Tuscany Flashcards
What are the primary red grape varieties of Tuscany?
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah.
What are the primary white grape varieties of Tuscany?
Vernaccia, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Vermentino.
What is Tuscany’s climate?
Mediterranean with significant diurnal temperature variation in inland areas.
What is the primary soil type in Chianti Classico?
Galestro (crumbly marl) and alberese (limestone).
What are the five main rivers in Tuscany?
Arno, Ombrone, Orcia, Serchio, and Elsa.
What is the origin of the term ‘Super Tuscan’?
Refers to high-quality Tuscan wines made outside DOC/G rules, often with international grape varieties.
What are the three main DOCGs for Sangiovese?
Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
What is the significance of the ‘Gallo Nero’ (Black Rooster)?
It is the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium.
What is Governo all’Uso Toscano?
A traditional winemaking technique involving the addition of partially dried grapes during fermentation.
What is Vin Santo, and how is it made?
A sweet, oxidative wine made from dried Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, aged in small barrels.
What are the aging requirements for Chianti Classico DOCG?
Standard: 12 months; Riserva: 24 months; Gran Selezione: 30 months.
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required in Chianti Classico DOCG?
80%.
What are the subzones of Chianti DOCG?
Classico, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Montespertoli, Rùfina.
What distinguishes Chianti Rùfina?
Cooler climate and higher elevation, producing more aromatic and structured wines.
What is the maximum percentage of white grapes allowed in Chianti DOCG?
10% (though white grapes are not allowed in Chianti Classico).
What is the elevation range for Chianti Classico vineyards?
250-600 meters above sea level.
What distinguishes Gran Selezione in Chianti Classico?
Higher quality standards, must come from estate-owned vineyards, and requires longer aging.
What is the role of Canaiolo in Chianti blends?
Adds softness and floral notes.
What is the primary soil type in Chianti Rùfina?
Marl and clay.
What is the largest subzone of Chianti DOCG?
Colli Senesi.