History Flashcards
(31 cards)
What are possible roots of Chianti name?
Latin “Clangor” - meaning noise of hunting or wepaons;
Etruscan “ Clante/Clanis” - meaning water
Who were first to cultivate the chianti vineyards?
Etruscans 8-10 BCE
Who followed the Etruscans in Chianti?
Romans in 6-3 BCE - extended grape varieties and brought new viticultural techniques. Greek colonists also extended these practices.
What took place in the Middle Ages?
Age of the communes.Dispute on territory between Siena and Florence.
What is the official trademark of Chianti Classico wine?
The Black Rooster as per the myth of the settlement of the boundary.
When did the name Chianti appear on official documents?
1398 marking the start of the modern phase of Chianti wine.
Why did the reputation of Chianti grow between end of 14th century and middle of 18th century?
Connection between quality of wine and provenance became tighter.
What was share cropping? Is it still practiced?
Landowner provided grower with land for 50%share of profits. The practice is now illegal.
What did the Grand Duke of Tuscany decree in 1716?
The formal boundaries of Chianti were set out. They were to protect against fraud and ensure quality.
What is important about the Edict of 1716 in Tuscany?
It was an example of one of the first PDO. It established clear geographical boundaries very similar to DOCG and DOC today. It also prevented name being used on wine from outside designated boundary.
What body was established in 1716?
The Congregation of Chianti.
What was the role of the Congregation of Chianti?
To oversee origin and shipment of the wine and generally supervising the wine trade.
What was the “recipe” for Chianti set out in 1872 by the “Iron Baron”.
The “Ricasoli Recipe” -Sangiovese with a small amount of Caniolo. It was widely adapted. A small amount of Malvasia white was added for early drinking styles.
Why did demand for Chianti grow rapidly in the late 19th century?
The region was less affected by Phylloxera and continued production to meet growing demand.
What effect did the growing demand for Chianti wines during the Phylloxera outbreak have on the Chianti region?
Wines that were not made from the original region were made and marketed as Chianti to meet the demand.
What is the difference between Chianti territory and Chianti wines?
In the Chianti territory (DOCG) only Chianti Classico can be produced with the black rooster TM. Wines called Chianti can be made from grapes grown anywhere in Tuscany
What was formed May 14th 1924 in Chianti?
Consorzio for the defence of Chianti wine and it’s brand of origin. The black rooster became the official symbol. They sought to distinguish themselves from the wines produced outside the 1716 demarcated zone.
What designation was introduced in Chianti in 1932?
Wines from the historical zone were designated “Chianti Classico” by a ministerial decree. It also extended the boundary of Chianti winegrowing zone.
How did the Italian vignerons overcome Phylloxera?
As in France they grafted local varieties onto american rootstock.
When was Chianti Classico recognised as an independent denomination?
- It was no longer a sub-zone of Chianti region. It became a DOCG.
What change to the blend rules came with the DOCG status?
The wine could be made from up to 100% Sangiovese. White was also no longer permitted.
When was the Black Rooster adopted as the symbol of all of the wines of Chianti Classico DOCG?
2005 - until then it had only been used by 35 members of the original Consorzio.
What ancient body had the black rooster on its coat of arms?
The Lega del Chianti, an army of Chianti.
What is the hierarchy of Chianti Classico wines?
(Lowest to highest):
Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
