Tuscany

Question 1

What is the main grape used in Morellino di Scansano?

Answer 1

At least 85% Sangiovese

Question 2

What are the requirements for Carmignano DOCG?

Answer 2

Carmignano DOCG requires a minimum of 50% Sangiovese, and 10-20% of some combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc.

Question 3

What grapes are permitted in Chianti DOCG?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Where is Carmignano DOCG?

Answer 4

Tuscany.

Question 5

Where is Morellino di Scansano DOCG?

Answer 5

Tuscany.

Question 6

What wine from Tuscany was mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy?

Answer 6

Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Question 7

What is Occhio di Pernice?

Answer 7

Ochio di Pernice is a light red or amber hued Vin Santo produced from Sangiovese.

Question 8

What is Tignonello?

Answer 8

Tignonello is an early Super-Tuscan style wine created by Marchese Piero Antinori. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 9

When was the original “Super Tuscan” commercially released?

Answer 9

1968

Question 10

Who released the first “Super Tuscan”?

Answer 10

Tenuta San Guido

Question 11

What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Morellino di Scansano?

Answer 11

85%

Question 12

What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

Answer 12

70%

Question 13

What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Chianti Classico?

Answer 13

80%

Question 14

What percentage of Sangiovese is required for Chianti?

Answer 14

70-100%

Question 15

What percentage of wines made in Tuscany are red?

Answer 15

Almost 90%

Question 16

What is Vin Santo?

Answer 16

A dessert wine from Tuscany made by hanging grapes in attic rafters to dry (similar to recioto). Typically sweet, can be dry.

Question 17

What grapes are usually used in Vin Santo?

Answer 17

White grapes, from Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca Lunga. However, and light red/amber version may be made with Sangiovese.

Question 18

How is Vin Santo made?

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

What is Galestro?

Answer 19

Schist-based soil found in Tuscany.

Question 20

What is the Biondi-Santi family known for?

Answer 20

Brunello di Montalcino - making the wine and helping to preserve the traditions of the region.

Question 21

What is Ornellaia?

Answer 21

A brand of Super-Tuscan wines in Bolgheri, owned by Frescobaldi.

Question 22

What is Ricasoli?

Answer 22

One of the oldest noble families of Tuscany. Substantial producer of Chianti Classico.

Question 23

What is Sassicaia?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What are the requirements for the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?

Answer 24

It must be a red wine of at least 80% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 25

What does Chianti Classico Gran Selezione mean?

Answer 25

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"

Question 26

What is the Governo process?

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Is the Governo process allowed for use in Chianti?

Answer 27

Yes.

Question 28

What does the label term Governo all'uso Toscano mean?

Answer 28

It means that the governo process was used to produce the wine.

Question 29

What is Solaia?

Answer 29

A Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc wine made in Tuscany - an early Super Tuscan.

Question 30

What was the first Chianti wine described as in the 14th century?

Answer 30

A white wine.

Question 31

What was Vino Vermiglio?

Answer 31

An early red Chianti wine during the Renaissance. It was not sucessful.

Question 32

When and by whom were the first boundaries for Chianti established?

Answer 32

1716, by the Medicis.

Question 33

Who was Baron Bettino Ricasoli?

Answer 33

He created the formula that is consided the classic Chianti mix - Sangiovese and Canaiolo, adding Malvasia for early drinkers.

Question 34

When and why was the straw covering introduced and used for Chianti?

Answer 34

Beginning in the 15th century to protect the fragile blown glass used to hold the wine.

Question 35

When was the classic Chianto formula first put into effect?

Answer 35

1872.

Question 36

What is Rosso di Montepulciano?

Answer 36

A Younger, lighter, less complex, and less expensive version of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Question 37

What is Brunello di Montalcino?

Answer 37

A revered wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes in Tuscany.

Question 38

What is Rosso di Montalcino?

Answer 38

A Younger, lighter, less complex, and less expensive version of Brunello di Montalcino.

Question 39

The foothills of which mountains are associated with Chianti and Chianti Classico?

Answer 39

The Appenines.

Question 40

What types of wine are allowed in the Terre di Pisa?

Answer 40

Red wines based on Sangiovese, and as of 2024 white and rose wines as well.

Question 41

What are the seven Chianti DOCG Sub-regions?

Answer 41

Colli Arentini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane Montalbano Montespertoli Rufina

Question 42

What are the DOC's for Vin Santo in Tuscany

Answer 42

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.