10. Italy Flashcards
What is the leading red grape of Italy?
Sangiovese
What is Uni Blanc known as in Italy?
Trebbiano Toscano
How many varieties of grapes are grown in Italy?
Roughly 400
2000+ if you include sub varieties
What is the lowest level of wine in Italy’s classification scheme?
Vino / Vino da Tavola
This represents 40% of Italy’s production.
When was the IGT category created? Why?
1992
In response to the overly excessive restrictions on DOC/DOCG levels.
What category does does IGT assume in the EU classification?
PGI
True or False
IGT may carry the name of a varietal on the label.
True, if the variety has at least 85% of the named variety.
Roughly what percentage of Italian wine are produced under an IGT?
30%
There are approximately 120 IGTs zones.
As of Dec 2022, Italy had _____ DOCGs and just over _____ DOCs.
76 DOCGs
330 DOCs
(120 IGTs)
What does superiore refer to on an italian wine label?
The wine has a specific higher level of alcohol by volume than required by the corresponding normale wine.
What is the name given to an Italian wine that has been aged for a longer period of time than is required?
Riserva
Which italian wine region produces the most DOC/DOCG wine by volume?
Veneto
What river establishes the Veneto’s southern boundary?
The Po River
Name three key topographical features of the Veneto.
Lake Garda (west)
Po River (south)
Alpine Foothills (north/west)
What are the three key red varieties most commonly associated with the Veneto?
Corvina
Corvinone
Rondinella
What is the primary white grape of the Veneto?
Gargarnega
What grape is most commonly used in the sparkling wines of the Veneto?
Glera
For Prosecco
In most years, ____% of Veneto production is white.
75%
The best known red wine regions of the Veneto are ___________ and ____________.
Valpolicella
Bardolino
What is the difference between an amarone, recioto, and ripasso wine?
All three involve the use of dried grapes.
For recioto, the wines ferment until they reach 12% alcohol, fermentation is stopped. Resulting in a sweet wine.
For amarone, the wines are fermented to dry, resulting in a wine that is 15-16% alcohol.
For ripasso, this involves the use of a young base wine going through a second fermentation with the sediment/lees of an amarone or recioto. This results in a wine with more flavor, tannin, and alcohol.
What is the most noted DOCG of Valpolicella?
Amarone della Valpolicella
Requires a minimum of 2 years of aging and 15% alcohol.
What are rose wines referred to in Bardolino?
Chiaretto
What are the key grapes used in Bardolino DOC and Bardolino Superiore DOCG?
Corvina
Rondinella
Where is Bardolino located?
alongside lake garda, to the west of Valpolicella
A Soave DOC wine must be at least ____ percent Gargarnega.
70%
May be blended with Trebbiano de Soave (Verdicchio) or Chardonnay.
What is another name for Trebbiano de Soave?
Verdicchio
The key grape of the Prosecco DOC is:
Glera
What grape is used for Prosecco Rose DOC?
Pinot Noir (10-15%)
What does the Prosecco DOC cover?
Northern and eastern portions of the Veneto and all of Fruili Giulia.
What are the two small DOCGs that produce Prosecco in the historical center of Prosecco production?
Congliano-Valdobbiadene Proseco DOCG
Asolo Prosecco / Colli Asolani DOCG
Where is the Lugana DOC?
Between Veneto and Lombardy
What is the Lugana DOC known for?
Light whites based on the Turbiana grape
What is the name of the DOC that includes the Veneto, Fruili-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino regions?
Delle Venezie DOC
What does the Delle Venezie DOC cover?
All of the Veneto, Fruili Venezia Giulia, and Trentino.
This is key for large production volume of Pinot Grigio.
What is the other name for Alto Adige?
Suditrol
What language is spoken in Alto Adige?
German
What are three key topographical features of the Trentino Alto Adige region?
Alps/Foothills
Adige River
Lake Garda
What is the Valdadige DOC?
A doc which covers both the Alto Adige DOC and the Trentino DOC.
What DOC covers traditionally produced sparkling wine in Trentino Alto Adige?
Trento DOC
What are the main white varieties of Trentino Alto Adige?
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Muller Thurgau, Traminer (Gerwurztraminer).
What are the main red varieties of Trentino Alto Adige?
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauivignon, Merlot, Lagrien, Marzemino, Schiava, Teroldego.
Name two key DOCs for the Fruili-Venezia Giulia region.
Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
Collio Goiziano DOC (Collio)
Both are in the eastern part of Friuli near the Slovenian border and allow several grapes - most of which get produced as single variety wines.
What is the Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOC known for?
A sweet white wine made from the Picolit Grape.
What is the Ramandolo DOCG known for?
sweet white wines from Verduzzo
What is the Rosazzo DOCG known for?
Dry white wines with a minimum of 50% Friulano.
What is the name of the DOCG in Friuli known for dry white wines made with 50% Friulano?
Rosazzo DOCG
Which Italian wine region has the highest proportion of PDO wines across Italy?
Piedmont
Compare / contrast Barbera and Nebbiolo.
Barbera is typically though of as more elegant, but not as powerful as Nebbiolo.
Both are known to produce high acid wines, Barbera would be lower in tannin than Nebbiolo.
What are 3 other red grape varieties of Piemonte beyond Nebbiolo and Barbera?
Dolcetto, Fresia, Grignolino, Brachetto
What are the leading white varieties of the Piemonte?
Moscato, Arneise, Cortese
How many IGTs are in Piedmont?
None
But there is a Piedmont DOC covers the majority of the area and allows for a range of still and sparkling wines.
What areas does the Langhe DOC cover?
It covers a large area of the Piemonte, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Alba, Olvada
What is the name of the DOC which covers Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Alba, and Ovada?
Langhe DOC
What is the minimum aging period for Barolo? And for reserve?
38 months
62 for Riserva
(Compared to Barbaresco which is 26 and 50 respectively)
What is the minimum aging period for Barbaresco? And for Riserva?
26 months, 50 for Riserva
(Compared to Barolo which is 38 months and 62 months respectively)
Which type of Muscat is Moscato Bianco made from?
Muscat Blanc a Petite Grains
What is Asti Secco?
A dry version of Asti
Where is Asti DOCG?
Piedmont. (Center of the region)
What are some common differences between wine made within the Asti DOCG and the Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
Asti DOCGs will be a Spumante (fully sparkling), made via the tank method, semi sweet to sweet.
Moscato d’Asti DOGC will be a Frizzante (lightly sparkling), made via the partial fermentation method - often referred to as the Asti method.
What type of wine may be produced in the Barbera d’Asti DOCG?
Red wine, from a large area surrounding the town of Asti, minimum of 90% Barbera.
This DOCG was named in 2008.
What type of wine can be produced under the Nizza DOCG?
Nizza was originally a subregion of the Barbera D’Asti DOCG but because its own DOCG in 2014.
Nizza DOCG wines must be 100% Barbera with 18 months of aging (30 months for Riserva).
What type of wine may be produced in the Roero DOCG?
Red: Nebbiolo, less concentrated, made across the Tanaro river
White: Roero Arneis, from the Arneis grape
What type of wine is made in the Gattinara and Ghemme DOCGs?
Nebbiolo based blends.
Note: Nebbiolo goes by the name Spanna here.
What is Spanna?
Another name for the Nebbiolo grape. Common in Northern Piemonte.
What is Nebbiolo referred to in certain northern parts of Piedmont?
Spanna
What type of wine is made in the Gavi DOCG?
Crisp, floral white wine from Cortese
Southeast corner of Piedmont
What is Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG also known as?
Acqui
What type of wine will you find in the Acqui DOCG?
A range of red wines made from Brachetto. Most widely distributed is slightly sweet, sparkling, with red berry and floral aromas.
What is one difference between the wines produced in Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba?
Barbera d’Asti requires a minimum of 90% Barbera.
Barbera d’Alba requires 100% Barbera.
Italian Vermouth is usually:
Select one: White/Red/Pink
Select one: Dry/Sweet
Red
Sweet
What is Lombardy most known for?
Sparkling wines of the Franciacorta DOCG
How are Franciacorta DOCG sparkling wines produced?
Traditional method
Chardonnay, Pino Bianco, Pinot Nero grapes
18 months minimum lees aging for non-vintage, Vintage is 30, Riserva is 60
Time on lees begins as of Feb 1 following the harvest.
Franciacorta DOCG is cited as a key DOCG of Lombardy. What is another key area of Lombardy?
Valtellina
Long, narrow, east west valley in the foothills of the alps.
Known for nebbiolo based wines. Nebbiolo is called Chiavennasca here.
Where is Valtellina?
Foothills of the Alps, in Lombardy.
Describe Sforzato di Valtellina.
Wine produced under the Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG are dry, high alcohol wines, with a minimum of 90% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) grapes which are partially dried before fermentation.
What are the three primary cities of the Tuscany region?
Florence, Pisa, Siena
What is the climate of Tuscany?
Mediterranean, getting hotter as you move inland.
What are the leading red grapes of Tuscany?
Sangiovese
Canaiolo Nero
Colorina
Cab Sav
Merlot
Cab Fran
What are the leading white grapes of Tuscany?
Trebbiano Toscano (Ugni Blanc)
Malvasia Bianca Lunga
Vernaccia
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the most significant blending grape for Tuscan Sangiovese wines?
Canaiolo Nero: Velvety Texture
Followed by Colorino: Deep pigment and tannins
Approximately _____ % of the wine produced in Tuscany is red.
90%
Describe a typical red of Tuscany.
Light colored, high acid, moderate tannin, with cherry and red berry flavors
What is “governo”?
A traditional winemaking technique permitted in wines of Chianti where you add grapes that have become overripe on the vine (or dried) to a batch of wine just as its fermentation is wrapping up. It extends the fermentation and creates a richer, softer wine.
What does “Governo all-uso Toscano” mean on a wine label?
The wine was made using the governo technique.
(Late harvest/dried wines added to a fermenting wine to extend fermentation, creating richer, smoother wines.)
Most white wines of Tuscany are simple wines intended for local, every day drinking.
What type of white wine is cited as an exception?
Vernaccia
White wine with pear and almond notes, made in San Gimignano
What is Vin Santo?
A dessert wine, using dried grapes which are crushed, put in a barrel along with lees from a prior vintage, and left to age for a minimum of 3 years in without temperature regulation. (exposing to both hot and cold temperatures)
Typically a white wine made from Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca Lunga.
A light red/amber version known as Occhio di Pernice may also be produced with Sangiovese.
Is Vin Santo a white or red dessert wine?
Typically white, made with Malvasia Bianco Lungo and Trebbiano Toscano.
However, a light red/amber version is also made using Sangiovese.
When did the wines we know today as “Super Tuscans” begin being produced?
Late 1960s, produced under the Vino De Tavola distinction (as they did not meet the guidelines of the DOCs)
The original super Tuscan is thought to be ________________.
Sassicaia
How have some of the Chianti / Chianti Classico rules changed in the last 60 years?
Wines can now be 100% Sangiovese
Chianti Classico now allows up to 20% of “other local varieties” to be included in the blend
The Chianti Classico region lies in the hills and valleys between which two cities?
Florence and Siena
Basic Chianti DOCG must be a minimum of ____% Sangiovese, and can be 100% Sangiovese.
70%
Chianti Classico DOCG requires a minimum of 80% Sangiovese.
What are the key subzones of the Chianti DOCG?
Colli Aretini
Colli Fiorentini
Colli Senesi
Colline Pisane
Montalbano
Montespertoli
Rufina
If you see Colli Senesi on a label, where is that wine from?
Chianti DOCG
If you see Montalbano on a label, where is that wine from?
Chianti DOCG
Colli Senesi, Montalbano, and Rufina are three sub zones are the Chianti DOCG. What are four others?
Colli Aretini
Colli Fiorentini
Colline Pisane
Montespertoli
Chianti Classico wines cannot be released for sale until at least one year after harvest.
True or False
True
And Riserva wines require two years of aging.
What is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione?
This designation represents the top wine of the region, requiring estate grown grapes, and longer aging requirements (30 months minimum).
Brunello is a synonym for _______________.
Sangiovese
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is made from 100% _______________.
Sangiovese
What are the aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino?
Minimum of 4 years, with 2 in wood and at least 4 months in bottle.
May not be sold before the January 1 of the 5th year following the harvest.
How does a Rosso Di Montalcino DOC wine differ from a Brunello di Montalcino wine?
A Rosso di Montalcino DOC wine will be a lighter wine, and younger at time to market. Still 100% Sangiovese.
What is Prugnolo Gentile?
Another Italian synonym for Sangiovese.
True or False:
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG wines are made from 100% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile).
False.
While they technically could be, they require a minimum of 70% Prugnolo Gentile and are most commonly blended.
What DOCG might be used instead of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano if the wine does not go through the aging period required for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
Rosso di Montepulciano
Carmignano DOCG requires a minimum of 50% Sangiovese. What is unique about this region?
They introduced the use of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc over a century ago, long before Super Tuscans came on the radar.
Carmignano wines require 10-20% of either Cabernet in the blend.
Where is Morellino wine from?
Morellino, shortened from Morellino di Scansano DOCG, is in the southernmost part of Tuscany.
Their wines must have at least 85% Sangiovese.
What is the name of the coastal area of Tuscany known for earlier innovations in wine production?
The Maremma
This area is the noted birthplace of the Super Tuscan and includes
Bolgheri DOC
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
Maremma Toscana DOC (elevated from IGT status in 2013)
What are the three key wine subregions of the Maremma noted in the text?
Bolgheri DOC
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
Maremma Toscana DOC
What is Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG known for?
White wine, with notes of almond, pear, mineral, and earth - primed for aging.
This is Tuscany’s mot notable white wine.
What is Tuscany’s most notable white wine?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Where is San Gimignano?
On the fringes of the Chianti area.
Known for its Vernaccia production.
What are the four noted DOCs for Vin Santo in Tuscany?
Vin Santo del Chianti
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico
Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC
Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC
Where is the Emilia-Romagna region?
Emilia-Romagna is a region in northern Italy, extending from the Apennine Mountains on the West, bordering the Po River in the north. Much of it lies in the fertile Po River Valley.
It’s key city is Bologna.
Where does Emilia-Romagna fall in term of production volume in Italy?
Emilia-Romagna is among Italy’s largest wine-producing areas.
Emilia-Romagna holds a key distinction for white wine in Italy. What is it?
Romagna Albana DOCG was the first white Italian wine to earn DOCG designation.
True or False:
Lambrusco is a still, dry red wine produced in Emilia-Romagna.
False
Lambrusco is a slightly frizzante wine - produced both dry and sweet - in both red and rose versions.
What is the name of the wine region in Emilia-Romagna known for frizzante wine, red or rose styles?
Lambrusco
Produced in three Lambrusco DOCs as well as the Reggiano and Modena DOCs.
Where is Le Marche?
On the Adriatic coast of Italy, due south of Emilia-Romagna.
What is the Le Marche wine region known for?
White wines, produced from the Verdicchio grape.
Montepulciano and Sangiovese are the leading red grapes.
What wine region is home to these DOCs/DOCGs?
Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
Conero DOCG
Rosso Conerto DOC
Rosso Piceno DOC
Le Marche
Describe Conero DOCG from the Le Marche region.
Red wines, made from a blend of Montepulciano (85% minimum) and Sangiovese grapes.
What do the Conero and Piceno DOCs of Le Marche have in common?
Both produce red wines from Montepulciano and Sangiovese. Conero requires 85% Montepulciano, Piceno has more flexibility with 35-85% Montepulciano.
Sangiovese is the partner to Montepulciano in both DOCs.
What DOC is Umbria best known for?
Orvieto DOC
Orvieto is a white wine based on Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico) and Grechetto. It’s typically dry but can be made off dry, semi sweet, and sweet.
Umbria does have two DOCG wines: Montefalco Sagrantino (100% Sagrantino) and Torgiano Rosso Riserva (min 70% Sangiovese) - both red.
Where is the Orvieto DOC? What is it known for?
In the landlocked region of Umbria.
Known of a typically dry white wine made from Trebbiano Toscano and Grechetto.
What two regions border Umbria?
Marches and Tuscany
What grape is most commonly associated with the Abruzzo region?
Montepulciano
True or False:
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo must be 100% Montepulciano.
False, it must be a minimum of 85% Montepulciano, and may be Sangiovese in the blend.
How do wines from the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC typically compare to wines from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC?
Wines from Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC will typically be lighter in style, more cherry colored as these wines go through a much shorter maceration period than those from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC.
Where is Tullum DOCG?
Abruzzo
Montepulciano grape driven
Does Abruzzo have any white wine DOCs?
Yes, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC is the leading white wine of the region, based on the Trebbiano Abruzzese grape variety.
What Italian city anchors Lazio?
Rome
What is the name of the wine region that surrounds Rome?
Lazio
What are the most well known examples of Lazio DOCs/DOCGs?
Frascati DOC
Frascati Superiore DOCG
Est!Est!!Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC
These are all for white wine - mostly dry/still. Typically based on Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Giallo, and Malvasia Bianca di Candia, and Malvasia del Lazio
What region are the white wines of Frascati from? What grapes are typically used?
Lazio
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Giallo
Malvasia Bianca di Candia
Malvasia del Lazio
Why are the wines of Campania well known outside of Italy?
Because this is a popular tourist area
Where is Taurasi DOCG?
Campania
Known for Aglianico
What are the three key DOCGs of Campania noted in the text?
Taurasi DOCG (red)
Fiano di Avellino DOCG (white)
Greco di Tufo DOCG (white)
What region is the Greco di Tufo DOCG in?
Campania
What region is the Fiano di Avellino DOCG in?
Campania
Compare/Contrast Campania and Calabria:
Campania: South of Lazio, in the ‘ankle’ of the boot. Known for the deep red of Taurasi (Aglianico) and refreshing whites of Fiano and Greco di Tufo grapes.
Calabria: On the foot of the boot, its most prominent appellation is Ciro DOC. Ciro Rosso uses the Gaglioppo grape and its whites are based off Greco Bianco. It’s also noted for a sweet wine from Greco di Bianco DOC.
What is the most well known DOC of Puglia?
Salice Salentino DOC - red wine, Negroamaro
What are 5 key grapes of Puglia?
Negroamaro, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Barbera, Aleatico, Primitivo
Are there any DOCGs in Puglia?
Yes - 4
Primitivo di Manduria Doce Naturale - sweet wine
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva
Caste del Monte Rosso Riserva
Castel del Monte Bombino Nero
What is the name of the significant geographical feature of Sicily?
Mt. Etna (volcano, 10,900 feet)
What is the name of the island wide DOC for Sicily?
Sicilia DOC
(The Terre Siciliane IGT also covers the entire island)
Where is Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG?
Sicily
It is Sicily’s only DOCG.
Its focus is on red wine from a Nero d’Avola and Frappato blend (low tannin, cherry, berry aromas)
What is the name of Sicily’s only DOCG?
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Nero d’Avola / Frappato blend (light, low tannin, cherry, berry wine)
Where is the Etna DOC?
Sicily, on the eastern hills of Mt. Etna
Produces both white and red wines
White: Carricante, Catarratto
Reds/Rose: Nerello Mascalese
Where is the Marsala DOC?
Italy / Sicily
What are the key grapes used for Marsala?
Grillo, Inzolia
Also allowed: Catarratto and Nerello Mascalese
What are the three key styles of Masala?
Oro - Golden
Ambra - Amber
Rubino - Ruby
Each can be made dry, semi dry, and sweet
There are also aging regimens applied:
Marsala Fine - 1 year
Marsala Superiore - 2 years
Marsala Superiore Riserva - 4 years
Marsala Vergine and Marsala Solera - 5 years in a solera system
Describe a Vergine Stravecchio Riserva wine.
From the Masala DOC of Sicily.
Most highly regarded version of Masala
Dry, Fortified wine
Minimum of 10 years aging
Cannonau is the Sardinian name for what grape?
Grenache / Garnacha
What is Sardinia’s sole DOCG?
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
Northeast corner of the island
Produces white wine from the Vermentino grape (typically dry/still but may be sweet, sparkling, and late harvest).
