Tuscany Flashcards
What is the main grape used in Morellino di Scansano?
At least 85% Sangiovese
What are the requirements for Carmignano DOCG?
Carmignano DOCG requires a minimum of 50% Sangiovese, and 10-20% of some combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc.
What grapes are permitted in Chianti DOCG?
Chianti DOCG must contain at least 70% Sangiovese. Other grapes permitted include Canailo Nero, “other suitable red varieties”, and the white grape varieties of Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia.
Where is Carmignano DOCG?
Tuscany.
Where is Morellino di Scansano DOCG?
Tuscany.
What wine from Tuscany was mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
What is Occhio di Pernice?
Ochio di Pernice is a light red or amber hued Vin Santo produced from Sangiovese.
What is Tignonello?
Tignonello is an early Super-Tuscan style wine created by Marchese Piero Antinori. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
When was the original “Super Tuscan” commercially released?
1968
Who released the first “Super Tuscan”?
Tenuta San Guido
What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Morellino di Scansano?
85%
What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
70%
What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Chianti Classico?
80%
What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Chianti?
70-100%
What percentage of wines made in Tuscany are red?
Almost 90%
What is Vin Santo?
A dessert wine from Tuscany made by hanging grapes in attic rafters to dry (similar to recioto). Typically sweet, can be dry.
What grapes are usually used in Vin Santo?
White grapes, from Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca Lunga. However, and light red/amber version may be made with Sangiovese.
How is Vin Santo made?
Grapes are harvested, hung in attic rafters to dry. They are crushed and put into small barrels that contain some lees from earlier vintages, which starts a new fermentation. They’re sealed, and kept in an attic for at least three years. Better producers age it 2-3 years longer.
What is Galestro?
Schist-based soil found in Tuscany.
What is the Biondi-Santi family known for?
Brunello di Montalcino - making the wine and helping to preserve the traditions of the region.
What is Ornellaia?
A brand of Super-Tuscan wines in Bolgheri, owned by Frescobaldi.
What is Ricasoli?
One of the oldest noble families of Tuscany. Substantial producer of Chianti Classico.
What is Sassicaia?
A Tuscan wine made largely from Cabernet Sauvignon. Has its own DOC as an official subzone of Bolgheri, the only wine from a single estate in Italy to have it.
What are the requirements for the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
It must be a red wine of at least 80% Cabernet Sauvignon.
What does Chianti Classico Gran Selezione mean?
It is meant to be the top wine from the region, exclusively from estate-grown grapes, and longer (30 months minimum) aging requirements, as well as stricter “technical and sensory parameters”
What is the Governo process?
It is a traditional winemaking technique in Tuscany. Grapes that were overripe on vine or dried after harvest are added to fermenting grapes. Extends fermentation, often initiates malolactic fermentation. Makes a richer, rounder wine with softer acids and less volatility.
Is the Governo process allowed for use in Chianti?
Yes.
What does the label term Governo all’uso Toscano mean?
It means that the governo process was used to produce the wine.
What is Solaia?
A Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc wine made in Tuscany - an early Super Tuscan.
What was the first Chianti wine described as in the 14th century?
A white wine.
What was Vino Vermiglio?
An early red Chianti wine during the Renaissance. It was not sucessful.
When and by whom were the first boundaries for Chianti established?
1716, by the Medicis.
Who was Baron Bettino Ricasoli?
He created the formula that is consided the classic Chianti mix - Sangiovese and Canaiolo, adding Malvasia for early drinkers.
When and why was the straw covering introduced and used for Chianti?
Beginning in the 15th century to protect the fragile blown glass used to hold the wine.
When was the classic Chianto formula first put into effect?
1872.
What is Rosso di Montepulciano?
A Younger, lighter, less complex, and less expensive version of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
What is Brunello di Montalcino?
A revered wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes in Tuscany.
What is Rosso di Montalcino?
A Younger, lighter, less complex, and less expensive version of Brunello di Montalcino.
The foothills of which mountains are associated with Chianti and Chianti Classico?
The Appenines.
What types of wine are allowed in the Terre di Pisa?
Red wines based on Sangiovese, and as of 2024 white and rose wines as well.
What are the seven Chianti DOCG Sub-regions?
Colli Arentini,
Colli Fiorentini,
Colli Senesi,
Colline Pisane
Montalbano
Montespertoli
Rufina
What are the DOC’s for Vin Santo in Tuscany
Vin Santo del Chianti
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico
Vin Santo di Montepulciano
Vin Santo di Carmignano
Can also be produced under Pomino and Elba DOCs.
