27 - Northern Italy Flashcards
Main regions in Northern Italy
(4)
- Trentino-Alto Adige
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Veneto
- Piemonte
Climate in Northern Italy
overall & 5 regions
Overall: Moderate (Continental/Maritime?), but also Warm Maritime
- Alto Adige: Moderate
- Trentino: sligthtly warmer
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Moderate Continental & Warm Maritime
- Veneto: Warm
- Piemonte: Moderate Continental
Climate in Northern Italy (Overall)
temp., rain, influences etc
Overall: Moderate (Continental/Maritime?), but also Warm Maritime
- foothills of the Alps & on the extensive plain of the River Po
- dry, short summers
- the Alps form a barrier that extends the length of the north Italian border, & shelter the vy from rain
- local rivers, including the Po, & glacial lakes, such as Lake Garda, provide a moderating influence to inland areas
- areas that lie close to the sea can have higher levels of rainfall, meaning that fungal diseases can be a problem
Climate in Northern Italy
temp., rain, influences etc
1. Overall
2. Alto Adige
3. Trentino
4. Friuli-Venezia Giulia
5. Veneto
6. Piemonte
(omfattende sammenligning, også laget egne kort per sted)
-
Overall: Moderate (Continental/Maritime?), but also Warm Maritime
- foothills of the Alps & on the extensive plain of the River Po
- dry, short summers
- the Alps form a barrier that extends the length of the north Italian border, & shelter the vy from rain
- local rivers, including the Po, & glacial lakes, such as Lake Garda, provide a moderating influence to inland areas
- areas that lie close to the sea can have higher levels of rainfall, meaning that fungal diseases can be a problem -
Alto Adige: Moderate
- centred around the town of Bolzano in the foothills of the Alps
- the vy are planted on terraces on the SE- & SW facing valley sides of the River Adige
- short, dry summers & low rainfall during the growing season
- large diurnal range due to altitudes -
Trentino: sligthtly warmer
- located directly to the south of Alto Adige
- the valley is wider here than further north
- vines are planted on the valley floor as well as the slopes on both sides of the valley
- dry summers & low rainfall during the growing season
- overall the vy experience a slightly warmer climate
–> more southerly latitude
–> greater number of vy at lower altitudes
–> mountains to the west side of the valley protect the region from the cooling influences of Lake Garda -
Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Moderate Continental & Warm Maritime
- located in northern Italy’s eastern corner
- the most northerly vy in the region are located in the foothills of the Alps
–> cooled by cold air from the mountains
- the vy in the south of the region are based on the flat plain near the Adriatic Sea & experience a warm maritime climate -
Veneto: Warm
- extends from the southern end of Lake Garda in the west to Venice in the east
- ranges from the foothills of the Alps in the north to the flat plains of the Po in the south
- moderate rainfall
- cooling influences come from:
–> altitude, exposing the vy in the foothills to a large dirunal temp. range
–> breezes from Lake Garda cool the vy in the west of the region
- the flat plain is affected by moist air & fog from the River Po
–> increasing the number of sprays needed to combat disease & rot -
Piemonte: Moderate Continental
- located in the north-west corner of Italy
- mountains to the north provide a rain shadow protecting the region from northern winds & precipitation
- long, cold winters
- summers that can be subject to thunderstorms, hail & fog
- some moderating influences come from
–> the Po River in the southern part of the region
–> Lake Maggiore in the north
- the area is noted for its foothills, ranging from 150-600m which provide aspects & altitudes for viticulture
the vineyards in the north of Italy were traditionally planted with … yielding vines at … densities
the vineyards in the north of Italy were traditionally planted with HIGH yielding vines at LOW densities
traditional trellising system used in Northern Italy
(name, describe, used now?)
- pergola
- the vine canopy is trained high with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves
- this protects the grapes from sunburn as well as allowing air to circulate, minimising the risk of rot
- still used when high acidity & low sugar levels are required
(such as for sparkling wine grapes) - also used when wines are to be made from dried grapes
(which need to be free from damage & disease)
what is a pergola?
- traditional trellising system used in Northern Italy
- the vine canopy is trained high with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves
- this protects the grapes from sunburn as well as allowing air to circulate, minimising the risk of rot
- still used when high acidity & low sugar levels are required
(such as for sparkling wine grapes) - also used when wines are to be made from dried grapes
(which need to be free from damage & disease)
more common trellising system in Northern Italy now
- higher density plantings using VSP training are now more common
- traditionally: planted with high yielding vines at low desities, using pergola
Climate in Alto Adige
- temp.
- geography
- rain
- influences etc
- diurnal
Alto Adige: Moderate
- centred around the town of Bolzano in the foothills of the Alps
- the vy are planted on terraces on the SE- & SW facing valley sides of the River Adige
- short, dry summers & low rainfall during the growing season
- large diurnal range due to altitudes
Climate in Trentino
- temp.
- geography
- rain
- influences etc
Trentino: sligthtly warmer
- located directly to the south of Alto Adige
- the valley is wider here than further north
- vines are planted on the valley floor as well as the slopes on both sides of the valley
- dry summers & low rainfall during the growing season
- overall the vy experience a slightly warmer climate
–> more southerly latitude
–> greater number of vy at lower altitudes
–> mountains to the west side of the valley protect the region from the cooling influences of Lake Garda
Climate in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
temp., rain, influences etc
Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Moderate Continental & Warm Maritime
- located in northern Italy’s eastern corner
- the most northerly vy in the region are located in the foothills of the Alps
–> cooled by cold air from the mountains
- the vy in the south of the region are based on the flat plain near the Adriatic Sea & experience a warm maritime climate
Climate in Veneto
- temp.
- geography
- rain
- influences etc
Veneto: Warm
- extends from the southern end of Lake Garda in the west to Venice in the east
- ranges from the foothills of the Alps in the north to the flat plains of the Po in the south
- moderate rainfall
- cooling influences come from:
–> altitude, exposing the vy in the foothills to a large diurnal temp. range
–> breezes from Lake Garda cool the vy in the west of the region
- the flat plain is affected by moist air & fog from the River Po
–> increasing the number of sprays needed to combat disease & rot
Climate in Piemonte
temp., rain, influences etc
Piemonte: Moderate Continental
- located in the north-west corner of Italy
- mountains to the north provide a rain shadow protecting the region from northern winds & precipitation
- long, cold winters
- summers that can be subject to thunderstorms, hail & fog
- some moderating influences come from
–> the Po River in the southern part of the region
–> Lake Maggiore in the north
- the area is noted for its foothills, ranging from 150-600m which provide aspects & altitudes for viticulture
where is Alto Adige located?
- centred around the town of Bolzano in the foothills of the Alps
- Italy’s most northerly wine region
what/where is Bolzano?
town in the center of Alto Adige
most northerly wine region in Italy
Alto Adige
vy in Alto Adige are planted on …
terraces on the SE & SW-facing valley sides
- diurnal range in Alto Adige
- due to
- large
- altitude
- winetype ideal for Alto Adige
- why
- aromatic whites & elegant, light-bodied reds
- altitude –> large diurnal range
- summers in Alto Adige
- rainfall during growing season
- short, dry summers
- low rainfall
most notable white wine in Alto Adige
Pinot Grigio
style & char. of Pinot Grigio in Alto Adige
- dry style
- light-medium body
- high acidity
- citrus & green fruit flavours
white grape varieties in Alto Adige (4)
- Pinot Grigio
- Gewurztraminer
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Blanc
red wine production in Alto Adige is dominated by …
Schiava
char. of Schiava in Alto Adige
General
Tan
Ar
- light & fruity
- low-medium tannins
- flavours of raspberries & plums
almost all wines in Alto Adige are labelled under …
the regional name of Alto Adige DOC
where is Trentino located?
- directly to the south of Alto Adige, in Northern Italy
where are vines planted in Trentino?
on the valley floor as well as the slopes on both sides of the valley
summers in Trentino
- dry summers & low rainfall during the growing season (similar to Alto Adige)
- overall the vy experience a slightly warmer climate
- how is the climate in Trentino compared to Alto Adige?
- why? (3 reasons)
- slightly warmer
1. more southerly latitude
2. greater number of vy at lower altitudes
3. the mountains to the west side of the valley protect the region from the cooling influences of Lake Garda
main varieties in Trentino (2)
Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio
char. of wines from Trentino
Valley floor
- medium-bodied
- medium acidity
- ripe stone fruit flavours
Higher altitudes
- more similar to the whites from Alto Adige
- light-medium body, high acidity, citrus & green fruit flavours
the two most planted black grapes in Trentino
Merlot & Teroldego
where are Merlot & Teroldego grown in Trentino?
mainly on the mid-slopes & valley floor
char. & wm of Teroldego in Trentino
- deep colour
- medium to high tannins
- high acidity
- medium to full body
- aromas of black fruit
- normally matured in oak
- best: ability to age
most wines in Trentino are labelled under …
the regional name of Trentino DOC
Where is Friuli-Venezia Giulia & its vy located?
- in northern Italy’s eastern corner
- most northerly vy: in the foothills of the Alps
- vy in the south: based on the flat plain near the Adriatic Sea
grape varieties in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- a large number of grape varieties are planted, producing rich, ripe white & red wines
- most prevalent: Pinot Grigio & Merlot
- widely grown: Friulano
char. of Pinot Grigio in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- some of the richest PG in Italy
- medium- to full-bodied
- juicy peach & tropical fruit flavours
char. of Merlot in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
1. amount planted
2. body, ac & tan
3. ar
4. oak?
- the most planted black variety
- medium-bodied
- medium acidity & tannins
- ripe red fruit flavours
- often with a hint of spice from oak
char. of Friulano in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- medium to high acidity
- medium body
- aromas of pear, red apples & herbs
wines from the plain in Friuli-Venezia Giulia are labelled …
Friuli Grave DOC
Friuli Grave DOC
(where, wines)
- in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Northern Italy
- wines from the plain (south of the region, near the Adriatic Sea)
- tend to be white, made in a simple, fruity style
Collio DOC
(where, wines)
- located in the hills in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Northern Italy
- known for premium, more concentrated white wines
Colli Orientali DOC
(where, wines)
- located in the hills in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Northern Italy
- known for premium, more concentrated white wines
- noted for its reds
DOC in the hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Collio DOC
- Colli Orientali DOC
where is Veneto located?
- in Northern Italy
- from the southern end of Lake Garda in the west to Venice in the east
- from the foothills of the Alps in the north to the flat plains of the Po in the south
rainfall in Veneto
moderate
cooling influences in Veneto
- altitude: vy in the foothills –> large dirunal range
- breezes from Lake Garda: vy in the west
- moist air & fog from the River Po: the flat plain
how is the River Po affecting Veneto?
- moist air & fog from the River Po affects the flat plain in the south
- increasing the number of sparys needed to combat disease & rot
- the flat plain of Veneto is a source of fruit for …
- grapes (6)
- yields
- type of wines
- labelled
- inexpensive, high volume brands
- grapes:
international grape varieties such as: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay & Merlot
Italian grapes like: Corvina, Garganega & Trebbiano - high
- simple & fruity
- Veneto IGT
Prosecco DOC is made in
- the greater part in Veneto
- some vy located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
where is Soave
- east of Verona
- in Veneto in Northern Italy
describe the geography of Soave
- east of Verona
- in Veneto in Northern Italy
- 2 distinct parts
1. foothills to the north
2. flat plain in the south, near the River Po
describe the soil of Soave & how it affects the grapes and the wines
- 2 distinct parts
foothills to the north
- limestone & clay with some volcanic rocks
- naturally cool –> slows down ripening
- leading to grapes with full flavour ripeness yet high acidity
- wines are capable of maturing for a number of years
flat plain in the south, near the River Po
- sandy, alluvial soil
- aid ripening
- grapes are fruitier with medium acidity
- wines meant to be drunk young
main grape variety in Soave
Garganega
is Soave a sv or blend?
- main variety: Garganega
- small amounts of other white grape varieties can be added to the blend
char. of a typical Soave
1. Ac
2. body
3. ar
4. oak?
5. age?
6. geogr.—>diff
- medium to high acidity
- medium body
- aromas of pears, red apple, stone fruit & sometimes white pepper
- do not typically display any aromas or flavours of new oak
- best: can age, developing aromas of almonds & honey
foothills to the north
- grapes with full flavour ripeness yet high acidity
- wines are capable of maturing for a number of years
flat plain in the south, near the River Po
- grapes are fruitier with medium acidity
- wines meant to be drunk young
Soave DOC vs Soave Classico DOC
Soave DOC: wines made using grapes from the entire region
Soave Classico DOC: wines made using grapes from the foothills
Classico:
- over time, the boundaries of a number of appellations have expanded to allow new plantings outside the original zone
- the term acknowledges wines that have been made solely from the original classified land
- includes many of the best wines from the area
where is Valpolicella?
- north-west of Verona
- in Veneto in Northern Italy
topography of Valpolicella
(geography, soil)
- similar to Soave
foothills in the north:
- limestone, clay & volcanic soils
- slow down ripening –> more acidity
flatter south: gravel & sand
- warmer soil –> fruitier with less acidity
main grape in Valpolicella
Corvina
Corvina
(Skin, col, tan, ac)
- thin skin
- moderate colour
- low-medium tannins
- high acidity
how to increase the colour & tannins of a Valpolicella
local grape varieties can be added to the blend
Valpolicella DOC vs Valpolicella Classico DOC
Valpolicella DOC: wines made using grapes from the entire region
Valpolicella Classico DOC: wines made using grapes from the foothills
Classico:
- over time, the boundaries of a number of appellations have expanded to allow new plantings outside the original zone
- the term acknowledges wines that have been made solely from the original classified land
- includes many of the best wines from the area
char. of Valpolicella
- simple & fruity
- light tannins
- red cherry flavours
- rarely oaked
- made to drink immediately
the passito method
- widely used in the Veneto
- increase structure & flavour concentration (& colour in the case of red wines)
- grapes are picked early when they are still high in acidity
- dried indoors, concentrating the sugars & flavours
- fermentation does not get underway until the winter months
2 types of passito wine in Valpolicella
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
(char., prod.met.)
- dry or off-dry
- full-bodied
- high alcohol
- medium-high tannins
- intensely concentrated red berry & spice flavours
- passito method
- usually aged in large oak casks
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
(char. prod.met.)
- sweet
- intense red fruit flavours
- high alcohol
- full body
- medium to high tannins
- passito method
- made from grapes that are so sweet that fermentation stops naturally
sweet white wine made by passito method
Recioto di Soave DOCG
the ripasso method
- uses grape skins from a fermenting Amarone della Valpolicella
- shortly before the fermentation finishes the Amarone is drained off the skins
- the skins remain unpressed and are added to a vat of Valpolicella that has finished its fermentation
- yeast, which are also transferred in this process, ferment the remaining sugar on the Amarone grape skins
- during which time the grape skins give more colour, flavour & tannins to the wine they have been added to
wines made in the ripasso method can be labelled
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
(char., prod.met.)
- medium to full-bodied
- medium to high tannins
- flavours of stewed red cherries & plums
- ripasso method
where is Piemonte?
in the north-west corner of Italy
geography & climate of Piemonte
- mountains to the north provide a rain shadow protecting the region from norhern winds & precipitation
- Moderate Continental
- long, cold winters
- summers that can be subject to thunderstorms, hail & fog
- some moderating influences:
–> the Po River in the southern part of the region
–> Lake Maggiore in the north - the area is noted for its foothills, ranging from 150-600m
–> different aspects & altitudes
main grapes for Piemonte
(3+2)
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
- Cortese
- Moscato (Muscat)
horeseshoe-shaped valley in Northern Italy known for Nebbiolo-wines
Barolo
aspect & altitude of Barolo
- 300-500m
- south-facing
grapes in Barolo DOCG
must be made entirely from Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo in Barolo
(grape, char.)
- high levels of acidity & tannins
- little colour
- the grapes ripen slowly at the altitudes of Barolo (300-500m)
- developing perfumed aromas of sour cherries, herbs & sometimes dried flowers
- best years: full-bodied, high acidity & tannins, ability to develop in the bottle
the best wines in Barolo come from ..
named vineyards or crus, which may appear on the label, such as Barolo Cannubi DOCG
- other grapes grown in Barolo
- labelled as ..
- mainly Dolcetto & Barbera
- the generic Alba DOC
- Barolo DOCG must be aged for …
- traditionally …
- today …
- maturation may take place in …
- 3 years before release, 18 months must be in oak
- traditionally Barolo was aged for several years in large oak barrels to soften harsh tannins
- today, improvements in vy management & gentler methods of extraction result in wines with smoother, riper tannins, & mean that many producers now choose to mature their wines for shorter periods of time
- oak maturation may take place in small barrels (often including some new oak) or larger casks depending on the style that the producer wants to achieve
- Barolo DOCG must be aged for …
- traditionally …
- today …
- maturation may take place in …
- 3 years before release, 18 months must be in oak
- traditionally Barolo was aged for several years in large oak barrels to soften harsh tannins
- today, improvements in vy management & gentler methods of extraction result in wines with smoother, riper tannins, & mean that many producers now choose to mature their wines for shorter periods of time
- oak maturation may take place in small barrels (often including some new oak) or larger casks depending on the style that the producer wants to achieve
All Barolo wines tend to … from further bottle ageing.
benefit
what does bottle ageing do to a Barolo?
- soften the tannins
- adds further complexity
- aromas of truffles, tar & leather
aspect & altitude of Barbaresco
- 200-400m
- south-facing
- Nebbiolo in Barbaresco ripens … compared with Barolo
- & is … (char.)
- earlier
- fruitier & less perfumed, similar acidity & tannin levels (high)
why does Nebbiolo ripens earlier in Barbaresco compared to Barolo?
lower altitude & influence from a local river
what gives the wines of Barbaresco the ability to age in bottle
high acidity & tannin
Barbaresco DOCG must be aged for
- 2 years before release, 9 months in oak
villages in Barbaresco
- the region is smaller than Barolo
- fewer mentions of villages on the labels
- higher quality wines will be from a single named vy or cru
Barbera
(grape, char., styles)
- late ripening
- medium to deep colour
- low to medium tannins
- high acidity
- aromas of red cherries & plums & sometimes black pepper
- can be drunk young
- best examples can age for several years
2 styles of wine
1. youthful & fruity with no oak influence
2. barrel-aged to give spicy flavours
2 Barbera-regions
- Barbera d’Alba DOC
- Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Dolcetto
(grape, region, char.)
- earlier ripening than Nebbiolo & Barbera
–> can be planted in the coolest sites - Dolcetto d’Alba DOC tends to produce many of the finest wines
- deep, often purple, colour
- medium to high tannins
- medium acidity
- aromas of black plums, red cherries & dried herbs
- can be drunk young
- best examples can age for several years
grapes in Asti & Alba (4)
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
- Nebbiolo
- Moscato
grape in Gavi DOCG
Cortese
where is Gavi located?
in south-eastern Piemonte
- where are the vines grown in Gavi
- influences
- result in grapes
- the wine
- in hills
- altitude & sea breezes (Gulf of Genova)
- slow ripening of Cortese
- emphasising its natural high acidity & floral character
Gavi di Gavi DOCG
- if the grapes come from the town of Gavi itself the wines may be labelled …
appellations in Gavi
- Gavi DOCG
- Cortese di Gavi DOCG
- Gavi di Gavi DOCG
if the grapes come from the town of Gavi itself the wines may be labelled …
Gavi di Gavi DOCG
IGT/DOC/DOCG in Northern Italy
(22)
- Alto Adige DOC
- Trentino DOC
- Friuli Grave DOC
- Collio DOC
- Colli Orientali DOC
- Veneto IGT
- Prosecco DOC
- Soave DOC
- Soave Classico DOC
- Recioto di Soave DOCG
- Valpolicella DOC
- Valpolicella Classico DOC
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
- Recioto di Soave DOCG
- Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
- Barolo DOCG
- Barbaresco DOCG
- Barbera d’Alba DOC
- Barbera d’Asti DOCG
- Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
- Gavi DOCG
- Cortese di Gavi DOCG
- Gavi di Gavi DOCG
Cortese/Gave
(char., wm)
- pale
- light-bodied
- high acidity
- aromas & flavours of citrus, green apples & pears
- protective wm is the norm with cool fermentation in ss
- some producers use old oak vessels for fermentation & lees stirring to add complexity
- most is ready to drink on release
- wines from the best producers can age well in bottle
