Tuscany Flashcards
In what year was the Chianti zone first delimited, and by whom?
1716
Cosimo III de Medici
Who was responsible for the creation of Sassicaia?
Marquis Mario Rocchetta
What was the first vintage for Sassicaia?
1968
Who created Tignanello?
Piero Antinori
What was the first vintage for Tignanello?
1971
Describe the climate of Tuscany.
Maritime influence, continental
Long hot summers, harsh winters
What is the primary grape of Tuscany?
Sangiovese
Name two indigenous blending partners for Sangiovese in Tuscany.
Canaiolo
Colorino
Traditionally, what kind of oak was used for aging Tuscan wines?
Slavonian oak
True/False: Sangiovese is the most planted red varietal in Italy.
True
What is the most planted white grape in Italy?
Trebbiano Toscano
Name the most common blending partner for Trebbiano Toscano.
Malvasia
In what year was Chianti promoted to DOCG status?
1984
The area deliminted by Cosimo III de Medici is now known as what?
Chianti Classico
Name the 8 subregions of Chianti.
Classico Rufina Colli Fiorentini Colli Senesi Colline Pisane Colli Aretini Montalbano Montespertoli
In what year was Montespertoli added to the subzones of Chianti?
1997
Of Chianti’s 8 subzones, which two are considered the most consistent?
Classico
Rufina
Within what Chinati zone is Pomino DOC located?
Rufina
Name two top producers in Pomino DOC.
Frescobaldi
Fattoria Selvapiana
What differentiates Pomino DOC from Chianti DOCG?
Pomino DOC allows more international varieties in the blend (greater percentage)
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required for Chianti DOCG?
70%
Name the subzone of Chianti that requires a minimum 75% Sangiovese.
Colli Senesi
True/False: Chianti DOCG requires white grapes to be a part of the blend.
False
Blending white grapes is now optional.
Describe the purpose of “governo.”
1) Induce malolactic fermentation
2) Strengthen the wine
What is implied when a bottle has “Governo all’uso Toscano” listed on the label?
The wine was refermented with the juice from dried grapes.
When in Chianti normale allowed to be released?
March 1st of the year following harvest.
Chianti DOCG subzones from what province require longer aging than standard normale bottlings?
Firenze
Name the 3 Chianti DOCG subzones that are wholly located within Firenze.
Rufina
Colli Fiorentini
Montespertoli
For how long must Chianti riserva be aged prior to release?
2 years from January 1st following the harvest
What is the minimum abv required for Chianti Superiore?
12%
Name the 4 villages that comprise the Chianti Classico zone.
Radda
Gaiole
Castellina
Greve
What are the dominant soil types found in Chianti?
Galesto - soft marl
Alberese - sandstone
A minimum _____ % Sangiovese required in the Chianti Classico blend.
80%
True/False: White grapes may be blended in Chianti Classico DOCG.
False.
They’ve been banned since 2006
For how long must Chianti Classico wines be aged prior to release?
Until October 1st of the year following harvest (about 1 year)
What is the required elevage for wines labelled Chianti Classico Riserva?
2 years from January 1st following the harvest, with 3 months in bottle
What term denotes a wine from Chianti Classico aged 30 months from January 1st following the harvest?
Gran Selezione
In what year was Gran Selezione approved for Chianti Classico DOCG?
2013
In what year was Brunello di Montalcino established as a DOCG?
1980
Who is credited with creating the “Brunello style”?
Clemente Santi
In what year was Brunello first bottled?
1865
In what year was Brunello Riserva first released?
1888
With which famous estate is Clemente Santi associated?
Tenuta Greppo
Biondi-Santi
What clone of Sangiovese is authorized for the production of Brunello di Montalcino?
Sangiovese Grosso
aka Brunello
Normale bottlings of Brunello must be aged for how long?
Minimum 2 years in cask, 4 months in bottle
May not be released until Jan 1st of 5th year following harvest