Tuscany

Question 1

In what century was Tuscan winemaking first recorded?

Answer 1

700 BCE, even before the Etruscans.

Question 2

What factor led to a resurgence of Tuscan wines in the 12th century?

Answer 2

Rise of noble families excursions into wine - Ricasoli, then Frescobaldi, Antinori.

Question 3

When was the first written reference to Chianti recorded?

Answer 3

1404

Question 4

What did Cosimo Medici do in 1716?

Answer 4

He defined four premier growing areas in Tuscany:

1. Chianti
2. Pomino
3. Carmignano
4. Valdarno di Sopra

Question 5

What is the most celebrated white wine of Tuscany?

Answer 5

Vernaccia di San Gimignano (followed by Trebbiano)

Question 6

Where were the super Tuscans born and who produced the first?

Answer 6

Bolgheri, Ornellaia

Question 7

What are aging requirements for a Brunello di Montalcino?

Answer 7

Min 5 yrs (min 2 in wood, 4mos in bottle prior to release)

Min 6 yrs for Riservas

Question 8

Montalcino wines are generally named for what?

Answer 8

The producer’s name or the name of their farm. Traditionally, they bought from multiple growers, so geography was unimportant.

Question 9

What grapes are allowed in Brunello di Montalcino and Rooso di Montalcino?

Answer 9

100% Sangiovese Grosso

Rosso di Montal… is ready younger, generally a great value and the second label for most producers. Cash flow.

Question 10

Primary white grapes of Tuscany

Answer 10

Trebbiano and Malvasia

Question 11

What % of Sangio must be used in a Chianti DOCG?

Answer 11

70%

Remaining 30% mostly from s Canaiolo and Colorino

Question 12

Of what significance to Chianti is Baron Bettino Ricasoli?

Answer 12

He created the recipe for Chianti

Question 13

What is unique about the soils of Chianti?

Answer 13

They are 50KM from the sea and consist of high levels of decomposed coral

Question 14

What soil types are in Colli Sinesi?

Answer 14

Iron - laden, so meatier wines, blood-notes.

Question 15

What typifies wines from Ruffina area within Chiani?

Answer 15

High altitude

Question 16

Colli Fiorentini is booming now because of what?

Answer 16

Global warming, great acidity from high dirurnal swings. Floral and complex.

Question 17

What are the aging rewuirements in Chianti Classico?

Answer 17

All - 1yr
Riserva = 2 yrs
Gr Seleczione - 30 mos

Question 18

What are soil types for ea sub-zone of Chianti Classico DOCG? (incompl)

Answer 18

Eastern - foothills of mountains
Greve - 
Radda - very minerally
Castelnuovo - compacted sandstone called Tufo (not same as elsewhere), so darker fruit , vibrant and soft
Gaiole - juicier wines and good acidity

Question 19

Compare Chianti and Montalcino

Answer 19

Brighter cherry notes in Chianti
Montalcino - darker
Both - bright acidity

Question 20

Where is the Sangio biotype”Prugnolo Gentile” found

Answer 20

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Question 21

Where is Carmignano DOCG located?

Answer 21

East of Firenze
Min of 50% Sangio
Remainder:
Canaiolo Nero, max. 20%; Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Cabernet Franc
max. 20%; Trebbiano Toscano, Canaiolo Bianco and/or Malvasia del Chianti max.10%; other red grape varieties max. 10%

Question 22

Where is best Vernaccia found

Answer 22

Base is the Latin word for “Local”
Best is from San Gimignano DOCG. It’s a non-aromatic white and translates the soil type very well, hence the importance of the ‘local’