Central Italy Reds

Question 1

What is Abruzzo’s most populated city?

Answer 1

Pescara

Question 2

Why is Montepulciano ideal for rosé production?

Answer 2

The skins are highly pigmented and the juice is nearly pink

Question 3

Cepage for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC?

Answer 3

Min 85% Montepulciano

Question 4

Aging requirement for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva?

Answer 4

Min 2 years, with min 9 months in wood

Question 5

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo notable producers?

Answer 5

Valentini; Emidio Pepe; Tiberio; Illuminati

Question 6

When was the Chianti zone expanded, and the original area given the name Chianti Classico?

Answer 6

1930s

Question 7

Min Sangiovese percentage for Chianti DOCG?

Answer 7

Min 70% Sangiovese

Question 8

What are the most well known of Chianti’s 7 sub zones?

Answer 8

Rùfina, Colli Senesi, Colli Fiorentini

Question 9

When was Chianti originally delimited?

Answer 9

1716

Question 10

Chianti Classico DOCG lies between what two cities?

Answer 10

Florence and Siena

Question 11

What is the min Sangiovese percentage for Chianti Classico?

Answer 11

Min 80% Sangiovese

Question 12

What are the quality categories for Chianti Classico?

Answer 12

Chinati Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Question 13

What are the requirements for Chianti Classico Riserva?

Answer 13

Aged min 24 months. Fuller and more complex with longer aging potential

Question 14

What are the requirements for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione?

Answer 14

Exclusively estate grown grapes, aged min of 30 months, represents the best of the region

Question 15

Chianti Classico notable producers?

Answer 15

Montevertine, Iconic, created Le Pergola Torte in 1977; Ricasoli; Monteraponi, Burgundian approach just outside of Radda; Castellare, Castellina, traditional; Fèlsina, Fontalloro & Rancia monovarietal Sangiovese

Question 16

Where will you find Prugnolo Gentile?

Answer 16

Synonym for Sangiovese in Montepulciano

Question 17

What is Sangiovese known as in Scansano?

Answer 17

Morellino

Question 18

How long is Brunello di Montalcino Aged?

Answer 18

Minimum 4 years, at least 2 of those in oak

Question 19

Brunello di Montalcino notable producers?

Answer 19

Biondi-Santi, bottled first wine called Brunello in late 1800s; Il Marroneto, some of most traditional; Le Ragnaie, Burgundian techniques; Il Poggione, dates back to 1800, ripe, rich, structured; Case Base Soldera, produced outside of DOCG, cult, rich, saturated, concentrated; Poggio di Sotto; Podere Le Ripi

Question 20

What was the first vintage of Sassicaia released, in what year?

Answer 20

The first vintage was 1968, released in 1972

Question 21

What is the name of the estate that produces Sassicaia?

Answer 21

Tenuta San Guido

Question 22

What year did Bolgheri Sassicaia become a DOC?

Answer 22

2013

Question 23

What is the maximum percentage of Sangiovese or Syrah that can be in Bolgheri DOC reds?

Answer 23

Max 50% of either grape

Question 24

How long must Bolgheri Rosso DOC wines be aged?

Answer 24

Minimum 1 year

Question 25

How long must Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC wines be aged?

Answer 25

Minimum 2 years, with at least 1 in oak

Question 26

White Bolgheri DOC wine is typically based on what grape?

Answer 26

Vermentino

Question 27

Bolgheri DOC notable producers?

Answer 27

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, owned today by Frescobaldi's; Fabio Motta; Le Macchiole, known for Paleo, considered one of world's top CF; Michele Satta, focus on Sangiovese and Syrah; Grattamacco, one of appellations founding wineries; Podere Casellaccio, some of oldest vines in Bolgheri

Question 28

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG produces sweet or dry wines?

Answer 28

Both, but primarily dry. Both versions must be 100% Sagrantino

Question 29

What is the aging requirement for Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG?

Answer 29

Min 37 months, with 12 m in oak

Question 30

How long must the grapes for Montefalco Sagrantino Passito be air dried for?

Answer 30

Min 2 months. The wine must be aged a min of 37 months, but no oak aging is required

Question 31

Montefalco Sagrantino notable producers?

Answer 31

Arnaldo Caprai, historic leader; Tabarrini, 1st estate to bottle single-vineyard Sagrantino; Antonelli San Marco, one of oldest estates, softer and refined style