Tuscany (Toscana)

Question 0

Climate in Tuscany

Answer 0

Dry, maritime-influenced climate. Winters can be harsh and summers can be long and hot

Question 1

Name top 3 regions for number of DOCG

Answer 1

Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany

Question 2

Name main grape of Tuscany

Answer 2

Thin-skinned Sangiovese

Question 3

Description of Sangiovese

Answer 3

Light in color, high in acidity, firmly tannic, medium to full body, sour cherry notes and herbal undertones

Question 4

Name DOCG for Sangiovese

Answer 4

Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Noble di Montelpuciano, Morellino di Scansano and Montecucco Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino

Question 5

Name grapes of Tuscany

Answer 5

Sangiovese, Nebiollo, Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, local Colorino (added to soften Sangiovese), Canaiolo, Merlot, Syrah. White grapes-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano Toscano (Italy’s most planted white grape), Malvasia, local Vernaccia, Vermentino. 70% devoted to red wine production

Question 6

Year Chianti was elevated to DOCG

Answer 6

1984

Question 7

Name sub zones for Chianti

Answer 7

Classico, Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Colli Aretine and Montalbano. 8th Montespertoli was added in 1997

Question 8

Regulation for Chianti DOCG

Answer 8

Minimum 70% of Sangiovese, Coli Senesi must be minimum 75%. But could be up to 100%. Addition of Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia is optional. Cabernet may not exceed 15% of the blend.

Question 9

Define governo method

Answer 9

Refermentation with the juice of dried grapes to strengthen the wine. Also malolactic fermentation permitted. Must be indicated on label as Governo all’usco Toscano

Question 10

Release of Chianti normale

Answer 10

May be released on March 1 of the year following the harvest. However florentine sub zones of Rufina, Montespertolli and Colli Fiorentini requires additional aging

Question 11

Requirements for Chianti Riserva and Superiore

Answer 11

Riserva - 2 years of aging, Superiore - additional half degree of alcohol and lowered yields.

Question 12

Name 4 original villages of chianti Classico

Answer 12

Radda, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve

Question 13

Name soil of Chianti Classico

Answer 13

Soft, mark-like galestro, alberese - sandstone

Question 14

Percentage of Sangiovese in Chianti Classico

Answer 14

Minimum 80%

Question 15

Requirement about white grapes in Chianti Classico

Answer 15

As of 2006 they are no longer permitted

Question 16

Minimum alcohol level for Chianti Classico

Answer 16

12% compare to 11.5% at Chianti DOCG

Question 17

Aging of Chianti Classico

Answer 17

Must be aged for a year prior release. Riserva - minimum 24 months and minimum 12.5% of alcohol. Gran Selezione - new category as of 2013 - must be aged for at least 30 months

Question 18

Name aging vessel for chianti Classico

Answer 18

Often barrique- wood vessel

Question 19

Grape of Brunello di Montalcino

Answer 19

100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)

Question 20

Aging of Brunello di Montalcino

Answer 20

Aging in cask for a minimum of 2 years and bottle for an additional 4 months, 6 months for riserva

Question 21

When Brunello di Montalcino can be released

Answer 21

May not be released until January first of 5th year, it until 6th year for Riserva

Question 22

Soil in Montalcino

Answer 22

Varied with galestro at higher altitude vineyards, clay at warmer souther reaches and fossilized marine deposits throughout Montalcino

Question 23

Name “junior” version of Brunello

Answer 23

Rossi di Montalcino DOC, 100% Sangiovese, must be aged for one year prior release, cask aging is not required

Question 24

"SuperTuscan" wines of Montalcino

Answer 24

San'Antimo DOC created in 1996. Any grape authorized for Tuscany may be used there and wine can be white or red

Question 25

DOC for Moscato Bianco in Montalcino

Answer 25

Moscadello di Montalcino DOC. Wines often sweet and maybe still or sparkling

Question 26

Name first region besides Brunello promoted to DOCG in 1980

Answer 26

Vino Nobile di Montelpuciano, min 70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile clone), maximum of 30% of other varieties and no more then 5% of white grapes

Question 27

Aging of Vino Nobile di Montelpuciano

Answer 27

Min 2 years, with at least 1 year in wood. Riserva - at least 3 years

Question 28

Grape of Morellino di Scansano DOCG and aging

Answer 28

Located in Maremma, based on 85% Sangiovese. Riserva must be aged min for 2 years

Question 29

Newer DOCG for wine, which has Cabernet, Merlot added to Sangiovese in a higher proportions

Answer 29

Rosso Della Val Di Cornia

Question 30

Name the only true monopole DOC in all of Italy

Answer 30

Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC. Tribute to first super Tuscan producer. Marquis Mario Rochetta "Tenuta San Guido" released 1968 Sassicaia a baroque aged Cabernet blend as vino de tavola

Question 31

Name DOCG for wine from Aleatico grape

Answer 31

Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG located on the isle of Elba, 12 miles of the coast of Maremma. Red passito wines. They only DOCG for dessert wine

Question 32

Name the only white wine in Tuscany to have DOCG status

Answer 32

Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Crisp pink grapefruit-tinged white wine produced on sandy, rock-strewn soil around town of San Gimignano in the Siena province

Question 33

Describe traditional dessert bottling in Tuscany

Answer 33

Vin Santo, which means "holy wine". High alcohol, almond and honey-toned dried grape produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. Gde hero sometimes authorized, and Rose versions called "ochio di Pernice" are produced with min 50% Sangiovese added to white grapes

Question 34

Process of making vin santo

Answer 34

Grapes are hung from rafters to dry for specified time set by each DOC, grapes are usually raisinated until Devember 1. Chestnut wood usually used allowing rapid oxidation. Barrels are never topped, alcohol concentrated thru evaporation and wine gains Amber hue. Wine aged between 3 and 8 years in caratelli barrels. Finale style maybe dry or sweet, depending on the length of appassimento process. Vin santo maybe fortified and labeled liquoroso. Majority of exported vin santo is Vin Santo del Chianti DOC