Tuscany (IT) Flashcards
In which year the first DOC were awarded?
1966
Which wines got granted DOC status in Italy in 1966?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano. (1st one)
Ischia.
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone.
Frascati.
Is the majority of the Tuscany wine production at DOC status?
Yes, 60%
What’s the climate in Tuscany?
Mediterranean
What’s the majority of the plantings in Tuscany? White or Red?
85% Red
What are the main grapes of Tuscany?
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Cab Sav, Merlot, Syrah
Chardonnay, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia
How many DOCG in Tuscany?
Name them
11 Vernaccia di San Gimignano; Aleatico Passito dell’Elba; Brunello di Montalcino; Carmignano; Chianti Classico; Chianti; Montecucco Sangiovese; Morellino di Scansano; Val di Cornia Rosso; Suvereto; Vino Nobile di Montepulciano;
In which year DOCG were granted first?
1980
Which wines received DOCG first in 1980?
Brunello di Montalcino.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Barolo (all 3 in July)
in October Barbaresco too
What’s the soil in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
Volcanic Sandstone
What’s the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG based on? Are white grapes allowed?
Prugnolo Gentile, min 70%
Up to 5% W (eg: Malvasia Bianca)
What styles of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG are allowed?
Which ABV?
Normale 12.5%
Riserva 13%
What are the agings for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG ?
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Minimum 2 years aging from January 1 of the year following the harvest
(Min. 12 mth in wood and 6 mth in bottle)
Riserva: Minimum 3 years aging, including at least 6 months in bottle, from January 1 of the year following the harvest
Carmignano DOCG? What’s the maximum elevation for the vineyards?
400m
What is Carmignano DOCG based on?
Sangiovese, Min 50%
+ 10-20% CF, CS plus others
What are the main grapes of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG?
Vernaccia
max 15% of other non aromatic white grapes
How many white wine DOCG in Tuscany?
1) Vernaccia di San Gimignano
In which year the Gran Duca Cosimo III de’ Medici delimited the Chianti Classico Zone?
In 1716, with Radda, Gaiole, Castellina in Chianti, Greve
In which year the Chianti subzones were delimited?
were them the same as today?
In 1932.
7 areas delimited.
- Montespertoli subzone was added in 1997
In which year Chianti was granted DOCG?
1984
In which year Chianti Classico was elected as its own DOCG?
1996
Who created the Chianti Formula?
in 1872 the Barone Bettino Ricasoli
White grapes were added to the wine
In which provinces is Chianti Classico?
Firenze and Siena
How many communes are in Chianti Classico?
9
5 in the Siena province
4 in the Firenza province
Name the communes of Chianti Classico
N to S
San Casciano val di Pesa, Greve in Chianti, Tavernelle val di Pesa, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Poggibonsi, Castellina in Chianti, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardenga
Which communes of Chianti Classico are part of the Siena province?
Poggibonsi, Castellina in Chianti, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardenga
Which communes of Chianti Classico are part of the Firenze province?
San Casciano Val di Pesa, Greve in Chianti, Tavernelle VDP, Barberino Val d’Elsa
What are the soil of Chianti Classico?
Galestro: Soft, friable, Marl
and Alberese: Sandstone
What’s the soil of San Casciano Val di Pesa?
It’s Alberese
Where is the Cosorzio del Chianti. Classico based?
In San Casiano Val di Pesa
Name 2 producers based in San Casciano
Antinori(Santa Cristina Estate)
Borghetto, Montesecondo
What’s the soil in Greve in Chianti?
Galestro
Can you name 2 frazioni in Greve in C?
Montefioralle, Ruffoli, Lamole, Panzano (Conca d’Oro)
Name 2 iconic producers based in Greve
Fontodi, Querciabella, Poggio Scalette, Castello dei Rampolla
Name an iconic producer based in Tavernelle
Antinori (badia a passignano)
Where are Isole e Olena and Castello di Monsanto based?
In Barberino Val d’Elsa
Where is Montevertine based?
In Radda
Where is Barone Ricasoli, Castello di Ama and Sangiusto a Retennano based?
Based in Gaiole
Where is Felsina based?
In Castelnuovo Berardenga
Where is Fontodi based? Can you name the frazione?
Based in Greve, in the Conca d’Oro , south of Panzano
What are the province of Chianti DOCG?6
Firenze Siena Arezzo
Prato, Pisa, Pistoia
In which year Chianti was elevated to DOCG?
1984
Which styles are allowed in Chianti DOCG?
Chianti, Chianti Riserva, Chianti Superiore, Chianti with subzone
Which styles are allowed in Chianti Classico DOCG?
Chianti Classico, CC Riserva, and CC Gran Selezione
In which year was the Gran Selezione for CC approved?
The new category was approved in 2014 for wines beginning with the 2010 vintage, though wines from an earlier vintage can apply for this recognition pending they can provide documentation that demonstrates all requirements have been met.
How many subzones in Chianti DOCG?
name them
7 ( used to be 8 until 1996) Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Montespertoli -> Firenze Montalbano -> Prato, Pistoia, Firenze C Colli Senesi ->Siena C Colline Pisane -> Pisa C Colli Aretini-> Arezzo
What’s the assemblage in Chianti DOCG?
Which is the exception?
70-100 % Sangiovese
Maximum 30% combined other grapes authorized for Toscana
Maximum 10% white grapes
Maximum 15% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
Chianti Colli Senesi:
75-100% Sangiovese
Maximum 25% combined other red grapes authorized for Toscana
Maximum 10% combined Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia del Chianti until 2015 vintage
Maximum 10% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
What’s the assemblage for Chianti Classico DOCG?
80-100% Sangiovese
Maximum 20% other red grapes authorized by Siena and Firenze (i.e. Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)
- As of the 2006 vintage, Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianco are no longer allowed
Until which year Chianti Classico was a mandatory blend?
Until 1995
What’s the min ABV for Chianti DOCG?
Chianti 11.5%
Chianti Riserva 12%
Chianti and Riserva W Subzone 11.5% to 13%
(13% only for Colli Senesi Riserva)
Is the Governo practice allowed in Chianti DOCG?
Yes, but it must be noted on the label
What is the Governo practice?
Governo is a winemaking technique reportedly invented in Tuscany in the 14th century to help complete fermentation and stabilize the wine. The technique involves saving a batch of harvested grapes and allowing them to partially dry. If fermentation of the main batch starts too slow or appears to be nearing stuck fermentation, the half dried grapes are added to the must which then gives the yeast cells a new source of sugar to enliven the batch. From there, the must can be fermented dry or stopped with the wine having a higher level of residual sugar. The process was widely used in the Chianti zones until the advent of temperature controlled fermentation tanks.
What’s the min ABV for Chianti Classico DOCG?
C Classico 12%
C C Riserva 12.5%
Gran Selezione 13%
What are the aging requirement for Chianti DOCG?
`Chianti can be released from 1/3
Montespertoli 1/6
Fiorentini, Rufina 1/9
What are the aging requirement for Chianti Superiore DOCG?
Superiore can be released from
1/9
What are the aging requirement for Chianti Riserva DOCG?
Riserva can be released after 2yrs (3 mth bottle) (from1/1)
Riserva Fiorentini and Rufina 2yrs (min 6mth wood)
Riserva Senesi 2yrs (8 mth wood + 4 mth bottle)
What are the aging requirement for Chianti Classico DOCG?
It can be released after 1/10
What are the aging requirement for Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?
2 yrs (3 mth bottle) from 1/1
What are the aging requirement for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG?
What is the condition?
30mth (3mth bottle)
- Wine must be produced by estate fruit
What’s the planting density in Chianti and Chianti Classico?
4000 Vines/ Ha in Chianti
3.350 Vines/Ha in CC
Which Chianti Subzone is regarded as the most consistent in Quality?
Rufina
What is Clemente Santi renew for?
He Isolated the Brunello clone, which he bottled alone in 1865.
Why did he bottle the Brunello clone alone?
Clemente Santi was aiming to create a varietal wine able to age
Did Clemente released his Brunello?
No, he didn’t.
His grandson Ferruccio did release the 1888 after aging it for over a decade in large barrels
Which vintages of Brunello Biondi Santi were released up to 1945?
Only 4
1888, 1891, 1925, 1945
Was brunello a regarded wine after WWII?
It had an established reputation for rare fine wine.
How many Brunello producers there were in the 1960?
11
Until 1945 Biondi Santi was the only one
In which year the Brunello di Montalcino DOC was awarded?
1968
Which producer made the Brunello di Montalcino internationally famous?
Banfi.
It arrived in the late 1970s
It’s an American Company
In which year Brunello di Montalcino became DOCG?
1980
What happened in 2008 in Montalcino?
The Brunello Gate
*Ziliani and Suckling reported that an investigation had begun into allegations that some Brunello producers had secretly and illegally added other types of grapes into what are by law wines made only from Sangiovese, allegedly to inflate production and increase profit on this typically expensive product.
What’s the Climate of Montalcino?
Montalcino is the warmest and driest region in Tuscany.
The climate is mitigated by a cool maritime breeze
Where is Monte Amiata?
In the SE corner of Montalcino
What’s the soil in Montalcino?
Very Diversified:
- Clay and marine sediments at lower elevation
- galestro at higher elevation
- Limestone, Schist, Volcanic
Can you name 2 Frazioni of Montalcino?How many there are?
7 total
the main ones are:
Sant’Angelo in Colle, Castelnuovo Abate, Torrenieri, Tavernelle
Which styles are allowed for Brunello DOCG?
What’s the ABV Min?
Brunello
Riserva
Vigna
12.5% for all
Is any other grape allowed for Brunello di Montalcino but Sangiovese ?
No, 100% Sangiovese
Aging requirements for Brunello?
2 yrs W + 4 m B may not be sold before 1/1 of 5th year
5yr (2yrs wood + 4 mth bottle)
Aging requirements for Brunello Riserva?
6yr (2yrs wood + 6 mth bottle)
2 yrs W + 6 m B may not be sold before 1/1 of 6th year
What bottle must be used to bottle Brunello?
It must be bottle in a Bordelaise bottle with a cork
What are the Yielding requirement in Brunello?
8T/ha ->54.4
7T/ha -> 47.6 (Vigna)
In which year was the Rosso di Montalcino DOC created?
in 1983
Which styles are allowed in the Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Rosso and Rosso Vigna
What’s the min ABV in Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Is there any other variety allowed?
12%
no, 100% Sangiovese
What’s the aging requirement for Rosso di Montalcino?
1 yr (from Sept 1) no cask required
What is the Sant Antimo DOC for?
It’s the DOC used for international varieties in Montalcino. The outlet for Super Tuscans in Montalcino
What is the Moscadell di Montalcino DOC for?
Still, Spk, Late Harvest
min 85% Moscato Bianco
Name 3 iconic Brunello producers
Val di Cava, Biondi Santi, Poggio di Sotto, Mastrojanni, Casanova di Neri, Uccelliera, Talenti
Where and when the Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted CS for a house wine?
In Bolgheri in 1942
on the ‘San Guido Estate’
First Sassicaia vintage? What oak was used?
1968
Barrique aged CS blend
First vintage of Tignanello? What’s the main grape?
1971 (Antinori)
Sang 85% ( barrique aged)
After Sassicaia and Tignanello, which other Supertuscans are considered to be the first?
Solaia, Ornellaia, Masseto, Paleo Rosso
Which other 100% Sangiovese Supertuscans followed?
San Felice Vigorello(no more sang)
Montevertine, Pergole Torte, Cepparello,
Under which appellation were those wines released?
As Vino da Tavola
In which year IGT was created? What was one of the main reason for its creation?
1992, One of the main motivator was the dissatisfaction with the DOC system
In Which year the Bolgheri DOC was created?
What was it for?
1983
Bolgheri DOC was only for Rosato and white
In which year the Bolgheri DOC included Reds?
1994
What was recognised to Sassicaia in 1994?
Sassicaia was recognized as a subzone to Bolgheri
In which year the subzone Sassicaia was granted his own DOC?
2013
What is the assemblage for Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
Min. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, max. 20% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Tuscany
What’s the aging requirement for Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
2 yrs (18mth wood, 225 l Barrique)
What’s so unique about Bolgheri Sasssicaia DOC?
It’s the only true Monopole DOC in Italy
Can you name 3 iconic producers in the area of Bolgheri?
Le Macchiole, Banfi, Ornellaia, Grattamacco, Ca’ Marcanda, Guado al Tasso
Rosso della Val di Cornia DOC. Where is it?
It’s in the south east of Bolgheri. Suvereto is located within it
Rosso della Val di Cornia DOCG, what’s the assemblage?
min 40% Sangiovese, max 60% Cab/ Merlot,
Max 20% others
Suvereto DOCG. What’s the assemblage?
Red only Suvereto Rosso (and Rosso Riserva) Suvereto Sangiovese (and Riserva) Suvereto Merlot (and Riserva) Suvereto Cabernet Sauvignon (and Riserva)
Suvereto Rosso: Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot, plus a max. 15% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana
Varietal-Labeled Wines: Min. 85% of stated variety, plus a max. 15% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana
Suvereto used to be a subzone of which appellation?
It used to be a named subzone of the Val di Cornia DOC
What is Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG based on?
What’s the min ABV?
min 90% Sangiovese
R 13%
R Riserva 13.5%
What is Morellino di Scansano DOCG based on?
Min 85% Morellino (Sangiovese)
In which year the first vintage of Sassicaia was released?
1971 (1968 vintage)
Who is the iconic oenologist considered to be the father of many Supertuscans?
Giacomo Tachis
Where did Giacomo Tachis worked for almost 32 years?
Antinori
Which iconic wines are considered of being fathered by Giacomo Tachis?
Sassicaia, Solaia and Tignanello, San Leonardo and Turriga
In which year was Sassicaia not produced?
1969 and 1973
Who founded Ornellaia?
Ludovico Antinori
Which internationally acclaimed winemaker helped Ludovico Antinori with Ornellaia?
André Tchelistcheff
Which influential wine-person partly owned Ornellaia for few years in the early 2000?
Robert Mondavi
What is the only DOCG for sweet wines only in Tuscany?
Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG
What’s the cepage of Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG?
100% Aleatico.
It’s a sweet red Passito
To which grape variety is the Aleatico associated to?
Aleatico is genetically linked to Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.
Possibly, it’s a red skinned mutation
What is Vin Santo?
It’s a high alcohol, almond honeyed dried grapevine produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia. Grechetto is sometimes authorised too.
What is the Occhio di Pernice?
Is the Rosé version of it with minimum 50% Sangiovese plus white grapes
What are the Caratelli barrels? What’s the size?
Chestnut wood barrels (usually) of. 50 L
Used for the aging of Vin Santo
How long does Vin Santo age for in the Caratelli barrels?
Usually, 3 to 8 years
What is the result Vin Santo style?
Vin Santo can be sweet or dry depending on the appassimento.
It can also be fortified. If so, Liquoroso
Are the Caratelli barrels regularly topped up?
They are never topped up
Name the 4 DOC for Vin Santo in Tuscany?
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC
Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC
Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC
Name 3 other Tuscany DOC that allow Vin Santo as a style
Elba DOC Maremma Toscana DOC Montecucco DOC Orcia DOC Pomino DOC S. Gimignano DOC
What are the subzone of Vin Santo del Chianti DOC?
Same as Chianti:
C. Aretini, C Pisane, C Fiorentini, C Senesi, Montespertoli, Rufina, Montalbano
What’s the aging requirement for vin Santo del Chianti ?
What’s the difference with vin Santo del Chianti Classico?
VS d Chianti: Wooden vessels no larger than 500 L
3 yrs
4yrs Riserva
VS d CC: Wooden vessels no larger than 300 L 3 Yrs (min 24 m in wood)
Name 3 100% Sangiovese Supertuscans
"Fontalloro" Felsina "Flaccianello della Pieve" Fontodi 'Cepparello' Isole e Olena 'Pergole Torte' Montevertine 'Il carbonaione' Poggio Scalette 'Percarlo' San Giusto a Rentennano 'Vigorello' San Felice (on release only. Now is Cab Sav, Merlot)
Name 3 100% Merlot Supertuscans
'L'apparita' Castello di Ama 'Casalferro' Barone Ricasoli 'Boscarelli' Boscarelli 'Cantico' La Cappella Lamaione' Frescobaldi 'Messorio' Macchiole 'Masseto' Tenuta dell' Ornellaia 'La Ricolma' San Giusto a Rentennano 'Redigaffi' Tua Rita
Name 1 Supertuscans 100% CS
‘Maestro Raro’ Felsina
‘Nemo’ Monsanto
‘Gabbro’ Montepeloso
Name 1 100% Cab Franc supertuscans
Paleo, Le Macchiole
Name 1 100% Syrah Supertuscans
‘Il Bosco’ Tenimenti d’Alessandro
‘Scrio’ Le Macchiole
What’s the grape used in the iconic supertuscan from Il Carnasciale?
What’s the name of the cuvee?
‘Il Caberlot”
Made from 100% Caberlot. (Cab Sav + Merlot)
They are the only producer
How is ‘Il Caberlot’ bottled?
Only in magnum
Tignanello
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Antinori
1971
sangiovese 75% + CS and CF
Luce
Name the producer, and Majority of the Blend
Frescobaldi
Sangiovese red plus Merlot
1993
Il Corzano
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Corzano e Paterno
Sangiovese mainly
1987
I sodi di San Niccolo
Name the producer, and Majority of the Blend
Castellare di Castellina
85/90% Sangiovese + Malvasia Nera
Solaia
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Antinori
CS (75%) CF Sang
1978
Guado al Tasso
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Antinori
50-65% CS
Merlot 30-40 %
1990
Summus
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Banfi
CS, Sang, Syrah
1985
Mormoreto
Name the producer, and Majority of the Blend
Frescobaldi
CS, Merlot, CF, PV
Grattamacco
Name the producer, and Majority of the Blend
Grattamacco,
Cs, Merl, Sang
Ornellaia
Name the producer, and Majority of the Blend
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia
CS,merl, CF, PV
1985
What’s the second wine of Ornellaia?
Serre Nuove
Ca’Martina
Name the producer, and Majority of the Blend
Querciabella
CS (70%) CF
1981
Sassicaia
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Tenuta S Guido
CS (85%)
CF
1968
Promis
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Ca’ Marcanda (Gaja)
Merl, Syrah, Sang
2000
Batar
Name the producer, First Vintage, and Majority of the Blend
Querciabella
50% CH and 50% PB
1988
Who makes Flaccianello della Pieve?
Fontodi
Where is Fontodi based?
In Greve in Chianti, In the Conca d’Oro, South of Panzano
Which iconic supertuscans are made by Antinori?
Tignanello 1970
Solaia 1978
Guado al Tasso 1990
When the Antinori family established themselves in Tuscany (Chianti Classico, San Casciano and Tavernelle)?
In the 12th Century
Where is the Solaia plot?
Within the Tignanello vineyard.
Tignanello is a 56 ha Vineyard
Solaia is 20 HA within it
In which commune is Querciabella based ?
Greve
In which year Querciabella became organic? And Biodynamic?
Founded 1974
Organic 1988
Biod 2000
Name 2 iconic cuvees from Querciabella
Bâtar(d) 1988 50% CH 50% PB
In 1995 Bâtar lost the -d
Palafreno 2000 100% Merlot
Camartina 1981 CS + SANG
Where is Montevertine based?
In Radda in Chianti
What was the first vintage of the ‘Pergole Torte’?
When did Montevertine leave the Consorzio?
1977
In the same year Montevertine left the Consorzio
Under which appellation is Montevertine released?
IGT Toscana
What Val di Cava did in 1967?
Bramante founded the consorzio of Brunello
What oak regimen is used by Biondi Santi?
Slavonian Oak
What is the Ricolmatura?
It’s a practice of filling/ reconditioning old bottles of (Brunello)
practice made famous by Biondi Santi
“All of the bottles who have undergone the strict process of reconditioning (Ricolmatura) at the Estate, a renowned service which is controlled and overseen by Franco in the presence of other wine experts and an independent notary. Old Riservas are opened, tasted and if required, topped up with small quantities of the same wine drawn from the Estate reserves. A new cork is inserted and replacement capsule applied. Any bottles which fail this test are not topped up and a plain cork only is used to reseal the bottle. Copies of the original recorking certificates will be supplied with each lot showing the bottle number and date of recorking. A high proportion of the original labels and Riserva vintage slips are still in excellent condition (see plate) but where they are fragile or damaged, replacement ‘period’ labels have been supplied by the vendor from the Estate. The majority of the Ricolmatura was carried out in 1990 and all levels are base of neck or better. Each bottle also carries a signed and numbered back label showing the details of the reconditioning.
In which year Soldera founded his Estate ?
1972 Case Base Estate
In which year Soldera released his first Brunello?
1977
In which year Soldera only released Brunello as Riserva?
From 2000 until 2006
First Brunello Riserva was 1983
What is the Case Base Estate “Pegasos”
It’s an early released Brunello. Only released in 2005
What happened to Soldera in 2012?
A former employer vandalised Soldera’s cellar.
He lost part of the vintages from 2007 till 2012, but the almost entirety of the 2010.
How much of the 2010 vintage was left after the act?
450L
he bottled the wine only in large formats and he sold it for charity
In which year Soldera left the Consorzio?
Which Vintage is in fact partly released as DOCG and partly as IGT Toscana?
Soldera left the Consorzio in 2013
His 2006 vintage is half Brunello, and half IGT
What’s the historic name of the Chianti Bottle?
Fiasco (A squat, straw- covered)
Which grapes are the historic blending partners of Sangiovese in Tuscany?
Canaiolo (soften)
Colorino (used to add colour)
What’s the name of the Sangiovese clone in Montalcino? and Montepulciano?
Brunello or Sangiovese Grosso
Prugnolo Gentile
What ‘s the most planted red and white grape in Italy ?
R: Sangiovese
W: Trebbiano Toscano
Describe why Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is warmer than Chianti Classico?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is in a warm pocket of Tuscany, protected on all sides by geographic elements. The Hills of Montecucco block access to the sea, the Monte Amiata shelters and breaks summer storms rather than in Montalcino itself. The Colli Senesi Hills block access to the north, and the southwest has the Tuscan Maremma. Chianti Classico is much father north and is exposed to the cool air of the Apennines. Harvest is 1 week to 10 days earlier in Montalcino than in Chianti.
Where is the highly respected Montosoli vineyard?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
What is the aging and blend requirements for Carmignano and Carmignano Riserva?
Minimum 50% Sangiovese, 10-20% Cabernet and Cabernet Franc, max 20% Canaiollo Nero, max combined Trebbiano Toscana, Malvasia del Chianti and Canaiollo Bianco. Max 10% other red grapes.
Regular: aged 8 months in wood, released the 2nd year
Riserva: aged 12 months released the 3rd year.
What is the mountain that creates a rain shadow in Brunello?
Monte Amiata
Where would you find the Ombrone, Orcia and Asso Rivers?
In the Brunello region
What are the seven subzones of Brunello?
Montalcino (highest altitudes) Bosco Torrenieri Tavernelle Camigliano Saint Angelo (South, high altitude) Castelnuovo dell’Abate (best subzone, far southeast)
What type of trellising is most common in Brunello?
Cordon spur suits Sangiovese the best.
Tignanello, Cepparello, Flaccianello are all labeled IGT Toscana. What other DOCG could they all qualify for?
Chianti Classico DOCG. The DOCG changed their rules allowing Cabernet and a percentage of other international grapes in the hopes to attract these high profile wineries back to the DOCG.
Name two single vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino?
Montasoli Pian del Madonna Tenuta Greppo (Biondi Santi)
Where is Sesta/Tenuta di Sesta?
In Montalcino in the southern section. Wind currents blow along the Orcia River bed and lead to high diurnal fluctuations here. Great part of Montalcino. This is one of the top producers.
What is the main grape of Maestro Raro? Who makes this wine?
This is a super Tuscan from Felsina. It is 100% Cabernet
L’Apparita and Redigaffi are both Super Tuscans based on which grape?
L’Apparita is made by Castello di Ama, and Redigaffi is made by Tua Rita. Both are 100% Merlot.
Pomino DOC overlaps which Tuscan DOCG? Who are two producers here?
This is within the same area as Chianti Rufina. Allows a higher amount of international varieties. Selvapiani and Frescobaldi are the only producers here.
What are three clones of Sangiovese?
Prugnolo gentile (Vino Nobile)
Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso)
Sangiovese Piccolo
Sangiovese di Lamole
First vintage of Ornellaia and blend
Founded by Lodovico Antinori (cousin of Piero). Named changed in 2012 to Ornellaia e Masseto. First vintage was 1985. Now owned by Frescobaldi.
Describe the vineyard for Masseto
6.6 hectare site, a former clay quarry, was identified by Andre Tchelistcheff as having great potential for Merlot. High content of compact clay. First release was 1984. Frescobaldi bought this in 2005, and Michel Roland has been consultant.
What is the second wine of Sassicaia?
Guidalberto
True or False wines from the Chianti and Chianti Classico DOCGs may be made as pure varietal sangiovese?
True
Who makes Madonna del Piano
Valdicava
Name some producers making a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione?
Gran Selezione was allowed in 2013, making wines from 2010 vintage eligible. Some estates released earlier wines if they were in stock.
Isole e Olena Gran Selezione 2006
Antinori Badia a Passignano - first vintage with that label was 2009, in 2008 it was Chianti Classico Riserva
Which DOC in Chianti Rufina permits Super Tuscan wines?
Pomino DOC
Marco Caprai is a famous producer in which DOCG?
Sagrantino di Montefalco
Which famous producer of Brunello opted out of the appellation after 2006 vintage?
Soldera Case Basse
What are the grape varieties used in Ornellaia Bianco?
Sauvignon Blanc & Viognier
What are the best and worst vintages of the 80s for Brunello di Montalcino.
Best: 1985, 1988
Worst: 1984, 1989
Who makes Perlato del Bosco Rosso? What is the cepage?
Tua Rita; 60% Sangio/40% Cab
In what year was Chianti Classico first allowed to be 100% Sangiovese? In what year did it become illegal to use white grapes in the blend?
1996; 2006
Compare the relative altitudes of the great estates of Maremma and Bolgheri vs. Chianti.
Bolgheri estates (Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Ca’Marcanda, Guado al Tasso, and Le Macchiole) lie almost near sea level, and grow predominately Bordeaux grapes.
Chianti’s finest Sangiovese growing estates (Castello di Volpaia, Castello di Ama, Collelungo) are at 400-500m above sea level.
What are the best vintages of the 21st century for Brunello di Montalcino?
2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015
What DOCGs mandate the usage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and/or Cabernet Franc?
Carmignano (10-20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, combined, required) and Suvereto (Min. 85% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)
Panzano & Lamole are recognized crus of what region?
Greve in Chianti
What two DOCGs are adjacent to Bolgheri?
Suvereto and Val di Cornia Rosso
In 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III of Medici issued a decree with 4 delimited appellations of Tuscany. Name them.
Carmignano, Pomino, Chianti, and Valdarno
When were the subzones of Chianti created? What is the exception, and when was it added?
1932; Montespertoli was added in 1997 – it used to be part of Colli Fiorentini
What is invaiatura?
Veraison
Where is Cortona a DOC, and what is the main grape?
Tuscany; Syrah
What regions of Italy have no DOCGs?
Alto Adige, Trentino, Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, Molise, Calabria
What DOC is Morellino di Scansano DOCG mostly within?
Maremma DOC
What is the current appellation on Vigna del Sorbo?
Since 2010, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Who makes Messorio? What does it mean and what is the cepage?
Le Macchiole; “the perfect child”; 100% Merlot
What was the first vintage of Paleo Rosso (Le Macchiole)? When did it become 100% Cabernet Franc and what was the cepage before that?
1989 to 2001/Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon
What Tuscan estate translates to “The House of Endless Negotiations”?
Ca’Marcanda
Who makes Pian del Ciampolo? What’s the cepage?
Montevertine; Sangiovese/Canaiolo/Colorino
Where would you find the sub-zone Monti?
Gaiole in Chianti Classico
Name three producers based in Gaiole in Chianti?
Barone Ricasoli, Castello di Ama, i Sodi, La Porta di Vergine, San Giusto a Retennano
What can you expect the ABV on a vin santo to be?
15.5-17%
Name four synonyms for Sangiovese and where they are found.
Sangioveto (Chianti)
Sangiovese Grosso/Brunello (Montalcino)
Prugnolo Gentile (Montepulciano)
Morellino (Scansano)
What is Ca’Marcanda’s white wine?
Vistamare (“Sea View”) – Vermentino/Viognier/Chard/SB
What was the first year that Sassicaia carried the Bolgheri DOC on its label?
1994; up until then Bolgheri was a DOC for white wine! In 1994, red wine became part of the DOC and Bolgheri Sassicaia was a subzone. Became its own DOC in 2012.
Who (and from what winery) is credited with the creation of the Carmignano DOCG?
Contini Bonacossi of Capezzana
What is the worst vintage of the 21st century so far for Brunello di Montalcino?
2002
What is Biondi Santi’s Fascia Rossa? When was it made?
Fascia Rossa (red stripe) Rosso di Montalcino – declassified BdM. Made in 2002 and 2014.
What is agricultura promiscua? What kind of vine training does it traditionally accompany?
“Promiscuous agriculture” – interplanting of grape vines next to other crops. Traditionally, grape vines would be planted in pergola, to allow for other crops to be planted below them.
Name three producers based in Greve in Chianti?
Fontodi, Il Molino di Grace, Querciabella, Villa Calcinaia, Castello di Rampolla
What are the parents of Sangiovese?
Ciliegiolo x unknown (believed to be Calabrese di Montenuovo, a grape found in Campania, of Calabrian origin)
What are the aging requirements for Bolgheri Rosso Superiore? Bolgheri? Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
Bolgheri Rosso - min. 1 year
Bolgheri Rosso Superiore - min. 2 years, with at least 1 year in oak
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC - min. 2 years, with at least 18 months in oak
What are the subzones of Chianti? Bonus points for naming the provinces of each.
Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Montespertoli (all three in Firenze), Colli Aretini (Arezzo), Colli Senesi (Siena), Colline Pisane (Pisa), Montalbano (Prato, Pistoia, Firenze)
In what commune of Chianti Classico is the Tignanello estate?
San Casciano Val di Pesa
Name the appellation and first vintage of the following wines:
- Guado al Tasso
- Paleo Rosso
- Ornellaia
- Massetto
- Sassicaia
- Guidalberto
- Promis
- Guado al Tasso: DOC Bolgheri Superiore, 1990
- Paleo Rosso: IGT Toscana, 1989
- Ornellaia: DOC Bolgheri Superiore, 1985
- Massetto: IGT Toscana, 1986
- Sassicaia: DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, 1968
- Guidalberto: Toscana IGT, 2000
- Promis: Toscana IGT, 1996 (estate purchased)
Describe two effects of the Apennine Mountains on Chianti.
Provides altitude, which is important for Sangiovese, as well as shields from the cold wind that blows across the north toward Emilia Romagna.
What is the furthest north DOCG in Tuscany?
Carmignano
Who makes L’Eremo? What is the cepage?
Isole e Olena –100% Syrah
What is Grechetto called in Tuscany?
Pulcinculo (“flea in the bottom”)
What denomination cannot be used in conjunction with a subzone name in Chianti?
Chianti Superiore
What are the three primary grapes of Bolgheri Bianco?
Vermentino, Sauvignon, and Trebbiano (with a max. of 30% other grapes)
What is the coolest subzone of Chianti?
Rufina
Who was the consulting enologist for Ornellaia?
Michel Rolland
In what cru of Greve is Sangiovese known as Sangioveto?
Lamole
Slavonian oak is a sub-species of what? Where is this species found?
Quercus robur – found in the Limousin and Balkan forests
Name four other grapes authorized for production in Chianti Classico DOC besides Sangiovese?
Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Who makes Massetto? What was the first vintage? What is the cepage?
Ornellaia; 100% Merlot; 1986 (Massetto is the name of the vineyard in Bolgheri)
Where is Sergio Manetti owner’s?
Montevertine
Name the four original villages of Chianti Classico, clockwise, starting from the northernmost.
Greve, Radda, Gaiole, Castellina
What are the worst vintages of the 1990s for Brunello di Montalcino?
1991, 1992, and 1996
Name 5 producers based in Bolgheri.
Le Macchiole, Tenuta San Guido, Banfi, Ornellaia, Grattamacco, Ca’Marcanda, Guado al Tasso
Who makes “Magari”? From where and what is it?
Gaja, Ca’Marcanda. Both terre brune (dark loam/clay) and terre blanche (stone/pepples); Merlot/Cab/Cab Franc
In what commune of Chianti Classico are Castello di Monsanto and Isole e Olena based?
Barberino Val d’Elsa
Who makes Le Serre Nuove? What was the first vintage? What is the cepage?
Ornellaia’s second wine; Cab/Cab Franc/Merlot/PV; 1997
Name 4 wines made by Ornellaia and the appellation on the label.
Ornellaia - Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Serre Nuove - Bolgheri DOC
Le Volta - Toscana IGT
Massetto - Toscana IGT
Name two producers of Morellino di Scansano DOCG.
La Mozza, Fattoria Le Pupille
What is the Alicante of Tuscany?
Grenache! Frequently used as a blending partner in Morellino di Scansano.
What winery did Piero Palmucci establish in 1989? Who did he sell it to in 2011?
Poggio di Sotto; sold to Claudio Tipa of Collemassari and Grattamacco in 2011
What is the appellation of Guidalberto?
Toscana IGT
What are the cepage requirements for Bolgheri Rosso DOC?
0-100% Cab, Merlot, or Cab Franc
Max. 50% Syrah
Max. 50% Sangiovese
Max. 30% other grapes
What is mezzadria and how does it relate to the development of fine wine production in Italy?
Mezzadria is sharecropping; wasn’t outlawed until the 1950s and crippled Italy’s ability to produce quality wine.
Name threeproducers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
Avignonesi, Il Macchione, Boscarelli
Name four factors that might distinguish modernist and traditionalist producers of Brunello di Montalcino.
- barrique usage
- extraction
- clonal selection
- single vineyard bottlings
In general, what would you expect in terms of added requirements for a “Riserva” wine vs. a “Superiore” wine?
In general, Riserva denotes extended barrel aging, while Superiore denotes higher min. ABV and lower yields (riper grapes).
In what year did it become illegal to use white grapes in Chianti Classico DOCG wines? What white grapes were used prior to that? Is it still legal to use white grapes in Chianti DOCG and in what amounts?
Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia; 2006
Yes, up to 10%
What are the names of the two different vineyards on Soldera’s estate?
Case Basse and Intistieti
Where is the Pomino DOC and who are the only producers? How are the regulations different than the surrounding region?
Within Rufina; Frescobaldi and Fattoria Selvapiana; higher % of international grapes allowed – min. 50% Sangiovese w/ Pinot Noir and Merlot (max. 50% combined). Varietal wines, white, red, and vin santo also made.
When did Gaja acquire its Tuscan estate, and what is it called?
1996; Ca’Marcanda
Who makes Intistieti and what is it?
Intistieti is one of the vineyards on Soldera’s estate. He has come to use the name, though, not to reflect vineyard origin but to denote a wine that spends less time in barrel. Intistieti was made in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991, and 1992. Labeled as Vino da Tavola.
What are the main differences between Vin Santo del Chianti DOC and Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC?
Chianti DOC – has a Riserva designation, min. 70% Trebbiano Toscano and/or Malvasia; Occhio di Pernice is min. 50% Sangiovese
Chianti Classico DOC – no Riserva designation, min. 60% Trebbiano Toscana; Occhio di Pernice is min. 80% Sangiovese. Higher potential alcohol and lower acquired.
Where would you find the fraziones Montefioralle and Ruffoli?
Greve in Chianti
Name three synonyms for Trebbiano di Toscana.
Passerina – Marche
Procanico – Umbria
Ugni Blanc – France
What are the aging requirements for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Min. 1 year before release (no oak required)
Where is Vernaccia a red grape?
Marche; Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG
Where is the conca d’oro?
Greve in Chianti Classico – “golden valley” – amphitheater of ideal southern facing slopes
Who makes Madonna del Piano?
Valdicava; their single vineyard BdM
Where is Poggio Civitella?
The highest point in Brunello di Montalcino.
