Tuscany (Toscana) Flashcards
Climate in Tuscany
Dry, maritime-influenced climate. Winters can be harsh and summers can be long and hot
Name top 3 regions for number of DOCG
Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany
Name main grape of Tuscany
Thin-skinned Sangiovese
Description of Sangiovese
Light in color, high in acidity, firmly tannic, medium to full body, sour cherry notes and herbal undertones
Name DOCG for Sangiovese
Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Noble di Montelpuciano, Morellino di Scansano and Montecucco Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino
Name grapes of Tuscany
Sangiovese, Nebiollo, Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, local Colorino (added to soften Sangiovese), Canaiolo, Merlot, Syrah. White grapes-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano Toscano (Italy’s most planted white grape), Malvasia, local Vernaccia, Vermentino. 70% devoted to red wine production
Year Chianti was elevated to DOCG
1984
Name sub zones for Chianti
Classico, Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Colli Aretine and Montalbano. 8th Montespertoli was added in 1997
Regulation for Chianti DOCG
Minimum 70% of Sangiovese, Coli Senesi must be minimum 75%. But could be up to 100%. Addition of Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia is optional. Cabernet may not exceed 15% of the blend.
Define governo method
Refermentation with the juice of dried grapes to strengthen the wine. Also malolactic fermentation permitted. Must be indicated on label as Governo all’usco Toscano
Release of Chianti normale
May be released on March 1 of the year following the harvest. However florentine sub zones of Rufina, Montespertolli and Colli Fiorentini requires additional aging
Requirements for Chianti Riserva and Superiore
Riserva - 2 years of aging, Superiore - additional half degree of alcohol and lowered yields.
Name 4 original villages of chianti Classico
Radda, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve
Name soil of Chianti Classico
Soft, mark-like galestro, alberese - sandstone
Percentage of Sangiovese in Chianti Classico
Minimum 80%
Requirement about white grapes in Chianti Classico
As of 2006 they are no longer permitted
Minimum alcohol level for Chianti Classico
12% compare to 11.5% at Chianti DOCG
Aging of Chianti Classico
Must be aged for a year prior release. Riserva - minimum 24 months and minimum 12.5% of alcohol. Gran Selezione - new category as of 2013 - must be aged for at least 30 months
Name aging vessel for chianti Classico
Often barrique- wood vessel
Grape of Brunello di Montalcino
100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
Aging of Brunello di Montalcino
Aging in cask for a minimum of 2 years and bottle for an additional 4 months, 6 months for riserva
When Brunello di Montalcino can be released
May not be released until January first of 5th year, it until 6th year for Riserva
Soil in Montalcino
Varied with galestro at higher altitude vineyards, clay at warmer souther reaches and fossilized marine deposits throughout Montalcino
Name “junior” version of Brunello
Rossi di Montalcino DOC, 100% Sangiovese, must be aged for one year prior release, cask aging is not required
“SuperTuscan” wines of Montalcino
San’Antimo DOC created in 1996. Any grape authorized for Tuscany may be used there and wine can be white or red
DOC for Moscato Bianco in Montalcino
Moscadello di Montalcino DOC. Wines often sweet and maybe still or sparkling
Name first region besides Brunello promoted to DOCG in 1980
Vino Nobile di Montelpuciano, min 70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile clone), maximum of 30% of other varieties and no more then 5% of white grapes
Aging of Vino Nobile di Montelpuciano
Min 2 years, with at least 1 year in wood. Riserva - at least 3 years
Grape of Morellino di Scansano DOCG and aging
Located in Maremma, based on 85% Sangiovese. Riserva must be aged min for 2 years
Newer DOCG for wine, which has Cabernet, Merlot added to Sangiovese in a higher proportions
Rosso Della Val Di Cornia
Name the only true monopole DOC in all of Italy
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC. Tribute to first super Tuscan producer. Marquis Mario Rochetta “Tenuta San Guido” released 1968 Sassicaia a baroque aged Cabernet blend as vino de tavola
Name DOCG for wine from Aleatico grape
Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG located on the isle of Elba, 12 miles of the coast of Maremma. Red passito wines. They only DOCG for dessert wine
Name the only white wine in Tuscany to have DOCG status
Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Crisp pink grapefruit-tinged white wine produced on sandy, rock-strewn soil around town of San Gimignano in the Siena province
Describe traditional dessert bottling in Tuscany
Vin Santo, which means “holy wine”. High alcohol, almond and honey-toned dried grape produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. Gde hero sometimes authorized, and Rose versions called “ochio di Pernice” are produced with min 50% Sangiovese added to white grapes
Process of making vin santo
Grapes are hung from rafters to dry for specified time set by each DOC, grapes are usually raisinated until Devember 1. Chestnut wood usually used allowing rapid oxidation. Barrels are never topped, alcohol concentrated thru evaporation and wine gains Amber hue. Wine aged between 3 and 8 years in caratelli barrels. Finale style maybe dry or sweet, depending on the length of appassimento process. Vin santo maybe fortified and labeled liquoroso. Majority of exported vin santo is Vin Santo del Chianti DOC
