Tuscany

Question 1

When were the boundaries of Chianti first legally drawn? By whom?

Answer 1

1716 by Cosim III de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany

Question 2

What did Bettino Ricasoli do?

Answer 2

• Used Sangio as the primary grape in Chianti
• Used a small about of Malvasia Bianca Lunga for younger-drinking wines
• Shortened post-fermentation maceration
• Switched to closed fermentation vessels
• Advocated against tendone
• Switched from Fiaschi to Bdx bottles

Question 3

What was the first 100% Sangio super tuscan? What was the first vintage?

Answer 3

San Felice’s Vigorello
1968
(today it is CS and Merlot)

Question 4

When did Chianti become a DOC? DOCG? When did Chianti Classico get its own DOCG?

Answer 4

DOC: 1967
DOCG: 1984
CC DOCG: 1996

Question 5

When did white grapes get prohibited in Chianti Classico DOCG?

Answer 5

2005 was the last vintage that allowed it

Question 6

Name the communes of CC in Siena

Answer 6

Radda
Gaiole
Castelliina
Castelnuovo Berardegna
Poggibonsi

Question 7

Name the CC communes in Firenze

Answer 7

Greve
Barberino Val d’Elsa
San Casciano Val di Pesa
Tavernelle Val di Pesa

Question 8

What is the min Sangio in Chianti DOCG? And CC?

Answer 8

Chianti: 70-100%
CC: 80-100%

Question 9

Which Chianti subzone have a different cepage? What is it?

Answer 9

Colli Senesi is min 75% instead of 70%

Question 10

What is the Chianti aging? Which Chianti subzones have different aging regulations?

Answer 10

Chianti: released 3/1
Montespertoli: released 6/1
Fiorentini and Rufina: released 9/1

Question 11

How is Chianti Riserva aged?

Answer 11

min 2 years from 1/1
Fiorentini and Rufina: 2 yrs w 6 mo in wood
Senesi: 2 yrs w 8 in wood and 4 in btl