Level 2 · Wine & Spirits Exam Prep
Sangiovese and Montepulciano
Chianti, Brunello and the great central Italian reds.
Topics covered
- Chianti Classico
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Rosso di Montepulciano
- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Level 2 Study Guide
Bordeaux-Style Reds
Quick Revision
- Sangiovese: high acid, medium-high tannin
- Red cherry, dried herbs, leather
- Chianti DOCG (Tuscany): Sangiovese-based
- Brunello di Montalcino: 100% Sangiovese, prestigious
- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: different grape, Abruzzo
- Super Tuscans: IGT, Sangiovese + Cab/Merlot
Key Facts for the Exam
- Sangiovese: Italy's most widely planted red grape; high acid, medium-high tannin; red cherry, dried herbs, leather
- Chianti DOCG (Tuscany): Sangiovese-based; styles range from fresh entry-level to Chianti Classico Riserva
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: 100% Sangiovese (clone called Brunello); one of Italy's most prestigious wines
- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: grape Montepulciano (not Sangiovese) from Abruzzo; full, soft tannin, deep colour
- Rosso di Montalcino: lighter, earlier-drinking Sangiovese from same zone as Brunello
- Super Tuscans: IGT wines blending Sangiovese with international varieties (Cab Sauv, Merlot) — e.g. Sassicaia
Level 2 Exam Tips
- 1.Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Tuscany) is Sangiovese — NOT the same as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grape. Classic confusion.
- 2.Brunello di Montalcino = 100% Sangiovese (Brunello clone) — a prestigious wine requiring 5 years ageing.
- 3.Super Tuscans broke DOC rules by using non-Italian varieties — hence IGT (not DOCG) classification.
- 4.Sangiovese = high acid + high tannin — both are elevated, unlike Barbera (high acid, LOW tannin).
Common Exam Mistakes
- ✗Confusing the town of Montepulciano (in Tuscany, uses Sangiovese) with the grape Montepulciano (in Abruzzo)
- ✗Thinking Super Tuscans are low quality — Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia are world-class wines
- ✗Forgetting that Brunello di Montalcino requires very long ageing (minimum 5 years before release)
Key Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Chianti and what does Chianti Classico mean?
- Chianti is a DOC/DOCG wine from Tuscany, made primarily from Sangiovese. The basic Chianti zone covers a wide area of Tuscany. Chianti Classico DOCG refers to the historical heart of the zone between Florence and Siena — it represents higher quality standards, richer expression, and commands a premium price. The Classico's black rooster (Gallo Nero) symbol identifies these wines.