Certified Sommelier Exam (CMS 2) > Tuscany > Flashcards

Tuscany Flashcards

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1
Q

Generally describe the natural boundaries of Tuscany.

A

Extends from the Ligurian Sea in the west to the foothills of the Apennine Mountains in the east.

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2
Q

What is/are the general climate(s) found in Tuscany?

A

Continental/Maritime with stronger Maritime influence near the coast.

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3
Q

What is the main mountain range that runs across the northern part of Tuscany?

This range also curves around its east side.

A

Apennine Mountians

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4
Q

What are the 2 seas that Tuscany touches?

A
  1. Ligurian Sea
  2. Tyrrhenian Sea
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5
Q

Find Chianti Classico, Montalcino, and Bolgheri on the map.

A
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6
Q

Name the 3 main white grape varieties grown in Tuscany.

A
  1. Trebbiano
  2. Vermentino
  3. Vernaccia
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7
Q

Name the 6 most commonly found and used red grape varieties in Tuscany.

A
  1. Sangiovese
  2. Brunello/Sangiovese Grosso
  3. Prugnolo Gentile
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. Merlot
  6. Cabernet Franc
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8
Q

Galestro - what is it and where is it found?

A
  • Galestro is a description of a schistous-clay formation in the soil (it’s technically not a soil type).
  • Found in Tuscany, specifically in Chianti Classico and Montalcino.

Note that Montalcino also has albarese, or limestone, in some vineyard areas.

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9
Q

Montalcino in Tuscany not only has galestro, it also has albarese.

  • What is albarese and where is it found in Montalcino?
  • Where is galestro found in Montalcino?
A
  • Albarese is clay and marine sediments (limestone) at lower elevation.
  • Galestro at higher elevation.
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10
Q

Fill in the blank.

Brunello di Montalcino must be ___% this grape.

A

must be 100% Sangiovese Grosso

(locally known as Brunello)

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11
Q

What is the aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino (normale)?

A
  • Minimum 2 years in wood plus 4 months in bottle.
  • May not be sold before January 1 of the 5th year following harvest.
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12
Q

What is the aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva?

A
  • Minimum 2 years in wood plus 6 months in bottle.
  • May not be sold before January 1 of the 6th year following harvest.
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13
Q
  • Most Brunello di Montalcinos mature in what kind of casks?
  • What size will the casks be?
A
  • Large Slavonian.
  • Some producers will use French oak if they want to impart a greater sense/flavor of oak.

Note that Slavonian oak comes from the forested, inland area of northern Croatia. Read HERE for the differences between Slovenia, Slavonia, and Slovakia.

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14
Q

What are the 3 most commonly made styles of wine made in Tuscany, Italy?

A
  1. Dry red wines
  2. Dry white wines
  3. Sweet Vin Santo
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15
Q

How would you briefly describe the dry red wines of Tuscany?

A
  • Most are Sangiovese-based wines that have a moderate intensity of color and tart acidity that outweighs tannin.
  • Volatile Acidity is common in these wines.
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16
Q

Describe the Gran Selezione category for Chianti Classico that was approved in 2014.

A
  • Must come from estate grown grapes and are required to be aged for at least 30 months prior to release, also with 3 months in bottle.
  • Higher minimum alcohol level than Chianti Classico of 13%.
  • As of 2021, Gran Selezione must contain at least 90% Sangiovese.
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17
Q

Chianti DOCG
What is the minimum % Sangiovese required?

A

70% Sangiovese, but can be 100% Sangiovese.

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18
Q

Chianti DOCG
What other grapes are allowed in the blend?

A
  • Maximum 10% white grapes.
  • Maximum 15% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
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19
Q

What are Chianti DOCG aging requirements?

A

May not be released until March 1 of the year following the harvest.

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20
Q

What are the Chianti Riserva DOCG aging requirements?

A

Minimum 2 years aging from January 1 of the year following harvest.

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21
Q

Chianti Classico DOCG
What is the minimum % Sangiovese required?

A

80% Sangiovese, but can be 100% Sangiovese.

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22
Q

Chianti Classico DOCG
What other grapes are allowed in the blend?

A

Maximum 20% other red grapes authorized by Siena and Firenze (including, among others, Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot).

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23
Q

As of the 2006 vintage, what 2 grapes are no longer allowed in Chianti Classico DOCG?

Study These Flashcards
A
  1. Trebbiano Toscano
  2. Malvasia Bianco
24
Q

What are Chianti Classico DOCG aging requirements?

Study These Flashcards
A

May not be released until October 1 of the year following harvest.

25
What are Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG aging requirements?
Minimum 24 months aging from January 1 of the year following harvest, including 3 months in the bottle.
26
**Rosso di Montalcino DOC** What is the minimum % Sangiovese required?
Must be 100% Sangiovese.
27
What are the aging requirements for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Wines may not be released until September 1 of the year following harvest.
28
**Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG** What is the minimum % Sangiovese required?
Minimum 70% Sangiovese (known locally as Prugnolo Gentile).
29
**Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG** What other grapes are allowed in the blend?
Maximum 30% combined other red and white authorized grapes of Tuscany (maximum 5% of non-aromatic white grapes and Malvasia Bianca Lunga).
30
**Rosso di Montepulciano DOC** What is the minimum % Sangiovese?
Minimum 70% Sangiovese (known locally as Prugnolo Gentile). | Same as Vino Nobile!
31
Bolgheri DOC Bianco can be any blend of what grape varieties?
Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, and/or Viognier with maximum 40% other white grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana.
32
What are the laws around white wines from Bolgheri DOC that state either Vermentino or Sauvignon variety on the label? ## Footnote Note: this is NOT for white wines labeled 'Bianco'
* Minimum 85% of the stated variety. * Maximum 15% other white grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana.
33
What are the permissible red grape varieties and their percentages for Bolgheri DOC?
* 0 - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon * 0 - 100% Merlot * 0 - 100% Cabernet Franc * maximum 50% Syrah * maximum 50% Sangiovese * maximum 30% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Toscana
34
Generally describe a Vin Santo wine.
Vin Santo, or “holy wine,” is a **high alcohol, almond- and honey-toned dried grape wine** produced mostly from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. ## Footnote Grechetto is sometimes authorized. Rosé versions called “Occhio di Pernice” are produced with a minimum of 50% Sangiovese added to the white grapes.
35
Name the 4 Vin Santo appellations found in Tuscany, Italy.
1. Vin Santo del Chianti DOC 2. Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 3. Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC 4. VIn Santo di Montepulciano DOC
36
What does the term 'Superiore' mean on a bottle of wine from Tuscany?
Increased alcohol level. ## Footnote Usually .5% to 1% more than a normale.
37
What does the term 'Classico' refer to on a bottle of wine from Italy?
Classic center of a region.
38
What does the term 'Riserva' generally mean on a bottle of wine from Italy?
Longer aging times required.
39
Briefly describe what a Super Tuscan wine is.
Can be: * Bordeaux grape variety blends * Bordeaux varieties with Sangiovese * Pure Sangiovese wines * Pure Bordeaux grape varieites
40
# Select the correct answer. The term 'Passito' on a bottle of wine generally means that the wine inside the bottle is: a. Dry b. Sweet c. Sparkling
Sweet
41
Name 3 of the largest and important producers of Tuscany.
1. Antinori 1. Ruffino 1. Sassicaia
42
Name 5 important producers of Brunello di Montalcino.
1. Biondi-Santi 2. Ciacci Piccolomini 3. Sesti 4. Soldera 5. Lisini
43
Name 5 important Bolgheri DOC producers.
1. Grattamacco 2. Le Macchiole 3. Ornellaia 4. Guado al Tasso 5. Banfi
44
* Who makes Tignanello? * What grapes are in it?
* Marchesi Antinori * Sangiovese, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc ## Footnote Learn more about Tignanello [HERE](https://www.antinori.it/en/vino/tignanello-en/).
45
* Who makes Solaia? * What grapes are in it?
* Marchesi Antinori * Sangiovese, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc ## Footnote Learn more about Solaia [HERE](https://www.antinori.it/en/vino/solaia-en/).
46
* What are the grapes in Masseto? * What is its appellation?
* Merlot-dominant with some Cab Franc * Toscana ## Footnote It's a Super Tuscan. Read more about Masseto [HERE](https://www.masseto.com/en/wine/masseto-2020/).
47
Soldera makes both a Toscana IGP and a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. What are the grapes in each bottling?
100% Sangiovese ## Footnote Read more about Soldera [HERE](https://www.soldera.it/en/soldera-wines-by-vintage/)
48
Who makes Le Pergole Torte?
Montevertine
49
Who were the people who put Montevertine wines on the map?
* Sergio Manetti (owner) * Giulio Gambelli (winemaker)
50
Le Pergole Torte is a wine that's named after a single parcel called Pergole Torte. What year was Pergole Torte planted?
1968 ## Footnote Nine tenths of the Pergole Torte vineyard is planted to Sangiovese, the remainder dedicated to Colorino and Canaiolo.
51
While Le Pergole Torte is considered a Super Tuscan, it actually is within this DOCG's boundaries.
Chianti Classico DOCG ## Footnote Read more about Montevertine [HERE](https://rosenthalwinemerchant.com/growers/montevertine/).
52
What are the top Brunello di Montalcino vintages of the past 15 years?
* 2019 * 2016 * 2015 * 2012 * 2010
53
What is the story behind the Gallo Nero on Chianti Classico bottles?
* The black rooster icon (Gallo Nero) comes from the Republic of Florence and the Republic of Siena attempting to resolve consistent conflicts. * The story goes that at dawn, one knight from Siena and one from Florence would leave their respecitve cities and travel in the direction of the Chianti territory; Since the moment of departure was decisive, it was decided to rely on the cockcrow. * The men of Siena chose a white rooster and fed it in the belief that it would sing much louder at dawn. On the contrary, the Florentines preferred a black rooster that they left hungry for several days and locked in a dark room. * The day of the competition came -- Starved by hunger, the black rooster began to sing as soon as he was freed: the Florentine knight was able to leave first, even before the sun came up. In Siena, however, the white rooster sang at the first light of dawn, having slept a few more hours as he was full. As a result, the Sienese knight left with a strong delay with respect to the challenger. ## Footnote The two knights met at Fonteruoli, just 12 km from Siena – so almost the entire Chianti region was annexed to the Republic of Florence.
54
Briefly describe the history Super Tuscans.
* It was a category born of frustration with Italy’s traditional wine production rules. Ambitious producers sought to make modern styles and experiment outside the restrictions of the Italian appellation system. * Producers created new brands blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese, or make 100% Merlot. They also played with aging periods and vessels like cement and small oak barrique. * Because they were bucking the DOC/DOCG system, they had to bottle their wines as Vino da Tavola. * As the wines grew in prominence, authorities acknowledged the labeling system’s inadequacies. * In 1992, the Italian government introduced a new wine classification: Toscana IGT. ## Footnote Read more about the history of Super Tuscans [HERE](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/what-is-super-tuscan-is-term-still-relevant/).
55
Would you decant or not decant a young Brunello di Montalcino?
Decant
56
Name some classic pairings for Chianti and Brunello.
* Steak * Tomato-based sauces * Meat sauces * Pizza * Lamb * Roasted or stewed game birds * Pecorino, Parmesan, Asiago cheeses
57
What are the ballpark prices for current Brunello on a wine list?
* $200 on the low end * Most good/great producers' prices go between $300-$500 * Soldera and Biondi-Santi $1200+
Certified Sommelier Exam (CMS 2)
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