27 - Northern Italy Flashcards
Describe the climate in Northern Italy?
The vineyards are located in the foothills of the alps and on the extensive plains of the River PO. Overall it has moderate climate, with dry short summers. The Alps form a barrier that extends the entire way along the northern Italian border and shelter the vineyards from rain. Local river including the PO, and 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 and consequently more risk of fungal infections.
What was traditionally a common vine management technique used in northern Italy?
A complex trellising system called ‘pergola’. Th canopy was trained high, with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves. This protected the grapes from sunburn as well as allowing air to circulate, minimising the risk of rot. However, higher density plantings using VSP training is now much more common.
What are the four main regions of Northern Italy?
- Piemonte
- Trentino-Alto Adige
- Veneto
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Describe the Aldo Adige region in Trentino-Alto Adige?
Centred around the foothills of the Alps around the town of Bolzano. Italy’s most northern wine region. The vineyards are planted on south facing terraces on the River Adige. It has a moderate climate, with short dry summers, and low rainfall during the growing season. Most of the vineyards have large diurnal ranges due to the altitude.
What is the most notable wine in Alto Adige?
Pinot Grigio. Although some Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay is made. Almost all wines are labelled under the regional name of Alto Adige DOC.
What is the common profile of Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige?
Dry style, with light to medium body, high acidity, and citrus and green fruit flavour.
Describe the region of Trentino?
Directly to the south of Alto Adige, the valley is wider than farther north. Vines are planted on the valley floor as well as the slopes. It has dry summers and low rainfall during the growing season. The mountains on the west side protect them from the cooling effects of Lake Garda.
What are the main grape varieties in Trentino?
The main Varieties are Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.
Describe the wines from Trentino?
Wines from the valley floor tend to be medium acidity and ripe stone fruit flavours. Those from the higher altitudes tend have a similar style to Alto Adige. Most wines are labelled as Trentino DOC.
Describe the Friulli-Venezia Giulia region?
The most northernly vineyards are located in the foothills of the Alps. The climate is moderate and continental, cooled by the mountain cold air. The vineyards in the south are based on a flat plain near the Adriatic sea and experience a warmer climate.
What are the dominant varietals in Friulli-Venezia Giulia?
Pinot Grigio and Merlot. They produce some of the richest Pinot Grigio in Italy.
Describe the common profile of and Merlot Pinot Grigio from Friulli-Venezia Giulia?
Medium to full bodied wines displaying juicy peach and tropical fruit flavours.
Medium bodide, medium acidity, and tannins, and ripe red fruit flavours, with a hint of spice from oak.
How are wines labelled in Friuli-Venezia Giulia?
Wines from the plain are labelled Friuli Grave DOC, they tend to be white and made in a simple fruity style. The regions of Collio DOC and Colli Orientali DOC, both located in the hills are known for premium more concentrated white wines. Colli Orientali is also noted for its reds.
Describe the region of Veneto?
The largest of Italy’s wine growing regions. It also has two of its most famous wines: Soave and Valpolicella. The region extends form the southern end of Lake Garda to to the flat plains of the River Po in the south. The climate is warm with moderate rainfall. Cooling influences come from altitude, the diurnal range and Lake Garda. The flat plain is affected by moist air and fog from the River Po which can cause disease and rot.
What are the dominant varietals in Veneto?
International grapes such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Merlot, plus Italian varietals such as Corvina, Garganega and Trebbiano. High yields mean that these wines are usually simple and fruity, they are labelled as Veneto IGT.
Describe the Soave region?
Foothills in the north and flat plain in the south. Soils on the foothills are made of limestone, clay and some volcanic rocks. These soils are naturally cool and together with the influence of altitude, slows down ripening, which lead to wines with full flavour ripeness but high acidity. These wines can age for a number of years. Vines on the sandy, alluvial soils that aid ripening are fruitier with medium acidity and meant to be drunk young.
