Tuscany

Question 1

What was the first Super Tuscan?

Answer 1

Sassicaia in 1968

Question 2

What is the climate of Tuscany?

Answer 2

Dry Mediterranean

Question 3

In Tuscany, Sangiovese is often blended with?

Answer 3

Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo

Question 4

Sangiovese is the principle red grape in which DOCGs?

Answer 4

Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano, Morellini di Scansano, Montecucco Sangiovese. It is the sole red grape of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Question 5

What is the main white grape of Tuscany?

Answer 5

Trebbiano Toscano (Italy’s most painted white grape), Malvasia is often blended in

Question 6

Chianti DOCG has 8 subzones:

Answer 6

Classico, Rùfina, Colli Florentini, Colli Senesi, Collini Pisano, Colli Aretinu, Montalbano and Montespertoli

Question 7

Who is credited with defining the classic blend of Chianti?

Answer 7

Baron Bettino Ricasoli

Question 8

What is the general recipe of Chianti DOCG?

Answer 8

70-100% Sangiovese, optional white grapes of Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, other red grapes of the region comprise the rest

Question 9

Aging of Chianti:

Answer 9

Normale may be released on March 1st of the year following the harvest. Riserva is aged for atleast 2 years. Chianti Superiore wines require an additional half degree of alcohol.

Question 10

Chianti and Chianti Classico were upgraded to DOCG in?

Answer 10

1984

Question 11

What are the main soils of Tuscany?

Answer 11

Sandstone and marl

Question 12

Chianti Classico blend?

Answer 12

Minimum 80% Sangiovese, no white grapes allowed. Minimum alcohol level is 12% compared to 11.5% for Chianti.

Question 13

Chianti Classico DOCG aging requirements:

Answer 13

May not be released until October 1st of the year following harvest. Riserva must be aged for minimum 24 months and a minimum alcohol level of 12.5%. Gran Selezione wines must come from estate grown grapes and are required to be aged for atleast 30 months.

Question 14

Who was the first Brunello di Montalcino producer?

Answer 14

Biondi Santi in 1865

Question 15

Brunello di Montalcino aging:

Answer 15

Aged in cask for a minimum two years and bottle for an additional four months, six months for Riserva. The wines may not be released until January 1st of the 5th year following harvest, or until the 6th year for Riserva.

Question 16

What are the soils of Montalcino?

Answer 16

Galestro for the higher-altitude vineyards. Clay in the warmer south, and fossilized marine deposits scattered throughout.

Question 17

What is the aging for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?

Answer 17

One year prior to release, casks aging is not required

Question 18

To the east of Montalcino is which DOCG?

Answer 18

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Question 19

What are the grapes in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?

Answer 19

Minimum 70% Sangiovese, a maximum 30% other red varietals of Tuscany and no more than 5% white varietals.

Question 20

What is the aging of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

Answer 20

Aged for a minimum two years, with atleast one year in wood. Riserva wines are aged for atleast three years.

Question 21

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines are like what in compared to other Tuscany wines?

Answer 21

Less firm than Chianti and less tannic than Brunello, striking a softer balance.

Question 22

What is the main grape of Sassicaia?

Answer 22

Barrique-aged Cabernet blend

Question 23

What is the main grape of Tignanello?

Answer 23

Barique aged red wine with 85% Sangiovese

Question 24

What is the main grape of Antinori’s Solaia?

Answer 24

Cabernet based

Question 25

What are the main grapes of Ornellaia?

Answer 25

Bordeaux blend

Question 26

What are the main grapes of Masetto?

Answer 26

Merlot based

Question 27

Due to super Tuscans being simply labeled as vino da tavola, IGT was created in:

Answer 27

1992

Question 28

Bolgheri is an appellation that permits which grapes?

Answer 28

Pure varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. As well as Bordeaux-style blends; and even include Syrah and Sangiovese.

Question 29

What is the aging for Bolgheri Superiore?

Answer 29

Minimum 2 years, one year in oak barrel, and show a minimum of 12.5%

Question 30

What are the leading white grapes of Bolgheri?

Answer 30

Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc

Question 31

What is the one true monopole DOC in all of Italy?

Answer 31

Bolgheri Sassaicaia DOC

Question 32

What is the one white wine in Tuscany to have DOCG status?

Answer 32

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Question 33

What is the only dessert wine to reach DOCG status in Tuscany?

Answer 33

Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG, they make sweet red passito wines made from the Aleatico grape

Question 34

What is the traditional dessert bottling in Tuscany?

Answer 34

Vin santo, it is a high alcohol, almond and honey toned dried grape wine produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia grape.

Question 35

How is Vin santo made?

Answer 35

Grapes are hung from rafters and radiated until December 1sts. Slow fermentation follows, for a period of 3 to 8 years. Chestnut wood is traditionally used, allowing rapid oxidation. The barrels are never topped and alcohol is concentrated.