Tuscany (Toscana) Flashcards by Dan Walsh

Tuscany (Toscana)

What is significant about the Chianti zone in terms of wine legislation?

Legislation delimiting the Chianti zone dates back to 1716

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What is the historical significance of the first DOC and DOCG zones in Italy?

They were the first to be authorized in Tuscany

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What type of agriculture did ancient Romans practice in Tuscany, and what crops were involved?

“Promiscuous” agriculture, planting olive trees, vineyards, and wheat fields side by side

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Tuscany (Toscana)

Who were the trailblazers of the “Super-Tuscan” movement, and what were their contributions?

Marquis Mario Rocchetta released the first commercial vintage of Sassicaia in 1968, and his nephew Piero Antinori followed with Tignanello

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What percentage of Tuscany’s wine production is at the DOC/DOCG level, and how much wine does Tuscany produce annually?

About 60% of Tuscany’s wine is at the DOC/DOCG level, and the region produces around 2.7 million hectoliters of wine annually

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Tuscany (Toscana)

How many DOCG zones does Tuscany have, and which regions have more?

Tuscany has 11 DOCG zones, trailing only Piedmont and Veneto

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What is the general climate of Tuscany?

Tuscany enjoys a dry, Mediterranean climate, but winters can be harsh and summers can be long and hot

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Tuscany (Toscana)

How does the climate vary within Tuscany?

There is a wide variation in mesoclimates. Montalcino is typically more arid, while Montepulciano has a more seasonal, continental climate

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What factors contribute to the diversity of mesoclimates in Tuscany?

The region’s width and the changing altitudes of Tuscany’s sloped vineyards contribute to its diverse mesoclimates

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What is the main red grape of Tuscany?

Sangiovese

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What are the three great indigenous red grapes of Italy?

Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Aglianico

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What are the typical characteristics of Sangiovese wines?

Sangiovese wines are typically light in color, high in acidity, firmly tannic, medium- to full-bodied, with sour cherry notes and herbal undertones

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Tuscany (Toscana)

How is Sangiovese traditionally aged, and how does modern aging differ?

Traditionally, Sangiovese is aged in large European (often Slavonian) casks, but modern wines are also aged in new barriques, which add flavor and texture

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Tuscany (Toscana)

Which grapes are sometimes blended with Sangiovese to add color and power?

Cabernet Sauvignon or the local Colorino

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What role did the Canaiolo grape historically play in Sangiovese blends?

Soften Sangiovese’s firm tannins

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What is the significance of the “Chianti Classico 2000 Project”?

The “Chianti Classico 2000 Project” was a clonal research initiative started in 1987 by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico to develop disease-resistant clones and enhance other properties of Sangiovese

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Tuscany (Toscana)

How has clonal research impacted the Sangiovese grape?

Led to the development of disease-resistant clones and clones with thicker skins and higher anthocyanin content, improving the grape’s characteristics

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Tuscany (Toscana)

How have previously isolated clones like Brunello and Prugnolo Gentile evolved?

It’s given way to many derivatives as research continues to refine the Sangiovese grape

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Tuscany (Toscana)

In which DOCGs is Sangiovese the principal red grape?

Sangiovese is the principal red grape in Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Montecucco Sangiovese and Brunello di Montalcino

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Tuscany (Toscana)

Which DOCG allows only Sangiovese as the red grape?

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG allows only Sangiovese as the red grape

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What role do Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot play in Tuscan wine production?

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can be added in minor proportions to the Chianti formula, but they are more important in DOC and IGT “Super-Tuscan” blends, adding lushness and flesh to Sangiovese

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Tuscany (Toscana)

Which international grape is gaining momentum in Tuscany?

Syrah

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Tuscany (Toscana)

Which white international grapes are less popular in Tuscany?

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc capture less interest than their red counterparts in Tuscany

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Tuscany (Toscana)

What is the most planted white grape in Italy, and where is it commonly found in Tuscany?

Trebbiano Toscano is the most planted white grape in Italy, and it is regularly encountered in Tuscany, often blended with Malvasia

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# Tuscany (Toscana) Where is the Vernaccia grape primarily grown in Tuscany?

Vernaccia is primarily grown in the environs of San Gimignano

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which white grape shows promise in the coastal vineyards of Maremma, Tuscany?

Vermentino shows great promise in the coastal vineyards of Maremma

# Tuscany (Toscana) What percentage of the wine made in Tuscany is red?

More than 85% of the wine made in Tuscany is red

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is Tuscany's most famous wine region?

Chianti DOCG

# Tuscany (Toscana) When was Chianti elevated to DOCG status?

1984

# Tuscany (Toscana) When were the limits of the modern Chianti zone established?

1932

# Tuscany (Toscana) How many original subzones were created for the Chianti region in 1932?

# Tuscany (Toscana) Name the seven original subzones of the Chianti region.

Classico, Rùfina, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Colli Aretini, and Montalbano

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which subzone was added to the Chianti region in 1997?

Montespertoli

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which Chianti subzone is often regarded as the most consistent in quality, besides Classico?

Rùfina

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which firm dominates the Rùfina subzone?

Frescobaldi

# Tuscany (Toscana) Name the two producers in the Pomino DOC within Rùfina

Frescobaldi and Fattoria Selvapiana

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is unique about the Pomino DOC compared to Chianti DOCG?

It permits a higher percentage of international grapes and a range of varietal bottlings

# Tuscany (Toscana) Who is credited with defining the classic blend of Chianti?

Baron Bettino Ricasoli

# Tuscany (Toscana) When did Baron Bettino Ricasoli outline his classic blend of Chianti?

In an 1872 letter to Professor Cesare Studiati at the University of Pisa

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the general recipe for Chianti DOCG as updated in 1996?

70 to 100% Sangiovese

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required in the Colli Senesi subzone?

75%

# Tuscany (Toscana) Are the white grapes Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia mandatory in Chianti DOCG?

No, their addition is now optional but rarely practiced

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the maximum percentage of Cabernet grapes allowed in the Chianti DOCG blend?

15%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the maximum percentage of Cabernet grapes allowed in the Colli Senesi subzone?

10%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the traditional practice of "governo" in Chianti winemaking?

Refermentation with the juice of dried grapes to strengthen the wine and initiate malolactic fermentation

# Tuscany (Toscana) How must the practice of governo be indicated on Chianti wine labels?

As "Governo all’uso Toscano."

# Tuscany (Toscana) When may Chianti normale be released?

On March 1 of the year following the harvest

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which Chianti subzones require additional aging beyond the standard release date?

The Florentine subzones of Rùfina, Montespertoli, and Colli Fiorentini

# Tuscany (Toscana) What does it mean when Chianti is labeled "riserva"?

It has undergone two years of aging

# Tuscany (Toscana) What additional requirements do Chianti superiore wines have?

They require an additional half-degree of alcohol and lowered vineyard yields.

# Tuscany (Toscana) When was Chianti Classico upgraded to DOCG status?

1984, same as Chianti

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the heartland of the Chianti zone?

Chianti Classico

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which area contains the original Chianti zone delimited by Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici in 1716?

Chianti Classico area

# Tuscany (Toscana) Name the four original villages in the Chianti Classico area

Radda, Gaiole, Castellina, and Greve

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the dominant soil types in the Chianti Classico region?

Sandstone and Marl

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the major sandstone-driven soils in Chianti Classico?

Macingo and Piestraforte

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the top Marl soil in Chianti Classico?

Albarese

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required in the Chianti Classico blend?

80%

# Tuscany (Toscana) Are white grapes permitted in Chianti Classico wines?

No, as of the 2006 vintage, white grapes are no longer permitted

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the minimum alcohol level for Chianti Classico wines?

12%

# Tuscany (Toscana) When may Chianti Classico wines be released?

Not until October 1st of the year following harvest

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the aging requirements for Chianti Classico Riserva wines?

A minimum of 24 months, with at least 3 months in bottle, and a minimum alcohol level of 12.5%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is Gran Selezione in Chianti Classico?

A category approved in 2014 for wines that must come from estate-grown grapes and be aged for at least 30 months, with 3 months in bottle, and a minimum alcohol level of 13%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the minimum Sangiovese content required for Gran Selezione wines as of 2021?

At least 90%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What wood vessel is often used for aging Riserva Chianti Classico?

Barrique

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG known for in Tuscany?

It is the most powerful expression of Sangiovese in Tuscany

# Tuscany (Toscana) Who is credited with the invention of the Brunello style?

Clemente Santi of Tenuta Greppo’s Biondi-Santi

# Tuscany (Toscana) When was the Brunello clone first isolated and bottled alone?

1865

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which Brunello wine immortalized Biondi-Santi's reputation and the Brunello style?

Brunello Riserva 1888

# Tuscany (Toscana) When did Brunello di Montalcino truly capture the public imagination?

Only recently, with significant growth occurring after the 1970s

# Tuscany (Toscana) Where is the hill of Montalcino located?

In the southern reaches of Tuscany, overlapping Chianti Senesi in the province of Siena

# Tuscany (Toscana) How many hectares does Montalcino encompass, and how many are authorized for Brunello production?

It encompasses 24,000 hectares, with only around 5,000 acres authorized and planted for Brunello

# Tuscany (Toscana) What grape is used to produce Brunello di Montalcino?

100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino?

Aged in cask for a minimum of two years and in bottle for an additional four months (six months for riserva)

# Tuscany (Toscana) When can Brunello di Montalcino be released?

On January 1st of the fifth year following the harvest, or the sixth year for riserva bottlings

# Tuscany (Toscana) What type of soil characterizes the higher-altitude vineyards in Montalcino?

Galestro

# Tuscany (Toscana) What soil type is predominant in the warmer southern reaches of Montalcino?

Clay

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is scattered throughout Montalcino's soil?

Fossilized Marine Deposits

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is a suburb or sub-commune called in Montalcino?

Frazioni

# Tuscany (Toscana) Name the frazioni (suburbs or sub-communes) of Montalcino that provide distinctions in the corresponding wines

Sant Angelo in Colle, Castelnuovo Abate, and Torrenieri

# Tuscany (Toscana) How does Brunello compare to Chianti in terms of alcohol, extract, and tannin?

Brunello is stronger, with more alcohol, extract, and tannin than Chianti

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which producers are known for using small barrels and shorter macerations to round out Brunello wines?

Casanova di Neri and Mastrojanni

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which producers remain more traditional in their approach to Brunello winemaking?

Biondi-Santi, Talenti, and Soldera

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the "junior" version of Brunello called?

Rosso di Montalcino DOC

# Tuscany (Toscana) What grape is used to produce Rosso di Montalcino DOC?

100% Sangiovese, same as Brunello

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the aging requirement for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?

The wines must be aged for one year prior to release, but cask aging is not required

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the Sant’Antimo DOC, and when was it created?

Created in 1996, Sant’Antimo DOC provides Montalcino producers an outlet for "Super-Tuscan" wines.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What types of grapes can be used for Sant’Antimo DOC wines?

Any grape authorized in Tuscany

# Tuscany (Toscana) What types of wines can be produced under Sant’Antimo DOC?

Both red and white wines

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is Moscadello di Montalcino DOC?

A DOC for white wines from the Montalcino region, produced from the Moscadello (Moscato Bianco) grape.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the characteristics of Moscadello di Montalcino wines?

Moscadello wines are often sweet and may be still or sparkling.

# Tuscany (Toscana) Where is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG produced?

In Montepulciano and several surrounding communes, to the east of Montalcino.

# Tuscany (Toscana) When was Vino Nobile di Montepulciano awarded DOCG status?

1980, one of the first awarded in Italy.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile clone) required in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

70%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the maximum percentage of other varieties allowed in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and how much can be white varieties?

A maximum of 30% other varieties, including no more than 5% white varieties

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the aging requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

Aged for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in wood

# Tuscany (Toscana) How long must Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva wines be aged?

At least three years

# Tuscany (Toscana) How does Vino Nobile di Montepulciano compare to Chianti and Brunello in terms of tannins and firmness?

It tends to be less firm than Chianti and less aggressively tannic than Brunello, striking a softer balance.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the minimum Sangiovese content for Morellino di Scansano DOCG wines?

85%

# Tuscany (Toscana) When did Morellino di Scansano achieve DOCG status?

2006

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the aging requirements for Morellino di Scansano Riserva wines?

Aged for a minimum of two years

# Tuscany (Toscana) What historical change made winegrowing possible in the southern Maremma region, where Morellino di Scansano is located?

Mussolini drained the inhospitable swamp in the 1930s

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the Sangiovese content requirement for the red wines of Carmignano DOCG?

Minimum 50% Sangiovese

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is unique about the blend requirements for Carmignano DOCG wines?

10% to 20% of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc is required in the blend

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which DOCG allows higher proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to be added to Sangiovese?

Rosso della Val di Cornia DOCG, maximum 60% combined

# Tuscany (Toscana) When was Suvereto elevated to DOCG status alongside the red wines of Val di Cornia?

2011

# Tuscany (Toscana) What was the first "Super Tuscan" wine released by Marquis Mario Rocchetta’s Tenuta San Guido?

Sassicaia in 1968

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is significant about the wine Tignanello, released by Antinori in 1971?

It was a barrique-aged red wine with 85% Sangiovese, signaling an upheaval in Tuscany’s wine production.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What Bordeaux-style wines followed the release of Sassicaia and Tignanello?

Antinori’s Solaia, Ornellaia, Masseto, and Le Macchiole’s Paleo Rosso

# Tuscany (Toscana) Which three wines were among the first 100% Sangiovese “Super-Tuscans”?

San Felice's Vigorello, Montevertine’s Le Pergole Torte, and Isole e Olena’s Cepparello

# Tuscany (Toscana) What was peculiar about Tuscany’s most prized bottles by the mid-eighties?

They were often simple vino da tavola.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What was a primary motivator for the creation of the IGT category in Italy in 1992?

Dissatisfaction with the regimented DOC laws

# Tuscany (Toscana) Under what classification are many great “Super-Tuscan” wines released today?

IGT, often under a nome di fantasia (fantasy name)

# Tuscany (Toscana) What DOC region in the northern Maremma received DOC status for red wines in 1994?

Bolgheri DOC

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the aging requirements for Bolgheri Superiore wines?

Aged for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels, and a minimum alcohol content of 12.5%

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the leading grape for white wines in Bolgheri DOC?

Vermentino

# Tuscany (Toscana) What significant status was granted to Bolgheri Sassicaia in 2013?

It gained separate status as an appellation, the only true monopole DOC in Italy

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the isle of Elba known for in relation to the French Emperor Napoleon?

It was the site of Napoleon’s exile in 1814

# Tuscany (Toscana) What DOCG was finalized in 2011 for sweet red passito wines on the island of Elba?

Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG

# Tuscany (Toscana) From which grape are the Elba Aleatico Passito wines made?

The Aleatico grape

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the genetic link of the Aleatico grape?

It is genetically linked to the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape and possibly a red-skinned mutation

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the only white wine in Tuscany to enjoy DOCG status?

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

# Tuscany (Toscana) What are the characteristics of Vernaccia di San Gimignano?

It is a crisp, pink grapefruit-tinged white wine produced on sandy, rock-strewn soils around San Gimignano.

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is vin santo, and why is it becoming increasingly rare?

Vin santo is a traditional dried grape sweet wine produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes that is difficult and time-consuming to produce, making it increasingly rare

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is "Occhio di Pernice" in relation to vin santo?

It is a rosé version of vin santo, produced with a minimum of 50% Sangiovese added to the white grapes

# Tuscany (Toscana) How are the grapes for vin santo traditionally dried?

The grapes are hung from rafters to dry, usually until December 1 if not longer

# Tuscany (Toscana) What type of barrels are used for aging vin santo, and what is their traditional wood?

Vin santo is aged in caratelli barrels, traditionally made from chestnut wood, allowing rapid oxidation

# Tuscany (Toscana) What effect does not topping off the barrels have on vin santo?

Alcohol is concentrated through evaporation, giving the wine its characteristic amber hue

# Tuscany (Toscana) What determines whether vin santo is dry or sweet?

The length of the appassimento process

# Tuscany (Toscana) Can vin santo be fortified, and if so, what is it labeled as?

Yes, it can be fortified and is labeled as liquoroso

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is the most common type of vin santo exported from Tuscany?

Vin Santo del Chianti DOC

# Tuscany (Toscana) What is typically served with vin santo at a Tuscan table?

A less sweet dessert, such as biscotti

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