Ch 28 - Central Italy Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is the most famous wine from Central Italy and what grape is it made from?
Chianti - Sangiovese.
What is the climate in Central Italy and what are the moderating influences?
Warm Mediterranean climate. Grapes are planted in the hills and valleys of the Apennine Mountains with altitude providing a moderating influence on the hot climate. Coastal regions on both sides of the country benefit from cooling sea breezes.
What are the three parts of Tuscany?
The mountainous Chinati region in the north, hills and valleys to south and flat coastal plain.
What is the dominant grape throughout Tuscany? What wines does it make?
Sangiovese - most prestigious too. Makes wines with high acidity and tannin with aromas of red cherries, plums and dried herbs. Usually aged for a period in oak to soften the tannins and add spicy flavours. Barrels and large casks can be used. Develops meaty and gamey aromas.
What is notable about Sangiovese when growing it?
Late to ripen so it needs a warm climate, hence its home is part of Italy.
How is Sangiovese often used in Chianti?
For blends with small amounts of other black grapes.
What is the labelling term for wines made with grapes sourced from the greater region?
DOCG.
What are higher quality chianti DOCGs made from?
May be from grapes form a particular sub-zones, the name will appear on the wine label e.g. Chianti Rufina DOCG.
What is Chianti Classico and what natural factors make its wines distinct?
Has its own DOCG - not a sub zone of Chianti DOCG. Its vineyards are at higher altitudes, which slows the ripening and results in wines with greater acidity and more herbal aromas.
What are the ageing requirements for Chianti Classico?
12 months before they are released onto the market.
What are the ageing requirements for Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?
24 months of which at least three months must be spent bottle ageing.
What is Gran Selezione?
The highest designation for Chianti Classico. Wines must be from grapes sourced from a single estate and aged for six months longer than Riserva.
What is the use of oak with Chianti Classico (including Riserva and Gran Selezione)?
No stipulations concerning oak - producer’s decision as to whether to use it and for how long. Vast majority of wines are matured in oak for at least part of their time before release.
What are the natural influences in Southern Tuscany?
At lower altitudes than those in the north and have a warmer climate, cool maritime breezes from the SW can moderate the temperatures.
What are Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
The best known appellations in the region.
What impact does climate have when considering Southern Tuscany vs Chianti?
The wines in Southern Tuscany are often more intense and fuller-bodied than those from Chianti.
What are the requirements for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
Must be 100% Sangiovese and undergo min ageing of 5 years before sale, 2 of which must be in oak.
What are the requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
Can be a blend of Sangiovese with other permitted varieties - must be aged for min of 2 years before sale.
Why might producers from Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano declassify their wines? What would they be called instead?
If there is a poor vintage or vines are very young. Rosso di Montalcino DOC or Rosso di Montepulciano DOC.
What natural influences effect the climate of the flat coastal region of Tuscany?
Cooled by sea breezes rather than altitude.
What varieties are grown in the coastal region of Tuscany?
Black Bordeaux e.g. Cab Sav along with other international varieties.
What is a Super Tuscan?
a wine made from Cab Sav sold at premium price despite not having PDO status.
What is the IGT for the region of Tuscany? What might you expect this wine to be?
Toscana IGT - might be high quality wine from international varieties.
What wines are permitted in Bolgheri DOC?
Wines can be made from non-italian varieties (entirely) e.g. Cab Sav, Merlot, Syrah.
