3.21 Cortese, Garganega, Verdichio and Fiano

Question 1

What white grape is used to produce Gavi DOCG?

Answer 1

Cortese

Question 2

Describe the profile of Cortese.

Answer 2

• Dry
• Light body
• High acid
• Floral (blossom)
• Citrus (lemon)
• Green fruit (pear, apple)

Question 3

Gavi DOCG is in which Italian region?

Answer 3

Piemonte (NW Italy)

Question 4

Is Gavi generally age-worthy?

Answer 4

No. Most is meant to be consumed young.

Question 5

Is Gavi generally oak aged?

Answer 5

No, its generally fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel.

Question 6

What white grape is used to produce Soave DOC and Soave DOC Classico?

Answer 6

Garganega
(pronounced: gahr-GAN -eh-ga)

Question 7

In which Italian region are Soave DOC and Soave Classico DOC found?

Answer 7

Veneto (NE Italy)

Question 8

Describe the profile of Garganega

Answer 8

• Dry
• Medium body
• High acid
• Stone fruit (peach)
• Citrus (lemon)
• Green fruit (pear, apple)

Question 9

Are Soave DOC and Soave Classico DOC usually fermented in stainless steel (or other inert vessels), or oak aged?

Answer 9

Stainless steel or other inert vessel

Question 10

Is Soave age-worthy?

Answer 10

Generally, no, they’re meant for early consumption.

Question 11

Describe Recioto di Soave DOCG: production method and style.

Answer 11

A sweet white made from dried Garganega grapes (sometimes small amounts of Tebbiano di Soave, as well), using the appassimento process.

Question 12

Which region in Italy is known for Verdicchio?

Answer 12

Marche (pronounced MAR-kay)

Eastern Italy, about center on N/S axis.

Question 13

Which DOC in the Marche is most important for Verdicchio?

Answer 13

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC

Question 14

Describe the profile of Verdicchio.

Answer 14

• Dry
• Medium body
• High acid
• Fennel/anise
• Citrus (lemon)
• Green fruit (apple, pear)
• Wines can develop tertiary aromas/flavors of honey and nuts

Question 15

Is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi age-worthy?

Answer 15

Generally no, most are meant for early consumption (simple, fruity wines)

But outstanding examples can age well!

Question 16

Which region in Italy is known for Fiano?

Answer 16

Campania

Question 17

What type of terraine is in Campania?

Answer 17

Mountainous

Question 18

Which DOCG in Campania is most important for Fiano?

Answer 18

Fiano di Avellino DOCG

Question 19

Describe the profile of Fiano.

Answer 19

• Dry
• Medium to full body
• Medium acid
• Stone fruit (peach)
• Tropical fruit (melon, mango)
• When aged sur lie it develops notes of bread, biscuit, smoke

Question 20

Is Fiano di Avellino age-worthy?

Answer 20

While most is meant to be consumed young, very good/outstanding examples can age well, developing honeyed aromas.

Question 21

Is Fiano di Avellino aged in oak?

Answer 21

Sometimes.

Wines can develop aromas of smoke.