16.1 - North East Italy: Trentino

Question 1

Describe the growing environment of Trentino (5)

Answer 1

• Further south and at lower altitude than Alto-Adige
• Moderate, continental climate
• Mountains protect from cold northerly winds
• Lake Garda moderates
• Diurnals via cold air descending from mountains at night

Question 2

What are the six most widely planted varieties?

Answer 2

Question 3

What is the max yield for Trentino DOC

Answer 3

High - 100 for whites, 90 for reds

Question 4

Which int’l varieties are grown in Trentino?

Answer 4

Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer

Merlot,Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir

Question 5

Briefly compare Teroldego, Marzemino and Lagrein

Answer 5

All - vigorous, mid-late ripening, deep colour, med tannin, good/VG quality

Terol - black cherry

Marzemino - red cherry

Lagrein - red and black cherry

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of Teroldego and name a DOC associated with quality production

• Ripening
• Yields / vigour
• Vulnerabilities / resistance

Answer 6

Mid-late

High yields and vigorous

Stems can dry out easily, resistant to mildew

Teroldego Rotaliano DOC - far north of region, sandy/gravelly soils

N.B. wines from Teroldego cannot be bottled Trentino DOC

Question 7

Describe the characteristics of Marzemino and name a subzone associated with quality production

• Ripening
• Vulnerabilities
• Training

Answer 7

• Mid-late ripening
• Vulnerable BBR, powdery mildew
• Older vines on pergola, less vigorous clones on spur-pruned, cordons

Ziresi sub-zone - sun exposure, rich chalky/clay soils

Question 8

Why is wine made from Moscato Rosa usually premium priced? (3)

Answer 8

Poor fruit - yields

BBR - yields

• Appassimento / late-harvest - yield and labour

Question 9

Where is Nosiola grown and what kind of wine does it produce?

Answer 9

A warm area called Valley of the Lakes

White wine with hazelnut flavour or semi-dried version called Vino Santo

Question 10

Outline red and white winemaking in Trentino

Answer 10

White

• Soft press
• SST
• Low temp
• Brief ageing on lees
• Top whites in oak / new oak

Red

1. Fresh and fruity - short maceration during ferment (5-7 days), moderate temp (17-20c), brief SST/old oak
2. Premium - additional maceration post ferment (7-14 days extra), higher temp (26-32c), small oak / new oak

Question 11

A wine labelled as Bianco is made from?

Answer 11

> 80% Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco

Question 12

A wine labelled “rosso” contains?

Answer 12

Single or blend of int’l varieties e.g. Cab S and Merlot

Question 13

Describe the structure of production in Trentino cf. Alto-Adige

Answer 13

Landholdings - small (1.2ha), similar to AA

Co-ops very important 80% production, similar to AA

Cavit accounts for 60% of all wine - a consortium of 10 co-ops

Some small estates 10% production - similar to AA

Question 14

Why do many quality producers use Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT instead of Trentino DOC?

Answer 14

Very high % of wines use DOC (high yields allowed) so don’t want to be associated with poor quality e.g. Foradori