Montalcino that we know today
Who were the Mariani brothers?
American/Italians who founded Villa (now Castello) Banfi in 1978
What Chianti Subzone is Montalcino a part of?
Colli Sinesi
What is the major clone used in Brunello production?
B-BS11 isolated at Biondi Santi
Aging requirement for Rosso di Montalcino
Not released until Sept. 1 of year following
Aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino
2 years in 2ood w/ 4 mo in bottle but not sold until January 1 of 5th year following harvest
Aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva?
Min 2 years in wood & 6 mo in bottle but not sold until January 1 of 6th year following harvest
What is the major vinification hazard for Brunello wines?
oxidation
What is produced in greater quantity: Rosso or Brunello
Brunello (8 million btl annually compared to 4.5 million for Rosso)
Who produces sparkling Moscadello di Montalcino?
Il Poggione
