WSET® Level 2 Wine > Sangiovese, Montepulciano > Flashcards

Sangiovese, Montepulciano Flashcards

Learn characteristics, winemaking/maturation, and important regions of Sangiovese and Montepulciano, in addition to Chianti labeling terms. (18 cards)

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1
Q

What are the 2 most prominent black grape varieties in Central Italy?

A
  1. Sangiovese
  2. Montepulciano
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2
Q

Which Central Italian region is famous for Sangiovese?

A

Tuscany

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3
Q

Which Central Italian region is famous for the grape Montepulciano?

A

Abruzzo

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4
Q

Which mountain range runs down the length of Italy, basically splitting the country down the middle of the boot?

A

The Apennines

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5
Q

What 2 terms are widely used in Central Italy to differentiate style and quality?

A
  1. Classico
  2. Riserva
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6
Q

What does the term “Classico” generally indicate on a bottle of wine?

A
  • Grapes come from a smaller, historic area of a particular region
  • Usually hilly
  • Wines are more concentrated/intense in flavor
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7
Q

What does the term “Riserva” generally indicate on a bottle of wine?

A
  • Used for DOC or DOCG (not IGT!)
  • Wine has been aged for a certain number of months prior to release (length of aging depends on DOC/DOCG rules)
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8
Q

Describe the profile of Montepulciano.

A
  • Dry
  • High tannin
  • Medium acid
  • Black fruits (plums, cherries)
  • Most are affordable/simple with no oak
  • Some concentrated styles will see oak
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9
Q

What is the most famous DOC in Abruzzo for the Montepulciano grape?

A

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Literally, Montepulciano from Abruzzo – the d’, di, dei, or della in Italian means ‘from’ or ‘of’.

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10
Q

What is the prevalent black grape in Tuscany?

A

Sangiovese

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11
Q

Describe the general profile of Sangiovese.

A
  • Dry
  • High tannin
  • High acid
  • Red fruits (cherries, plums)
  • Dried herbs (especially dried pizza herbs: oregano, basil)
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12
Q

What are the 4 most important DOC/DOCGs for Sangiovese in Tuscany?

A
  1. Chianti DOCG
  2. Chianti Classico DOCG
  3. Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
  4. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
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13
Q

Which DOCG in Tuscany produces inexpensive Sangiovese at its most simple that drinks best in its youth?

A

Chianti DOCG

Quality of Chianti DOCG is very inconsistent as the area is big and broad, and is not intended for aging.

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14
Q

How does Chianti Classico DOCG compare to Chianti DOCG in terms of terroir and age-worthiness?

A

Chianti Classico:
* Is at a higher elevation (longer growing season)
* Is more often matured in oak vessels
* Will display more complex aromas and flavors

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15
Q

Which wine is aged longer, Chianti Classico DOCG or Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?

A

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG will usually have a fuller body, more alcohol, and more oak than Chianti Classico DOCG.

Because the Riserva is aged longer, it will more likely display secondary and tertiary flavors than Chianti Classico.

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16
Q

Where is the town of Montalcino within Tuscany (north, south, east, west)?

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A

Southern Tuscany

At this more southern latitude, Montalcino is warmer than Chianti; therefore it produces richer, fuller-bodied, and more concentrated Sangiovese than Chianti or Chianti Classico.

17
Q

Brunello is the name for what in Montalcino?

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A

Brunello is the name for Sangiovese in local dialect.

18
Q

Describe the profile of Brunello di Montalcino.

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A
  • Dry
  • High alcohol
  • Full body
  • High tannin
  • High acid
  • Concentrated red-fruit profile
  • Always matured in oak vessels (mostly neutral) for a long period prior to release (notes of clove, cedar)
  • Great aging potential
WSET® Level 2 Wine
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