Central Italy

Question 1

Name the main wine regions in Central Italy.

Answer 1

Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche and Abruzzo.

Question 2

Describe generally the location and climate of Central Italy.

Answer 2

South of the Po river, dominated by the Apennine Mountains which run the length of the peninsula. Grapes are planted in the hills and valleys of the mountains with altitude and moderating sea breezes from both sides providing moderating influences from the hot climate.

Question 3

What are the three geographical regions that define Tuscany?

Answer 3

Mountainous Chianti region to the north; hills and valleys to the south; and the flat coastal plain.

Question 4

What is the dominant grape in Tuscany?

Answer 4

Sangiovese, high in acidity and tannin. Late to ripen, so it needs a warm climate.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 5

Aromas of red cherries, plums and dried herbs. Usually aged in oak to soften the tannins and add spicy flavors. With bottle age, they develop meaty and gamey aromas.

Question 6

Name the three cities around Chianti.

Answer 6

Pisa, Florence and Siena.

Question 7

Name two Chianti sub-zones particularly known for the quality of their wines.

Answer 7

Chianti Rufina DOCG and Chianti Solli Sensi DOCG.

Question 8

How many sub-zones are there in Chianti?

Answer 8

7

Question 9

If grapes are sourced from the greater Chianti region, how are the labeled?

Answer 9

Chianti DOCG. Higher quality wines may be made from a particular sub-zone

Question 10

What distinguishes Chianti Classico DOCG from Chianti DOCG?

Answer 10

It is not a sub-zone of Chianti, but has its own DOCG. Vineyards are at a higher altitude resulting in wines with greater acidity and more herbal aromas.

Question 11

How long must a Chianti Classico be aged prior to release?

Answer 11

12 months.

Question 12

How long must a Chianti Classico Riserva be aged before release?

Answer 12

24 months; at least 3 months in the bottle.

Question 13

What is the highest designation for a Chianti Classico?

Answer 13

Gran Selezione.

Question 14

How does southern Tuscany vary from the north?

Answer 14

Vineyards are at a lower altitude and have a warmer climate; cool, maritime breezes can moderate.

Question 15

What are the two best know appellations in Southern Tuscany?

Answer 15

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG. They make wines that are fuller bodied than wines from Chianti.

Question 16

What percentage of grapes in a Brunello di Montalcino must come from the Sangiovese grape?

Answer 16

100%

Question 17

What are the aging requirements before releasing a Brunello di Montalcino?

Answer 17

5 years, 2 of which must be in oak.

Question 18

Is a Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 100% Sangiovese?

Answer 18

No. It may blended with other grapes. And aged 2 years before it is sold.

Question 19

What are the aging requirements before releasing a Vino Nobile del Montepulciano?

Answer 19

A minimum of two years.

Question 20

Both Brunello di Montalcino and Vino de Montepulciano can declassify their wines to DOC as necessary. What are the declassified wines called?

Answer 20

Rosso di Montalcino DOC or Rosso di Montepulciano DOC.

Question 21

Name the four coastal regions of Central Italy.

Answer 21

Umbria, Lazio, Marche, and Abruzzo.

Question 22

What is a Super Tuscan?

Answer 22

The original wine was made from cab and sold for a premium price, despite not being eligible for PDO status. They re-established Italy’s reputation for excellence. Many are sold as Toscana IGT.

Question 23

Name two DOC’s that permit wines to be made entirely from non-Italian varieties, including cab, merlot and Syrah.

Answer 23

Bolgheri DOC and Maremma Toscana DOC.

Question 24

What is Umbrias climate?

Answer 24

Similar to Tuscany but more Continental without any influence from the Mediterranean.

Question 25

What wine is Umbria known for?

Answer 25

The white wine Orvieto DOC.

Question 26

What is Oriveto a blend of?

Answer 26

Grechetto, Trebbiano and often a few other local grapes.

Question 27

Describe an Orvieto? - Umbria

Answer 27

Light in body with medium to high acidity and flavors of ripe grapefruit and peaches.

Question 28

What is Umbrias most prestigious red wine?

Answer 28

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, made from the thick skinned Sagrantino grape.

Question 29

What wine is the region of Lazio known for?

Answer 29

Frascati DOC.

Question 30

Where is Lazio located and what are its defining characteristics?

Answer 30

Hills south of Rome. Vineyards are cooled by high altitude and small nearby lakes.

Question 31

What varieties are used in the blends from Lazio?

Answer 31

Malvasia and Trebbiano.

Question 32

Describe a Frascati?

Answer 32

Fresh, unoaked style. Medium in body with medium to high acidity and flavors of citrus fruit, sometimes with the Malvasia providing floral and orange blossom aromas.

Question 33

What grape variety is Marche best known for?

Answer 33

Verdicchio.

Question 34

Describe Verdicchio.

Answer 34

A white wine naturally high in acidity with flavors of green apples, lemons and sometimes display notes of feel and almonds. Many are simple and fruity, but the best have greater concentration and have notes of honey and almonds with bottle age.

Question 35

What red wines are produced in Marche?

Answer 35

Blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, of which the best known is Conero DOCG.

Question 36

What is the best known DOC in Marche?

Answer 36

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC.

Question 37

Below Marche is Abruzzo. What black variety is it known for?

Answer 37

Montepulciano, which gives rise to the main wine Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC.

Question 38

What characteristics does the grape Montepulciano display?

Answer 38

High levels of color and tannins, medium acidity, flavors of black plums and cherries. Many are simple and fruity.