Tuscany Flashcards
What was the first vintage of Sassicaia
1968
What is the hot humid wind from Africa that brings frequent rains?
Scirocco
Where is Cortona located and what are the primary grapes
NE of Montepulciano
Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot
What are the grapes of Carmignano
Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Where is Val di Cornia located and what are the primary grapes
South of Bolgheri
Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese
What are the grapes of Elba
Aleatico, Sangiovese, Ansonica, Vermentino
Which Tuscan White DOC wines are based on Ansonica?
Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario
Elba
Maremma Toscana
Val di Cornia
What area of Italy grows the most Ansonica
Sicily
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is also know as what Ligurian Grape
Piccabon
What Soils does Vernaccia di San Gimignano prefer
Marl Chalky Soils
Tuffa Sandy
What is unique about Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine style
It is quite tannic for a white and was often referred to as the red wine in white clothing
What Tuscan DOC/G use Aleatico
Elba Aleatico Passito
Sovana
Val di Cornia
Which two regions are considered grand crus for Aleatico
Elba and Capraia
Why is Canaiolo Nero a minor player in today
It did not adapt well to American rootstock and is difficult to graft
Where are the best Ciliegiolo wines produced
Maremma
Ciliegiolo vines grow best in what type of soil
those with excellent drainage
Besides Morellino, Brunello and Prugnelo, what other synonyms does Sangiovese go by?
Nielluccio
Toustain
When was Sangiovese first mentioned
1590
What are the three best soils for Sangiovese
Alberese - clay, marl, limestone
Sandstone
Galestro - schistous shale
Describe the best climate for Sangiovese
cool climate with large temperature diurnal and long growing seasons
Summers need to be warm and autumn long and dry
What are Sangioveses best blending partners
Canaiolo Nero
Malvasia Nero
Colorino
Mammolo
Which grape is considered Sangiovese soul partner - why?
Canaiolo Nero - it accentuates sangiovese floral and mitigates the tannin
Who invented the Chianti formula and what is that formula
Bettino Ricasoli
7/10 Sangioves
2/10 Canaiolo Nero
1/10 Malvasia Blanca Lugna
How many clones of Sangiovese are registered
102
Who defined the Chianti Classico borders and and when
Grand Duke Cosmo Ill de Medici
1716
Which 4 townships fall completely with Chianti classico
Castellina
Gaiole
Greve
Radda
Which 4 townships are partly in Chianti Classico
Barberino Tavarnelle
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Poggibonsi
San Casciano Val di Pesa
What is the wine style of Castellina in Chianti
Potentially the most balanced with sneaky power, elevated acidity and darker colors
What is the wine style of Gaiole in Chianti
Hard to generalized as topography, soils, and altitudes vary greatly
What is the wine style of Castelnuovo Berardenga in Chianti
Generally powerful and fleshy
What is the wine style of Greve in Chianti
somewhere between Gaiole and Castellina
What is the wine style of Radda in Chianti
the sleekest and most refined
Which non-classico Chianti is closest in quality to classico
Chianti Rufina
How do the Apennienes Mountains impact Chianti Rufina
Large Temperature diurnals
very cold nights
Slow and long ripening season
What are the 4 quadrants of Montalcino
Northeast
Northwest
Southeast
Southwest
In general, Montalcino northern quadrants produces what style of wine?
Cooler micro climates so the wines are sleeker, more floral and minerally with elevated acids
In general, what is the style of Montalcino wines from the southeastern sector.
they are the broadest and most powerful
In general, what is the style of Montalcino wines from the southwestern sector.
Depends. Higher on the slope by Sant’ Angelo Colle are rich but graceful. Those lower on the slope by Sant Angelo Scalo can be super ripe.
What is the most important town in Northeast Montalcino and describe its wine style
Torrenieri
Cool Climate with alluvial and volcanic rock
Early appeal, rich, dense, flinty
What are the two most important towns in Southeastern Montalcino
Montalcino
Castelnuovo Dell’Abate
What are the soils and wine style of wines from the Montalcino area of Montalcino
Galestro rich soils
Most balanced of all Brunellos
combines sleekness and elegance of the north with fleshy richness of the south
What is the wine style of Castelnuovo Dell’Abate
Very warm subregion
Big, ripe and fleshy wines
What are the 4 most important towns of Southwestern Montalcino
Camigliano
Tavernelle
Sant’ Angelo Colle
Sant Angelo Scalo
What is the wine style of Camigliano Montalcino
Powerful, chunky wines, with lower acidity and strong mineral, briny character
What is the wine style of Tavernelle Montalcino
Galestro and clay - hot
Luscious fruit, firm acid backbone
What is the wine style of Sant Angelo Scalo Montalcino
Very Ripe to overripe, with elevated alcohol, restrained acid, broad, luscious
What is the wine style of Sant Angelo Colle Montalcino
Great exposure - clay rich soil
Rich, deeply colored wines, with ripeness and elevated acidity
What makes Colorino family of grapes unique and which is the best
They are teinturiers and provide Sangiovese with deep color.
It has a gamey peppery character like syrah
Colorino del Valdarno is the best
What is Mammolo’s signature character and which wine did it play a larger role
intense Violet aroma
Vino Nobile Montepulciano
