Tuscany Flashcards
1
Q
In 1872, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, later prime minister of Italy, recommended that which variety should dominate in Chianti, and which variety should be used to soften blends
A
Sangiovese, softened with Malvasia
2
Q
In which year did the Dalmasso commission create an enlarged area, named Chianti, covering 7 subzones?
A
1932
3
Q
Why did the Dalmasso commission enlarge the Chianti area in 1932?
A
It enabled large producers and bottling companies to sell wine from a larger area with the prestigious name
4
Q
Up until the Second World War, sharecropping was common in Tuscany. Explain how sharecropping worked and what this meant for quality.
A
Landowners would let farmers use their land in return for half of the production. This meant that there was little incentive to improve the quality of the wines
5
Q
What happened in Tuscany after the Second World War that led to a rise in quality?
A
There was more investment in the area, particularly in Chianti Classico DOCG
6
Q
In what year was Sassacaia from Tenuta San Guido first made?
A
1968
7
Q
In what year was Tignanello first made?
A
1971
8
Q
Explain how Super Tuscan’s of the 80s were different to the Tuscan wines before them (5)
A
Included international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon
International style (deep, fruity, vanilla and sweet spice)
New oak barriques rather than the large traditional botti
They were released as Vino da Tavola
Stimulus to raise the price and quality in general
9
Q
Why were Super Tuscans initially released as Vino da Tavola wines? (2)
A
They came from outside traditional growing areas
They did not follow the rules of the DOCs
10
Q
Are indigenous or international grapes dominant in Tuscany today?
A
Recent decades have seen the return of indigenous varieties, especially Sangiovese
11
Q
Is use of oak in Tuscan wines more or less restrained in wines today?
A
More restrained - producers are using more botti and tonneaux for ageing rather than barriques
12
Q
How would you describe the climate in Tuscany?
A
Warm Mediterranean climate
Its location close to the coast allows adequate rainfall
13
Q
When does most rain in Tuscany fall?
A
Autumn and winter
14
Q
Name five common climate hazards in Tuscany
A
Occasional spring frost Hail Rain at harvest Drought Prolonged high temperatures (causing cessation of photosynthesis)
15
Q
Give a typical tasting note for Sangiovese
A
Medium intensity Red cherry, red plum, herbal notes Medium to full bodied High acidity High tannin
Acceptable to outstanding
Inexpensive to premium
Main black grape in Tuscany
16
Q
On what aspect slopes does Sangiovese generally ripen best?
A
South and south east facing
17
Q
Is Sangiovese a late or early budding variety? Does this present any problems?
A
It’s an early budding variety, leaving it prone to spring frosts
18
Q
Is Sangiovese a late or early ripening variety? Does this present any problems?
A
It’s a late ripening variety, meaning it can be affected by autumn rains
19
Q
Does Sangiovese have thick or thin skins? Does this present any problems?
A
It has thin skins, meaning botrytis bunch rot can be an issue
20
Q
What vineyard management techniques can be employed to manage Sangiovese vines’ vigour? (5)
A
Green harvest
Cluster thinning
Trim canopy to avoid shading
Pruning for lower yield
Using lower yielding, higher quality clones
21
Q
Name the grape from the following characteristics:
Black grape Medium intensity Red cherry, red plum, herbal notes Medium to full bodied High acidity High tannin Thin skins Vigorous Early budding Late ripening Acceptable to outstanding Inexpensive to premium Main black grape in Tuscany
A
Sangiovese
22
Q
Give a tasting note for Trebbiano Toscano
A
Medium minus intensity
Lemon with herbal notes
Neutral
23
Q
Name the grape from the following characteristics:
White grape Medium minus intensity Lemon with herbal notes Neutral Ripens well in heat while retaining acidity Late budding Vigorous High yielding Decreasing in popularity Used for neutral whites and Vin Santo
A
Trebbiano Toscano
24
Q
Give a typical tasting note for Canaiolo Nero
A
Black grape
Red berried fruit, floral notes
Light tannin
Often used to smooth out Sangiovese blends
25
Name the grape from the following characteristics:
Black grape
Red berried fruit, floral notes
Light tannin
Often used to smooth out Sangiovese blends
Canaiolo Nero
26
What type of soils are best suited to Sangiovese?
Friable shale and limestone soils
| Also does well on clay
27
Describe Galestro soils and where these are found
Schistous clay and marl
Gives aromatic wines with ageing potential
Main soil in Chianti Classico
28
Describe Albarese soils and where these are found
Compact calcareous soils with clay
| Found throughout the Chianti region
29
What type of soils are found in the coastal region of Maremma?
Clay and gravel soils
| These are similar to soils found in Bordeaux, and as such are suited to Bordeaux grapes
30
What is the name given to compact calcareous soils that are found throughout the Chianti region?
Albarese
31
What is the name given to the schistous clay and marl soils that are found predominantly in the Chianti Classico
Galestro
32
How long would you typically macerate Sangiovese on skins if making an early drinking wine? Why?
7-10 days on skins
| Less tannin is extracted, giving wines with medium tannins
33
How long would you typically macerate Sangiovese on skins if making an ageworthy wine? Why?
15 to 25 days
| More tannin is extracted, giving the wine more structure for ageing
34
What is the name of the large appellation covering the central area of Tuscany? It surrounds the Classico appellation of the same name
Chianti DOCG
35
How would you describe the terrain of Chianti DOCG and at what altitude would you find most vineyards?
It is a hilly area, although most vineyards are at lower elevations (less than 300m above sea level)
36
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Chianti DOCG?
70 - 100%
37
What percentage of white grapes are permitted in Chianti DOCG?
up to 10%
38
What grapes are considered blending partners in Chianti DOCG?
Canaiolo
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon must not exceed 15% of the blend
39
What is the minimum ABV for Chianti DOCG?
11.5%
40
When is the earliest that producers can release Chianti DOCG wines?
March following the vintage
41
Give a typical tasting note for an inexpensive to mid priced Chianti DOCG wine
```
Light to medium flavour intensity
Red cherry fruit
High acidity
Medium body
Medium alcohol
Acceptable to very good
```
42
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Chiant Riserva DOCG?
2 years
Apart from wines in certain subzones, oak is not a requirement
43
What is the maximum yield for Chianti DOCG?
63hl/ha
44
What is the maximum yield for Chianti DOCG if a subzone is mentioned on the label?
56 hl/ha
45
What is the altitude in Chianti Rufina DOCG?
350m above sea level
46
Give two reasons why Chianti Rufina DOCG is the coolest subzone in Chianti
Altitude (350m)
| Cooling winds descend from a pass in the Apennine Mountains in the north
47
Compare how a Chianti Rufina DOCG might taste in comparison with Chianti DOCG
Higher acidity from higher elevations than Chianti DOCG
Fruit is more restrained when young than Chianti DOCG
More capacity to age than Chianti DOCG
48
Describe the price and quality of a typical Chianti Rufina DOCG wine
Mid priced
| Good to outstanding
49
Name the largest and warmest Chianti subzone
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
50
Name the coolest Chianti subzone
Chianti Rufina DOCG
51
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG?
75% - 100%
52
What proportion of Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG can be made up of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Up to 10%
53
What proportion of Chianti DOCG can be made up of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Up to 15%
54
Describe the price and quality of a typical Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG wine
Inexpensive to mid priced
| Acceptable to very good
55
Compared to Chianti DOCG, describe the wines of Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG in terms of body
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG wines are fuller and richer as they are from a warmer site
56
Where is Chianti Classico DOCG located?
Within the Chianti region, between Florence and Siena
57
At what elevations are the best Chianti Classico DOCG wines grown at?
Between 200 and 500m
58
How does the elevation in Chianti Classico aid ripening?
Provides high diurnal range
| Helps slow ripening, meaning flavours develop fully and acidity is retained
59
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Chianti Classico DOCG?
80% - 100%
60
What percentage of white grapes are permitted in Chianti Classico DOCG?
None!
61
What is the maximum yield for Chianti Classico DOCG?
52.5 hl/ha
62
When is the earliest that producers can release Chianti Classico DOCG wines?
October the year after harvest
63
How long must Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG be aged for?
2 years from the January following the harvest
64
Can Chianti Classico wines name the village and vineyard on the label?
The name of a single vineyard may be mentioned
| The name of key villages cannot be mentioned on labels
65
How has the style of Chianti Classico wines changed since the 1980s?
Following the prominence of Super Tuscan wines, many producers in the 80s and 90s made an international style of wine: deeper colour, more plummy and with lots of vanilla new oak character.
Recent trends have seen producers move towards a more traditional approach with more restrained oak character: paler colour, sour cherry and more use of Sangiovese
66
What is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione?
A new designation introduced in 2013
Grapes must come from a single vineyards
Wines must be estate made
Wines are aged for a minimum of 30 months before release
67
What is the name of the new designation, introduced by the Chianti Classico Consorzio in 2013, to promote the top tier wines in the region?
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
68
How many hectares of vines are there in Montalcino?
2,100ha
69
How many producers are based in Montalcino?
More than 250
70
Who was the first producer to bottle and sell wines in Brunello di Montalcino?
Biondi Santi
71
Where is the town of Montalcino?
In southern Tuscany
72
In comparison to Chianti Classico, describe the climate in Brunello di Montalcino
It is warmer and drier
It is one of the warmest ad driest areas in Tuscany
73
How does Monte Amiata, south of Montalcino, affect the weather in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
It protects the region from rainfall
| There is still adequate rainfall for vines to flourish
74
What effect does the Mediterranean, 40km away, have on Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
Cooling breezes from the sea at night help to preserve acidity
75
Give a tasting note for a typical Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wine
```
Pronounced flavour intensity
Sour cherry
Riper fruit flavour than Chianti Classico
High acidity
High tannin
Full bodied
High alcohol
Complex
Excellent ageing potential
Outstanding
Premium to super premium
```
76
At what elevations would you expect to find Brunello di Montalcino DOCG vineyards?
120m to 500m
Elevation varies
77
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
100%
78
Where in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG would you expect to find more Galestro soils? How does this affect the final wines?
There are more Galestro soils in the north
| Wines here are more aromatic
79
Describe the topography and soils in the north of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and how this affects the final wines
There are more galestro soils and vines are at higher elevations
This leads to more aromatic wines
80
Describe the soils in the south of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. How does this affect the final wine?
There is more clay in the warmer, southern part
| Wines from here are fuller bodied and richer
81
What is the maximum yield for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
54hl/ha
82
What are the ageing requirements for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
5 years from January after harvest
| 2 years of this must be in oak
83
What are the ageing requirements for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG?
6 years from January after harvest
| 3 years of this must be in oak
84
Can single vineyards appear on the label of Brunello di Montalcino?
Yes
85
Rosso di Montalcino DOC shares its delimited area with which DOCG?
Brunello di Montalcino
86
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Rosso di Montalcino DOCG?
100%
87
What are the ageing requirements for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Can be sold after one year
88
Explain how Rosso di Montalcino DOC and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG differ
Rosso is often made with fruit from younger vines or lesser sites
Rosso is aged for less time and is more fruit forward
Rosso is intended for earlier drinking
Rosso allows Brunello producers to declassify fruit in lesser vintages
89
Describe the price and quality of a typical Rosso di Montalcino DOC wine
Mid priced
| Good to very good
90
Where would you find Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
South eastern Tuscany
| Between Montalcino and Umbria
91
What aspect are most vineyards in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
East and south eastern
92
Between what elevations would you expect to find vines in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
250m to 600m
93
What types of soils are in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG? How do these affect the wines produced here?
Heavy, cool, clay soils produce fuller bodied wines
Sandier soils produce aromatic wines
94
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
70% - 100%
95
What is the maximum yield for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
56 hl/ha
96
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
2 years from January following the harvest
| Minimum 1 year in oak
97
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG?
3 years from January following the harvest
98
Can a vineyard name be added to the label of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG wines?
Yes
99
Describe the price and quality of a typical Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
Very good to outstanding
| Mid priced to premium
100
How do Rosso di Montepulciano DOC wines compare with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
They are made for earlier drinking and are cheaper
101
Where would you find Morellino di Scansano DOCG?
Close to the coast of southern Tuscany
102
Name two moderating influences on the temperatures in Morellino di Scansano DOCG
Altitude (250m)
| Cooling sea breezes at night
103
At what altitude would you expect to find most Morellino di Scansano DOCG vineyards?
250m
104
What are the minimum and maximum proportions of Sangiovese permitted in Morellino di Scansano DOCG?
85% - 100%
105
What is the maximum yield for Morellino di Scansano DOCG?
63hl/ha
106
Give a tasting note for a typical Morellino di Scansano DOCG wine
```
Medium (+) intensity
Ripe fruit flavours
Black sour cherry
Medium to medium (+) acidity
Ripe, medium (+) tannins
```
107
Describe the price and quality of a typical Morellino di Scansano DOCG wine
Good to very good
| Inexpensive to mid priced
108
Give the area in ha covered by Maremma DOC
8,500ha
109
Has production of Maremma DOC wine increased or decreased since its inauguration in 2011?
Increased
110
What are the three main grapes grown in Maremma DOC?
Sangiovese (50%)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vermentino
A wide range of both local and international varieties are grown here
111
What is the maximum yield for single varietal red wines in Maremma DOC?
77hl/ha
112
Where would you find Bolgheri DOC?
On the Tuscan coast
113
What is the area in ha under vine in Bogheri DOC?
1200ha
114
What type of wines does Bolgheri DOC specialise in?
Bordeaux blends
115
Describe the climate in Bolgheri DOC and any moderating effects
Warm Mediterranean climate
Proximity to the sea means there are cool breezes are night (winds also reduce risk of fungal disease)
116
Describe rain patterns in Bolgheri DOC
Sufficient and well distributed throughout the year, with relatively little rain around harvest time
Irrigation is however permitted and widely installed
117
At what densities are vines typically planted in Bolgheri DOC and why?
6000 vines per ha
This is higher density than most other parts of Tuscany, meaning more competition, lower yields and higher concentration
118
How are vines typically trained in Bolgheri DOC?
Cordon trained and spur pruned with VSP
119
What is the maximum yield for Bolgheri DOC wines?
63hl/ha
120
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Bolgheri DOC wines?
1 year
121
Originally bottled as Vino da Tavola, when was the Bolgheri DOC appellation inaugurated?
1983
122
Bolgheri DOC regulations allow up to 100% of which three varietals in the wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
123
Bolgheri DOC regulations allow up to 50% of which two varietals in the wine?
Sangiovese
| Syrah
124
In practice, what variety tends to dominate Bolgheri DOC wines?
Cabernet Sauvignon
125
What is the maximum yield for Bolgheri Superiore DOC?
56hl/ha
126
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Bolgheri Superiore DOC?
2 years from January following the harvest
127
Give a typical tasting note for a Bolgheri Superiore DOC wine
```
Medium (+) to pronounced intensity
Blackberry and red plum, some green bell pepper in cooler years
Vanilla and sweet spice from oak
Medium (+) acidity
High tannins
```
128
Describe the price and quality for a typical Bolgheri Superiore DOC wine
Very good to outstanding
| Premium to super premium price
129
What area does Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC cover?
It is a separate DOC for single estate Tenuta San Guido that produces Sassicaia
130
What is the minimum proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon required in Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
80%
131
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC wines?
2 years
| 18 months must be in 225l oak barrels
132
Where would you find Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG?
On the western side of Chianti DOCG
133
Vines in Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG are planted on hillsides at what elevations? What affect does this have?
200 to 400m
Good drainage
Good sunlight interception
134
What types of weather in Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG help reduce risk of fungal disease?
Dry summers
| Windy weather
135
What grapes, and in which proportions, are permitted in Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG?
Minimum 85% Vernaccia
| Up to 10% Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc permitted
136
On what type of soils is Vernaccia grown in Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG?
Sandstone soils
137
Give a tasting note for a typical Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Medium intensity
Lemon and floral notes
Medium (+) acidity
138
What is the maximum yield for Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG?
63hl/ha
139
What pecentage of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is exported?
50%
140
Name the three most important export markets for Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
USA
Germany
Switzerland
141
What wine making method is used to make Vin Santo in Tuscany?
Apassimento
142
What are the main grape varieties used in Vin Santo?
Trebbiano Toscano
| Malvasia
143
What is the minimum proportion of Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC that must be made up of Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, singly or combined?
Minimum 60%
144
What gives Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC wines an amber colour?
Wines are aged in sealed barrels for many years
Wines are not topped up (oxidative ageing)
Rising and falling temperatures
145
Give a tasting note for a typical Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC wine
```
Pronounced intensity
Dried lemon and apricot, nutty, VA
Sweet
High acidity
Medium to high alcohol
Full bodied
```
146
Describe the price and quality of a typical Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC wine
Outstanding
| Premium to super premium
147
What is the name of the rarer red version of Vin Santo made in Tuscany? What grape is used?
Occhio di Pernice
| Sangiovese
148
What percentage of production do DOC and DOCG wines account for in Tuscany?
65%
Chianti DOCG accounts for half this figure
149
Which DOCGs are the most important in terms of production by value in Tuscany?
Chianti Classico (€112m)
Chianti (€87m)
Brunello di Montalcino (€61m)
150
What percentage of wine in Chianti DOCG is made by co-ops?
14%
151
What percentage of wine in Chianti Classico DOCG is made by co-ops?
6%
152
What percentage of wine in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is made by co-ops?
1%
153
What percentage of wine in Bolgheri DOC is made by co-ops?
None
154
What percentage of Chianti Classico wine is exported?
80%
155
What are the most important export markets for Chianti Classico?
USA (33%)
Germany
Canada
156
What are the most important export markets for Brunello di Montalcino?
USA
| Canada
157
What percentage of Brunello di Montalcino is exported?
70%
158
What percentage of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are exported?
80%
159
What are the most important export markets for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
Germany
USA
Canada
160
What percentage of Chianti DOCG wines are exported?
70%
161
What are the main export markets for Chianti DOCG?
Germany
USA
UK
Lower end of the market wines
162
What is the Tuscan version of en primeur called?
Ante Prima
163
Give the key characteristics of the Sangiovese vine (4)
Thin skins
Vigorous
Early budding
Late ripening
164
Give the key characteristics of Trebbiano Toscano (4)
Ripens well in heat while retaining acidity
Late budding
Vigorous
High yielding
165
What styles of wine are produced from Trebbiano Toscano?
Inexpensive neutral whites
| Vin Santo
