Tuscany

Question 1

When was Chianti first demarcated?

Answer 1

1716 by Cosimo III de’Medici by Bando

Question 2

Who came up with the modern formula for Chianti?

Answer 2

Bettino Ricasoli at Catello di Brolio

Question 3

What is the Gallo Negro?

Answer 3

The black rooster required to be on every bottle of Chianti Classico

Question 4

What Tuscan DOCG are non-contiguous?

Answer 4

Chianti
Vino Nobile de Montepulciano

Question 5

How many subzones of Chianti are there? Name them.

Answer 5

7
Rufina
Montalbano
Colli Fiorentini
Colli Senesi
Colli Arentini
Colline Pisane
Montespertoli

Question 6

When did Bordeaux shaped bottles become the choice of the majority in Chianti Classico? What did they replace?

Answer 6

1969 replacing the Fiasci

Question 7

Name 5 super Tuscans that are 100% Sangiovese

Answer 7

Cepparello (Isole e Olena)
Flaccianello della Pieve (Fontodi)
Percarlo (San Guisto a Retennano)
Fontalloro (Felsina)
Le Pergole Torte (Montevertine)

Question 8

When did the region of Chianti Classico ban the production of Chianti within it?

Answer 8

2010

Question 9

What is a UGA? What does it stand for?

Answer 9

An identification of a specific village or commune within Chianti Classico
Unita Geographiche Aggiuntive

Question 10

How many UGA are authorized in Chianti Classico?

Answer 10

11

Question 11

What are the Florentine communes of Chianti Classico production

Answer 11

Greve
Barberino Tavarnelle
San Cassiano Val di Pesa

Question 12

What are the Sienna communes of Chianti Classico Production?

Answer 12

Rada
Gaiole
Catellina
Castelnuovo Beradenga
Poggibonsi
San Donato

Question 13

What are the four soils of Chianti Classico?

Answer 13

Galestro ** (Friable Schistic clay)
Alberese ** (hard marlstone)
Macigno (Gray Blue Sandstone)
Calcareous Tufa

Question 14

What is the Chianti Classico 2000 Initiative?

Answer 14

Research that began in 1988 to find higher quality clonal material for Sangiovese

Question 15

How did the Chianti Classico 2000 initiative change the landscape of Chianti Classico?

Answer 15

Widespread replanting of vineyards starting in the 1990’s (roughly 60% has been replanted since the late 90’s)
Vine density increased from 5000 to 7000 vines per hectare

Question 16

What vine training system is favored now? What was used historically?

Answer 16

Guyot now
Alberello (bush vine) historically

Question 17

Sangiovese must comprise what % of the blend in Chianti?

Answer 17

70%

Question 18

Sangiovese must comprise what % of the blend in Chianti Classico?

Answer 18

80%

Question 19

What variety can Colorino be likened to in another classic wine region?

Answer 19

Petit Verdot in Bordeaux

Question 20

What are the named grapes approved for Chianti and Chianti Classico?

Answer 20

Sangiovese
Canaiolo
Malvasia Nera
Colorino
Ciliegiolo
Mammolo

Question 21

May white grapes be added to Chianti? Chianti Classico?

Answer 21

Yes - up to 10% in Chianti
No in Chianti Classico

Question 22

What is the Governo technique? Why might it be used?

Answer 22

Only permitted in Chianti DOCG
Essentially, partially dried grapes or fresh grapes/must are added midway through fermentation in order to prevent a stuck fermentation

Question 23

If the Governo Technique is used, how must it be indicated on a bottle of Chianti?

Answer 23

with “Governo all’uso Toscano” on label

Question 24

When may Chianti be released?

Answer 24

Not until March 1 of year following harvest

Question 25

When may Chianti Superior be released?

Answer 25

Not until September 1 of year following harvest

Question 26

When May Chianti Riserva be released?

Answer 26

January 1 of 3rd year following harvest (2 yrs min aging)

Question 27

When may Chianti Classico be released?

Answer 27

Not until October 1 of year following harvest

Question 28

Aging requirements for Chianti Classico Riserva?

Answer 28

Min 24 months aging from January 1 of year following harvest w/ min 3 mo in bottle

Question 29

Aging requirements for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Answer 29

Min 30 mo aging from January 1 of year following harvest Min 3 mo in bottle

Question 30

% of sangiovese required for Gran Selezione wine?

Answer 30

90

Question 31

What was the first vintage permitted for Gran Selezione?

Answer 31

2010

Question 32

Must gran selezione wine be estate grown?

Answer 32

No - can be acquired from long term contract

Question 33

For what style of wine was Montalcino historically renown?

Answer 33

Moscadello

Question 34

Who was the first to make a 100% sangiovese Montalcino wine?

Answer 34

Clemente Santi

Question 35

Is Biondi Santi 'Il Greppo' Riserva aged in barrique or botti?

Answer 35

Botti

Question 36

Who was Giulio Gambelli?

Answer 36

Consultant who went all over Tuscany but pretty much created Montalcino that we know today

Question 37

Who were the Mariani brothers?

Answer 37

American/Italians who founded Villa (now Castello) Banfi in 1978

Question 38

What Chianti Subzone is Montalcino a part of?

Answer 38

Colli Sinesi

Question 39

What is the major clone used in Brunello production?

Answer 39

B-BS11 isolated at Biondi Santi

Question 40

Aging requirement for Rosso di Montalcino

Answer 40

Not released until Sept. 1 of year following

Question 41

Aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino

Answer 41

2 years in 2ood w/ 4 mo in bottle but not sold until January 1 of 5th year following harvest

Question 42

Aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva?

Answer 42

Min 2 years in wood & 6 mo in bottle but not sold until January 1 of 6th year following harvest

Question 43

What is the major vinification hazard for Brunello wines?

Answer 43

oxidation

Question 44

What is produced in greater quantity: Rosso or Brunello

Answer 44

Brunello (8 million btl annually compared to 4.5 million for Rosso)

Question 45

Who produces sparkling Moscadello di Montalcino?

Answer 45

Il Poggione