Flashcards in C28 - Central Italy Deck (67)
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1
Describe the topography of Central Italy
South of the Po valley, the wine regions here are dominated by the Apennine Mountains, which run the length of the Italian peninsula
2
Where in Central Italy are grapes usually planted?
In the hills and valleys of the Apennine Mountain range
3
How is temperature generally moderated within Central Italy?
Either by the altitude of the Apennine foothills or coastal sea breezes
4
Where in Italy is Tuscany?
Stretching down the western coast of Central Italy
5
How can Tuscany be topographically divided?
Into three parts:
The mountainous Chianti region in the north
The hills and valleys to the south
The flat coastal plain
6
What is the dominant and most prestigious grape throughout the areas of Tuscany?
Sangiovese
7
What are the main characteristics of Sangiovese in Tuscany?
High tannins
High acidity
Aromas of red cherries, plums and dried herbs
Late ripening
Usually aged in oak to soften tannins and sometimes add spicy flavours
8
What kind of oak containers are used to age Sangiovese in Tuscany?
Small barrels and/or larger casks
9
What aromas can Sangiovese develop with bottle age?
Meaty and gamey aromas
10
What colour of grapes is grown in Tuscany?
Predominantly red, but some white is grown
11
Where in Italy is Chianti?
In the foothills of the Apennines between the cities of Pisa, Florence and Siena
12
How is Chianti divided?
Into seven sub-zones
13
What is the dominant grape of Chianti?
Sangiovese
14
True of False: Wines of Chianti are often blends
True
15
How will producers of large volumes of Chianti, with grapes from the larger area, usually label their wines?
Chianti DOCG
16
How may higher quality Chianti producers label their wines?
Depending on where the grapes are from, they may label their wines with the name of the sub-zone
17
Which of Chianti's sub-zones are best known for their quality?
Chianti Rufina DOCG
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
18
What is unusual about Chianti Classico?
It's NOT a sub-zone of Chianti
19
Describe the vineyards of Chianti Classico
At higher altitudes than those of Chianti
20
What is the effect of Chianti Classico's higher vineyards?
Greater acidity
More herbal aromas
21
What is the role of ageing on Chianti Classico?
Must be aged for 12 months before release
22
What is the role of ageing for Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?
Must be aged for 24 months, with at least 3 months of bottle ageing
23
What is the highest designation for Chianti Classico wines?
Gran Selezione
24
How may a Chianti Classico qualify for Gran Selezione status?
Grapes must be sourced from a single estate
Wines must be aged for six months longer than Riserva
25
What is the role of oak ageing for Gran Selezione wines in Chianti?
There are no stipulations concerning oak ageing, so it is entirely up to the producer
26
What is the reality regarding oak ageing for Gran Selezione wines in Chianti?
The vast majority of wines are matured in oak for at least part of the time before their release
27
Describe the vineyards of Southern Tuscany
Lower than the north
Warmer climate
Cool, maritime breezes from south-west
28
What are the best known appellations of Southern Tuscany?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
29
Describe the general difference between wines from this part of Tuscany and from further north
More intense and fuller-bodied than those from Chianti
30
