Central Italy

Question 1

Describe the topography of Central Italy

Answer 1

Dominated by the Apennine Mountains which run the length of the Italian Peninsula, grapes are planted on hills and valleys. Providing a moderating influence in a hot climate.

Question 2

Tuscany can be divided into three regions:

Answer 2

1. the mountainous chianti in the north
2. the hills and valleys in the south
3. the flat coastal plain

Question 3

What is the dominant grape in Tuscany and what are its characteristics?

Answer 3

Sangiovese.
High tannin and acid.
Late ripening so needs a warm climate.
Aromas of red cherries, plums and dried herbs.
Usually aged in oak for a while to soften tannins and add spice.

Question 4

Where is Chianti, what is it divided into and what is the dominant grape?

Answer 4

Based in the foothills of Apennines between Pisa, Florence and Siena.
7 Sub regions.
Sangiovese but often blended with others.

Question 5

What are two famous sub-regions in Chianti?

Answer 5

Chianti Rufina DOCG
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG

Question 6

What are the vineyards and wines like that are labelled Chianti Classico DOCG?

Answer 6

• Vineyards are at higher altitude than any Chianti DOCG, slows ripening with greater acidity and more herbal aromas.
• Must be aged for 12 months (Riserva is 24 months)

Question 7

What does Gran Selezione in Chianti mean?

Answer 7

Single estate
6 months longer than risevera (30)

Question 8

Describe the vineyards of southern Italy and and two best known appellations.

Answer 8

Lower altitude than those in the north but have cool maritime breezes from the south west that moderate the temperatures.
1. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
2. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Question 9

Regulations for Brunello di Montacino DOCG?

Answer 9

100% sangiovese
minimum 2 years in oak
only released the 5th year after harvest

Question 10

Regulations for Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG?

Answer 10

• Can blend Sangiovese with other varieties
• aged minimum of 2 years

Question 11

If there is a bad vintage in Brunello di Montecino what might the wind be called?

Answer 11

Rosso di Montalcino DOC

Question 12

Where do Super Tuscans come from?

Answer 12

The flat coastal region of southern italy. The original was made from Cab Sauv. These wines were essential in giving italy an opportunity to get a good reputation/

Question 13

What grapes are grown on the coastal region of Tuscany?

Answer 13

Black Bordeaux varieties.

Question 14

What kind of grapes are in Bolgheri DOC

Answer 14

A blend of non-italian varieties including Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.

Question 15

What wines are made in Umbria?

Answer 15

Orvieto DOC - Blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano and other local varieties.
light in body
medium to high acidity
flavours of ripe grapefruits and peaches

Question 16

What is Umbrias most prestigous red wine?

Answer 16

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG - Sagrantio grape

Question 17

What are the vineyards of LAzio like and what is the best wine known ?

Answer 17

• South of Tuscany
• Situated in the hills to the south of Rhome, the vineyards are cooled by altitude and small number of lakes.
  Frascati DOCG

Question 18

Describe a typical wine from Lazio.

Answer 18

Made from Malvasia and Trebbiano. Usually fresh and unoaked. Medium body, medium to high acidity, with flavours of citrus (malvasia can provide floral, orange blossom aromas).

Question 19

Where is Marche and what is it known for?

Answer 19

Eastern side of the Appenines, Verdicchio. Most famous is Verdiccihio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC. Reds are Montepulciano and Sangiovease (Conero DOC)

Question 20

What are the attributes of Verdicchio?

Answer 20

• natural high acidity
• green apples and lemons
• sometimes fennel and almods
• most simple and fruity but can develop to honey and almond

Question 21

Where is Abruzzo, whats it famous for and what is the wine like?

Answer 21

Below Marche, famous variety of Montepuliciano.
- deep colour
- high tannin
- medium acidity
- black cherries and plums.

Question 22

What is the main wine of Abruzzo?

Answer 22

Montepulicino d’Abruzzo DOC