Toscana Flashcards
(140 cards)
1
Q
When was toscana settled and by whom?
A
the etruscans in 8th century bc
2
Q
in 1716, grand duke cosimo III de Medici issues an edict, deliminating boundaries to 4 different regions in toscany. what are the four regions?
A
Chianti
Pomino
Carmignano
Val d’Arno di Sopra
3
Q
what happened in toscana after the mezzadria system was abolished?
A
farmers were not prepared and many abandoned their vineyards
land prices fell, causing an influx of new investors
4
Q
what 3 vineyard practices were adopted in the 1980s in toscana?
A
higher planting density
lower yields
better clones
5
Q
the supertuscans were birthed from what movement?
A
the quality renaissance of the 1980s
6
Q
who was a pioneer of sassicaia, tignanello, solaia
A
giacomo tachis
7
Q
Who is considered the father of sangiovese wines
A
Giullo Gambelli
8
Q
What is the largest river in toscana?
A
the arno
9
Q
what do the appenines provide for the climate in toscana
A
protects from cold northerly air currents
rain barrier for coastal and central-southern part
10
Q
what mitigates the summer heat on the coast and maremma in toscana?
A
sea breezes
11
Q
locate the wettest and driest areas in toscana
A
wettest areas are in the appenines
driest areas are in the south and central parts
12
Q
what can be a vineyard problem in southern toscana and maremma
A
drought
13
Q
what are soils in general in toscana
A
clay, limestone and sandstone
14
Q
what are the two types of rock in toscana
A
glaestro (central toscana)
alberese (central and south toscana)
15
Q
describe galestro
A
metamorphic rock
crumbly clayey, schist-like rock
16
Q
where is glaestro notably located in toscana
A
chianti classico, rufina and montalcino
17
Q
describe alberese
A
fine grained calcareous marl
18
Q
where is alberese notably located
A
chianti classico
19
Q
t or f: in toscana whites dominate
A
false; reds dominate 80%
20
Q
what are the 4 challenges with growing sangiovese
A
site sensitive
buds early and ripens late
prefers south facing slopes with poor and well drained slopes
highly susceptible to bunch rot and oidium
21
Q
What is sangiovese called in montalcino
A
brunello
22
Q
What is sangiovese called in montepulciano
A
prugnolo gentile
23
Q
What is sangiovese called in scansano
A
morellino
24
Q
What is sangiovese also called throughout tuscany
A
sangiovese grosso
25
What is sangiovese called in chianti classico
sangioveto
26
what was widely planted in toscana until the 18th century?
canaiolo
27
what is the purpose of canaiolo in a blend?
used to soften the wine and refine the perfume
28
what is the most widely planted white in toscana
trebbiano toscano
29
What is trebbiano toscano's purpose in blends
used to add acid
30
what is malvasia blanca lunga used for in vin santo
adds body and perfume
31
what is chianti classico 2000
a project created in the 70s to research clones and find higher quality ones
32
what are the three main training systems used in toscana?
archetto (variation of guyot)
guyot
cordon speronato
33
what are the two main grapes used in vin santo?
trebbiano toscano and malvasia blanca lunga
34
what are caratelli?
50l barrels used to age vin santo
35
describe the climate of bolgheri
mediterranean
36
who is the pioneer of the bolgheri sassicaia doc
Marchese Mario Incisa Della Rochetta
37
what did Marchese Mario Incisa Della Rochetta do when he came to Bolgheri?
recognised the potential for bordeaux style wines to be produced here. Grew cab sav and cab franc
38
what actions were taken by Marchese Mario Incisa Della Rochetta after his first vintage failed
replanted on Sassicaia soil with great success
39
what two important figures joined Mario Incisa after recognising the potential of the wines of sasicaia?
Antinori and Giacomo Tachis
40
What are the main grapes of Bolgheri Sassicaia?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabenet Franc
41
What was historically produced in Bolgheri DOC before the 1980s?
whites and roses
42
What are the dominant varieties in the bordeaux blends of Bolgheri DOC?
cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc
43
What is the predominant variety for whites in Bolgheri DOC?
Vermentino
44
what is the soil mix in val di cornia
light alluvials and heavy alluvials
45
the climate of Val di Cornia is similar to which other appelation?
Bolgheri
46
what varieties are suitble for the Val di Cornia?
Bordeaux varities
47
what are the dominant varieties in the Val di Cornia Rosso DOCG blend?
Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot
48
what are the dominant varieties in the Suvereto DOCG rosso blend?
Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot
49
What three varieties can make varietal wines in Suvereto DOCG?
Sangiovese, Cab Sav and Merlot
50
describe the climate of Monteccuco DOC
mediterranean climate BUT tempered by more inland position, higher altitude, winds and large diurnal range
51
what brought investors to Montecucco DOC in the 90s?
similar climate to bolgheri but lower land prices
52
what are the dominant varieties used for red and white in MOntecucco DOC?
Sangiovese and Trebbiano TOscano
53
What is the most well known DOCG of southern maremma
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
54
what is the dominant variety in the Morellino di Scansano DOCG blend?
Sangiovese
55
describe the range of styles produced in Maremma toscana DOC
sangiovese based red
trebbiano/vermentino biano blend
varietal wines
56
what is the vineyard topography of Elba
vineyards are located on steep, terraced-slopes
57
what is elba Aleatico DOCG
sweet red passito
100% aleatico
air dried for 10 days
58
what DOC is located around the village of carmignano?
Carmignano DOCG
59
Which Tuscan DOC has been documented since 804 ad
Carmignano DOCG
60
Carmignano DOCG was resusciatated by which count?
Count Ugo Contini Bonacossi of Tenuta Capezzana
61
Which italian appellation has traditionally always used Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese
Carmignano DOCG
62
name the second wine of Carmignano DOCG
Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC
63
what are the varieties used in the Carmignano DOCG blend?
cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and Cabernet Franc
64
t or f: Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC uses the same blend as Carmignano DOCG
true
65
what is the name of the rose made in Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC?
Vin Ruspo
66
What does vin ruspo mean?
describes the process used to make the wine, juice is 'bled off' the skins to make a rose
67
What are the grapes used for red and white vin santo di Carmignano DOC?
red is sangiovese based
trebbiano and malvasia for white
68
how long have the wines of Chianti Classico DOCG been known for ?
since the 13th century
69
t or f: the first reputable wines of chianti classico were white
true
70
when did chianti Classico begin exports to England?
as early as 17th century
71
Who suggested that Sangiovese replace canaiolo as the backbone of the Chianti blend?
Baron Bettino Ricasoli
72
What did Baron Bettino of Castello di Brolio suggest that the new blend of AGEWORTHY chianti should be when he wrote his letter in 1872?
Sangiovese is predominant with a small percentage of canaiolo
73
What did Baron Bettino of Castello di Brolio suggest that the new blend of APPROACHABLE EASY-DRINKING chianti should be when he wrote his letter in 1872?
Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero and Malvasia
74
what caused the expansion of the chianti zone?
demand exceeded supply in the 19th and 20th century due to the wine shortage caused by phylloxera in France
75
what is the symbol of chianti classico?
the gallo nero (black rooster)
76
what are the 3 important rivers of Chianti?
the Pesa, Greve and Arbia
77
In chianti on what side are the hills higher?
the east side
78
what are the main soils of chianti?
galestro alternating with alberese and sandstone
79
describe the climate in chianti
continental with moderating influences from the mediterrean and altitude
80
describe the two styles of chianti classico in relation to elevation
higher sites are more elegant and perfumed, higher acid and tannin, lower sites are fuller and richer
81
which Tuscan zone has some of the lowest max yields in italy?
Chianti Classico
82
t or f: chianti classico is 100% sangiovese
false
83
what are the 3 categories fo chianti classico?
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
84
what is the common criteria for chianti classico gran selezione?
best quality, often single vineyard
laboratory approval
tasting commision approval
85
what are the two grape varieties used in Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC
trebbiano toscano and malvasia bianca lunga
86
In the Chianti DOCG the best wines are from which 3 subzones?
Rufina
Colli Senesi
Colli Fiorentini
87
What does governo mean?
a small portion of the grapes are left to desiccate, then used to start a secondary fermentation in the newly made wine, adding more body and alcohol whilst softening the tannins
88
in chianti docg what is the smallest yet most prestigious sub-zone?
rufina
89
Where is rufina located in the chianti docg?
close to the Apennines
90
what is the coolest and highest subzone of chianti docg?
rufina
91
Which subzone of chianti docg is hallmarked by its bright acidity?
Rufina
92
Which subzone of chianti is located in the hilly area south and east of firenze?
Colli Fiorentini
93
The arno river flows through which chianti sub zone?
colli aretini
94
which chianti subzone experiences a mild climate due to its proximity to the ocean?
Colline Risane
95
What is the southernmost and largest subzone of chianti docg
Colli Senesi
96
What factor allows for fuller wines in the colli senesi subzone of chianti
the warmer climate
97
which chianti subzone has more stringent production rules then the others
Colli Senesi
98
which chianti subzone has more stringent production rules than the others
Colli Senesi
99
vin santo can be produced in which subzones of Chianti DOCG?
all of the subzones
100
What is considered toscana's most important dry white
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
101
what was the first italian wine to recieve doc status?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
102
What other important appellation is located within the chianti and chianti colli senesi docg areas?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
103
What are the soils of Vernaccia di San Gimignano
yellow sands, yellow clay and calcareous marl
104
What wine making method was traditionally used on Vernaccia di San Gimignano and what is the current style?
skin contact but now clean, light and fresh
105
Which DOC was home to a powerful Etruscan city in the 8th century BC
Cortona DOC
106
What are the varieties in focus in Cortona DOC?
Syrah, Sangiovese and Merlot
107
what was montalcino originally known for before brunello?
Sweet passito moscadello
108
What are the important things Clemente Santi did for Brunello Di Montalcino?
began experimenting with brunello
Introduced monoculture replacing the mixed crops of the mezzadria system
promoted dry reds, longer macerations and fermentations
109
What are the important things Ferrucio Biondi did for Brunello Di Montalcino?
Created biondi-santi
massal selection (picked best vines and propogated)
introduced destemming to reduce astringent tannins
introduced botti
introduced the word brunello in the 1880's
110
who is ferrucio biondi related to?
grandson of clemente santi
111
What are the important things Tancredi Biondi-Santi did for Brunello Di Montalcino?
made brunello a sought after wine
most of the practices in the disciplinare come from him
112
name two other notable producers in Brunello di Montalcino?
Castello Banfi
Fattoria dei Barbi
113
What region is bordered by the Asso, Orcia and Ombrone Rivers?
Montalcino
114
What is the climate of Montalcino?
mediterranean, some continental influence from its position and proximity to the appenines
climate is warmer and milder here than montepulciano and chianti
monte amiata to the south east prtects the region from humid air currents, storms and hail
115
Why has brunello always been 100% sangiovese
it ripens more reliably here
116
describe the soils of montalcino
complex
lower altitude areas are younger with marine deposits of clay and sand
higher altitudes are older, poorer, shallower with gravel and stone
galestro and alberese are present throughout the region
117
what are the soils of 'Montalcino' area of montalcino
limestone, sandstone and galestro
118
name the 7 recognised areas of montalcino?
'mothers talk too crass' say crappy sisters
montalcino
torrenieri
tavernelle
carmigliano
sant'Angelo in Colle
Castelnuovo dell'Abate
Sant'Angelo Scalo
119
Which DOCG has the longest ageing requirements in italy?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
120
what are the ageing requirements for brunello di montalcino?
4 years, 2 in oak, 4 months in bottle
121
what differentiates the traditionalists from the modernists in brunello?
traditionalists use botti
modernists use small oak barrels
many use a combination of the two
122
t or f: in brunello di montalcino, regional blends are the norm
false, single vineyard bottling is the norm
123
what is the second wine of brunello di montalcino?
rosso di montalcino doc
124
rosso di montalcino is a blend t or f:
false it is 100% sangiovese
125
what region was revived in the 1930's by Adamo Fanetti
Montepulciano
126
what divides the winegrowing area of montepulciano?
val di chiana
127
compare the climate of montepulciano to montalcino
montepulciano is more continental and slightly cooler
128
what are the soils of montepulciano?
marine origin, clay and sand
129
what is the minimum percentage of sangiovese in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
70%
130
What region is said to produce sangiovese that marries the elegance of Chianti with the structure of Brunello?
Montepulciano
131
Describe the differences between traditionalist and modernists in Brunello
traditionalists use more sangiovese and age in botti
modernists blend sangiovese with international varieities and use small new oak
132
What is the second wine of vino nobile di montepulciano
rosso di montepulciano DOC
133
What are the main grapes in Vin Santo di Montepulciano
Malvasia, trebbiano and Grechetto Bianco
134
What are the flavour characteristics of the 'montalcino' area of Montalcino
elegant complex and ageworthy
135
Which area of Montalcino is cooler, has higher clay content and produces wines with lean, firm tannins?
Torrenieri
136
Which area of Montalcino is slightly warmer, has stony calcareous soils and produces ripe, deep and complex wines?
tavernelle
137
Which area of Montalcino is at a lower elevation, warm and dry and produces powerful, concentrated wines with lower acid?
Camigliano
138
Which area of Montalcino is situated at medium elevations and produces wines that are powerful yet refined?
Sant'Angelo in Colle
139
Which area of Montalcino is situated at medium elevation and produces wines with ripe fruit, depth and finesse?
Castelnuovo dell'Abate
140
Which area of Montalcino is situated at low elevation, is the hottest and driest and produces big wines with less acid and complexity?
Sant'Angelo Scalo
