13. Trentodoc

Question 1

What is Trentodoc?

Answer 1

Trademarked name for bottle-fermented sparkling wine made from classic Champagne varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) grown in the Trentino region under DOC Trento.

Question 2

Who is credited with making the first traditional method sparkling wine in Italy?

Answer 2

Giulio Ferrari

Question 3

What is the primary varietal used in Trentodoc wines? What other varieties can be included?

Answer 3

Many of the wine are 100% Chardonnay.

Can include pinot noir, pinot blanc and Meunier

Question 4

What are the typical aroma/flavor profiles and quality level of Trentodoc wines?

Answer 4

1. Ripe apple fruit and biscuit-like autolytic notes
2. Medium alcohol
3. Medium + to high acidity
4. Very good to outstanding quality
5. Premium/super-premium prices

Question 5

What are the primary climatic influences of Trentino?

Answer 5

1. Warm continental climate with cooling influences.
2. High daytime summer temps - mountains (Alps) protect from cold winds and heat builds up on valley floor.
3. High diurnal range due to cold air descending from mountains at night - allows grapes to retain acidity.

Question 6

What is primary soil type found in Trentino? How does this impact wines?

Answer 6

Stony & well-drained, become poorer in nutrients on steeper slopes. Results in wines with high flavor intensity.

Question 7

Discuss vineyard elevation for Trentodoc wines

Answer 7

Typically on slopes above valley floor (400-700m), with a few at higher elevations. High elevation - fruit takes longer to ripen, building up flavor intensity while retaining high acidity due to diurnal range.

Question 8

How does harvest time for Trentodoc wines compare with Franciacorta?

Answer 8

Trentodoc normally 2 weeks later than Franciacorta

Question 9

What are the primary training systems for Trentodoc wines?

Answer 9

Guyot on sloping vineyards or pergola system on steeper, terraced vineyards.

Question 10

What variety is planted on cooler sites, and what variety on warmer sites?

Answer 10

Chardonnay on cooler sites

Pinot Noir on warmer south- and southeast- facing slopes

Question 11

What are the primary vineyards risks for Trentodoc wines?

Answer 11

1. 2 forms of mildew
2. Botrytis
3. Spring frost for lowest slopes and valley floor

Question 12

Discuss winemaking techniques of Trentodoc wines

Answer 12

1. 1st fermentation in stainless steel
2. Malolactic conversion normal- acidity higher than in Franciacorta
3. Traditional method only
4. Cultured yeasts common
5. Some companies use small amounts of reserve wines

Question 13

What are the aging requirements for Trentodoc wines?

Answer 13

1. Min 15 months on lees; 20-30 months common
2. Vintage wines - min 24 months on lees
3. Riserva wines - min 36 months on lees, but 5-10 years frequent

Question 14

What are sweetness levels of Trentodoc wines?

Answer 14

Trento & Trento Rosado - Brut Nature to Dolce (although most are Brut)
Trento Riserva - Brut Nature and Brut only

Question 15

How many producers of Trentodoc wines are there? Who is the largest? What % of production do the largest 4 producers account for?

Answer 15

54 producers and numerous small growers
Ferrari is the largest
4 companies produce 95% of sparkling wine
2 major coops have important brands - Rotari and Altemasi

Question 16

What percent of Trentodoc wines are sold in Italy?

Answer 16

80%