WSET3 Central Italy - Part 1 Climate and Grape Growing

Oct 31, 2024

Wine with Jimmy: WSET Level 3 - Central Italy and the Tuscan Coast

Introduction

  • Educational content focused on WSET certificates
  • This session covers Italy, specifically Central Italy for WSET Level 3
  • Focus includes climate, grape growing, and the Tuscan coast
  • Encouragement to use the e-learning portal available at winewithjimmy.com for additional resources

Central Italy Overview

  • Key areas: Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche, Abruzzo
  • Famous for the grape variety Sangiovese, used in Chianti wines
  • Other wines include fresh whites and full-bodied reds from local and international varieties
  • Geographical features dominated by the Apennines mountain range, with vineyards in hills and valleys

Climate

  • Generally warm, with Mediterranean characteristics
  • Altitude and coastal breezes moderate the climate making it classified as a warm region
  • Winkler Scale: Region 4

Tuscany

  • Major cities: Pisa, Florence, Siena
  • Divided into three areas:
    • Chianti region (mountainous)
    • Southern hills and valleys
    • Flat coastal plains
  • Sangiovese: Dominant grape, high acidity, tannin, late ripening, drought tolerant
    • Oak usage common to soften tannins
    • Flavor profile: plum, cherry, blackberry; aged notes of mushroom, meat, leather

Tuscan Coast

  • Located south of Pisa, along the Ligurian Sea
  • Cooled by sea breezes
  • Known for "Super Tuscans": premium wines made from international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah
  • Super Tuscans led to changes in wine laws and re-established Italy’s premium wine reputation

Key Areas on the Tuscan Coast

  • Bolgheri DOC: Famous for Bordeaux-like wines, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc
  • Maremma Toscana (not bolded in texts): Allows for both international and local varieties

Conclusion

  • Explored central Italy's landscape, climate, and Tuscan coast
  • More in-depth content available through Wine with Jimmy's e-learning portal
  • Invitation for comments and further engagement via social media or website
  • An open invitation to visit Jimmy Smith’s wine schools and bars in London

Note: For further study and more specific content, refer to the Wine with Jimmy e-learning portal.