Central Italy Flashcards
(41 cards)
Describe climate and grape growing in Central Italy
Dominated by the Apennine Mountains
Grapes are planted in the hills and valleys of the mountain range
Altitude provide a moderating influence on the hot climate
Coastal regions benefit from the coolin sea breezes
What are the five major regions of Central Italy
Tuscany
Umbria
Marche
Lazio
Abruzzo
Tuscany is divded in three parts. Define those three parts
Moutainous Chianti region in the north
Hills and valleys to the south
Flat coastal plain
What is the dominant grape throuhout Tuscany?
Sangiovese
Describe the characteristics of Sangiovese in Tuscany
High acidity, high tannin
Late ripener so needs warm climate
Aromas of red cherries, plums, dried herb
Usually aged in oack to soften tannins and add spicy flavours
Small barrels and larger casks
develop meaty, gamey aromas in bottle
Can you grow white grape variety in Tuscany ?
yes, white wines are also made throughout the region
Where is located Chianti ?
Foothills of the Apennines between Pisa, florence and Siena
Chianti is devided in how many sub-regions?
7
What is the most dominant grape in Chianti ?
Sangiovese
But often blends with other black grapes (frenh or italian origin)
From where are coming the grapes of Chianti DOCG ?
From anywhere in the regions, often large volumes
what is the appellation for higher quality chianti DOCG from sub-zone ?
Give 2 examples
Name of the subzone in the label ex:
Chianti Rufina DOCG and Chianti Colli senesi DOCG
Explain Chianti Classico DOCG
Has its own DOCG, not a sub-zone of chianti DOCG
Vineyards at higher altitude permitting greater acidity and herbal aromas
Must be aged for 12 months before released
Explain Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Must be aged for 24 months of which at least 3 months must be spent bottle ageing
What is the highest designation for Chianti Classico wines ?
Gran Selezione
The grape must be sourced from a single estate and aged for 30 months
No stipulation concerning oak ageing. In practice the vast majority mature in oak
What is the climate of Southern Tuscany compared with the northern region?
Lower altitudes
Warmer climate
Cool maritime breezes from south-west moderate the temperatures
What are the best known appellations of Southern Tuscany?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
They are more intense and fuller-bodied due to the warmer climate
What are the regulations for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
100% Sangiovese
Release only from the January of the fifth year after harvest
Minimum of 2 years in wooden vessels
What are the regulations for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
Can be a blend with other permitted varieties
Aged for a minimum of 2 years before it is sold
How can producers from Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano label their wine in poor vintages ?
They can declassify their wines to DOC
Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
What is the geography and Climate of the Coastal region of Tuscany?
Flat coastal region
Cooled by sea breezes
What grapes are grown in the coastal region of Tuscany?
Black Bordeaux varieties (cabernet sauvignon, merlot) and a number of other international grapes
What is a Super-Tuscan ?
The first one Comes from the Tuscan Coast
The original wine was Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and sold for a premium price despite not being eligible for PDO status
Turning point for the international image of italian wines
What is Toscana IGT
high quality wines from international varieties and sometimes italien varieties as part of the blend
What are the appellations that permit wines to be made entirely from non-italian varieties in tuscany (cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah)?
Bolgheri DOC
