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Italian Wine Scholar: Central & Southern Italy > Abruzzo > Flashcards

Abruzzo Flashcards

1
Q

Which region rivals Toscana as the third-most productive region of central and southern Italy?

A

Abruzzo; although geographically small, it figures large on the Italian wine map.

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2
Q

Abruzzo is home to which historic producers of Italy?

A
  • Valentini
  • Emidio Pepe
  • Masciarelli
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3
Q

Which grape variety is Abruzzo’s claim to fame and dominates the vineyards?

A

Montepulciano; one of Italy’s most widely planted grapes.

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4
Q

Abruzzo is notably famous for what distinctive rosato?

A

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo; it is considered among Italy’s best. It ranks as highly as the rosatos from Salento and Lake Garda.

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5
Q

Which people inhabited Abruzzo before becoming part of the Roman Republic in the 3rd century BC?

A

The Aequi, the Samnites, and the Piceni tribes (among others).

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6
Q

How was the arrival of the Romans particularly beneficial for Abruzzo?

A

They promoted a more systematic way to cultivate vines and produce wine.

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7
Q

What happened to Abruzzo after the fall of the Roman Empire?

A

The region was annexed by the Lombards and became part of the Duchy of Spoleto. It earned independence as a county between the 9th and 12th centuries AD but was subsequently annexed by the Normans and incorprated into the Kingdom of Sicily which, with consolidations, morphed into the Kingdom of Italy in the late 19th century.

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8
Q

How did viticulture/wine production fair during the Renaissance in Abruzzo?

A

Historic documents indicate these flourised, particularly around the city of L’Aquila.

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9
Q

How was Abruzzo before and after phylloxera?

A

This region’s ampelographic heritage was rich and diverse.
After the crisis, vineyards were largely replanted with Montepulciano and the various Trebbianos, narrowing the region’s grape focus considerably.

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10
Q

Where is Abruzzo located?

A

This region is located in east-central Italy and faces the Adriatic Sea. Marche lies to the north, Molise to the south, and Lazio is situated to the west on the opposite side of the Central Apennines.

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11
Q

How is Abruzzo topographically divided?

A

Into 3 bands:
1. There is a strip of gentle hills along the coast
2. A middle swath of medium-elevation hills
3. And a large mountainous inland area.

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12
Q

Which region is the most mountainous in central/southern Italy?

A

Abruzzo; almost two-thirds of the territory is covered by mountains.

  • 65% Mountains
  • 35% Hills
  • < 1% Plains
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13
Q

What are the mountain ranges found in Abruzzo?

A
  • Massif of Gran Sasso: located in the north; possesses Abruzzo’s highest peaks (reaching almost 9,800ft/3,000m)
  • Monti della Laga: lies on the border with Lazio and Marche
  • Massif of Maiella: situated in the southern part of the region
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14
Q

What can you find interspersed among the mountain ranges of Abruzzo?

A

High elevation plateaus and amphitheater-like mountain basins.
These mountain ranges often rise steeply and abruptly over the landscape. They are largely covered in grass and are used for grazing animals.

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15
Q

What can you find planted in the hills of Abruzzo?

A

Vines and olive groves.

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16
Q

Describe the coastline of Abruzzo.

A

The very narrow coastline runs for 80mi/130km. Sandy beaches line the northern half, dense Mediterranean scrub lines the southern half.

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17
Q

Name the rivers of Abruzzo.

A
  • Tronto
  • Tordino
  • Vomano
  • Aterno-Pescara (longest)
  • Sangro

These rivers run from the Apennines towards the coast to empty into the Adriatic Sea.

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18
Q

What is the climate in Abruzzo?

A
  • The coastal band is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild winters.
  • The middle band of hills, especially those at higher elevation, receive less Mediterranean influence.
  • The mountainous inland areas are largely continental, although the highest elevations are alpine. Here, winters are cold and summers are cool. Only the inland basins experience warm summers.
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19
Q

What topographical features contribute to the climate in Abruzzo?

A

The climate in this region is the result of an interplay between the sea and the mountains.
All of the region’s topographic bands are vulnerable to cold northeast winds which drop temperatures and bring snow in the winter.

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20
Q

How is the rate of rainfall in Abruzzo from month to month and across the topographical bands?

A

November is the rainiest month; July and August the driest. Rainfall levels increase moving from the coast to the middle band of hills to the mountains.

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21
Q

How is the temperature in Abruzzo across the different topographical bands?

A

Average temperatures are naturally the highest along the coastal band, intermediate in the middle band and lowest midst the mountain ranges.

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22
Q

What is one of the coldest cities in Italy?

A

The capital, L’Aquila, located in northwest Abruzzo, at the foot of the Apennines.

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23
Q

What soil types are found in Abruzzo?

A
  • The sedimentary soils found on the coastal hills are of marine origin. Most are high in clay content but some areas - those closer to the coast and along the lower river valleys - have a higher percentage of sand.
  • The middle band of hills have marl and sandstone soils with a high clay content.
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24
Q

The vineyards of Abruzzo are dominated by which 3 grapes?

A
  • Monetpulciano
  • Trebbiano Toscano
  • Trebbiano Abruzzese

Together, they account for more than 80% of the total area under vine.

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25
How do the amount of plantings for red grapes compare to that of white grapes in **Abruzzo**?
More than 60% of the area under vine is planted to red grapes. White grapes account for less than 40% of the area under vine and most of this (almost 30%) is represented by the two Trebbianos (Toscano & Abruzzese)
26
What is the most widely planted grape variety in **Abruzzo**?
**Montepulciano**; It represents more than half of the total vineyard area.
27
Rank the grapes planted in **Abruzzo** from most to least in total vineyard area.
1. **Montepulciano** (56%) 2. **Trebbiano Toscano** (18%) 3. **Trebbiano Abruzzese** (9%) 4. **Chardonnay** (2%) 5. **Sangiovese** (2%) 6. **Pecorino** (2%) 7. **Merlot** (2%) 8. **Cococciola** (1%) Others (8%)
28
Name the native and traditional red varieties of **Abruzzo**.
* **Montepulciano** Others: * Sangiovese
29
How has **Montepulciano** changed in **Abruzzo** over the years?
In the past, the variety was widely used for the production of bulk blending wine (vino da taglio). It boosted weaker wines thanks to its deep colour, full body and high levels of alcohol and tannin. Now, it is *the* grape of **Abruzzo**. It is native to this region and forms the base of practically all of Abruzzo's red DOCs.
30
What are some characteristics of the **Montepulciano** grape?
* late-ripening * needs long growing season to fully ripen * productive variety * thick skin * good resistance to botrytis bunch rot and downy mildew.
31
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Montepulciano**?
The wines vary in quality and style from simple and easy-drinking to more intensely fruity, rich, fleshy and full-bodied. The wines are deep ruby in colour with overt red cherry and plum fruit. They tend to be robust, full-bodied and high in alcohol with dense, ripe tannins.
32
What wine, other than red, is produced from the **Montepulciano** grape?
**Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC**; a structured, full bodied *rosato*. Thanks to the grape's high anthocyanin content and the near pink colour of the juice, rose production entails a very short maceration period on the skins.
33
What has contributed to the **Montepulciano** grape being historically confused with **Sangiovese**?
Much if it stems from the Tuscan down of *Montepulciano* where they have historically grown **Sangiovese**. Town and grape have created misunderstandings since the 16th century. However, these are two distinct grapes.
34
Name the native and traditional white varieties of **Abruzzo**.
* **Trebbiano Toscano** * **Trebbiano Abuzzese** * **Pecorino** Others: * Passerina * Cococciola * Montonico Bianco * Malvasia Bianca * Malvasia Bianca Lunga * Malvasia Bianca di Candia * Bombino Bianco
35
What is the most widely planted white grape in **Abruzzo**?
**Trebbiano Toscano** It is allowed in all **DOC**s for the production of *bianco* and is often blended with **Trebbiano Abruzzese**.
36
What is the identity of **Trebbiano Abruzzese**?
This remains uncertain. As the name implies, it is a traditional (and possibly native) grape. It is generally considered distinct from other Trebbianos.
37
What confusion contributed to the uncertainty of **Trebbiano Abruzzese**'s identity?
For a long time, this variety was though to be identical to **Bombino Bianco**. It was also confused with **Trebbiano Toscano**. This resulted in the inadvertent co-plantation of all three varieties in many vineyards. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing this variety from **Bombino Bianco**, it was only recently (1990s) that it was listed as a separate variety in the National Registry of Grapes.
38
Why is there so much variability in the quality and character of wines made from **Trebbiano Abruzzese**?
This is due, in part, to the fact that much of what was believed to be **Trebbiano Abruzzese**, is not. **Trebbiano Abruzzese** is considered to be of higher quality than both **Bombino Bianco** and **Trebbiano Toscano**.
39
What are the characteristics of wines made from **Trebbiano Abruzzese**?
Aromas of white flowers, citrus, stone fruit and nuts. On the palate the wines are mineral and savory with lively acidity. In general, the very best examples need time in bottle to develop and express their true character.
40
Which region is **Pecorino** native to?
**Marche**; as a result of its success there, plantings have increased in **Abruzzo**. Wines are usually produced under the **Abruzzo DOC** or under one of the several **IGT**s.
41
How are vines trained in **Abruzzo**
Vines were, and still are, traditionally trained with the *Pergola Abruzzese* (a variant of *tendone*). However, over the past 20 years, many areas have converted to guyot and *Cordone Speronato*.
42
How much area does **Abruzzo** have under vine?
Roughly 79,000ac/32,000ha; this makes the region one of the most densely planted in central/southern Italy.
43
How many hectolitres of wine does **Abruzzo** produce annually?
About 3 million hl; more than 60% of the total is red.
44
How much of the total wine production in **Abruzzo** accounts for **DOC/G** wines? or **IGT**?
Approx. 40% is **DOC/G**; three-quarters of this volume is bottled under the regional **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**. **IGT** wines account for slightly more than 10%. Wines w/o origin account for the balance.
45
Name the appellations of **Abruzzo**.
* **Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG** * **Terre Tollesi (Tullum) DOCG** * Controguerra DOC * **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC** * **Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC** * **Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC** * **Abruzzo DOC** Minor appellations: * Ortona DOC * Villamagna DOC
46
What is **Abruzzo**'s only DOCG?
**Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG** This was previously a sub-zone of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC but was elevated to separate DOCG status in 2003.
47
Where is **Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG** located?
The appellation lies on the border with **Marche**. The winegrowing area extends from the *Adriatic* coast to the foothills of the *Monti della Laga* and *Gran Sasso Massif*.
48
What grapes are used in the production of wines from **Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG**?
* min. 90% **Montepulciano** * max. 10% **Sangiovese** may be added
49
What are the aging requirements of wines from **Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG**?
* min. 1 year aging before release *Riserva*: * min. 3 years total * min. 1 year in wood
50
What are the characteristics of wines from **Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG**?
Deeply coloured, full-bodied, powerful, concentrated and high in alcohol.
51
Where is Controguerra DOC located?
This appellation overlaps the **Colline Terramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG**, but covers a smaller area and borders **Marche**.
52
What grapes are used to produce wines from Controguerra DOC?
*Rosso* & *bianco* based on: * **Montepulciano** * **Trebbiano Toscano** * **Trebbiano Abruzzese** Varietal: * **Pecorino** * **Passerina** * international grapes
53
What styles of wine are produced in Controguerra DOC?
* *spumante* * *bianco* * *rosato* * *rosso* * *rosso riserva* * *novello* * *passito* * varietal
54
Which appellation was **Abruzzo**'s first **DOC** and is, by far, the region's most productive?
**Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**
55
Where is **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC** located?
This regional appellation encompasses virtually all of **Abruzzo**'s designated winegrowing areas. Vineyards lie mostly on the coastal and middle bands of hills running from the **Marche** border to the **Molise** border. Some vineyards are also located on higher altitude mountainous sites and in cooler inland areas.
56
What grapes are used in the production of wines from **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* min. 85% Montepulciano
57
What are the requirements of wines from **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
Non-riserva: * min. 12% abv *Riserva*: * min. 12.5% abv * min. 2 years aging * min. 9 months in wood
58
The 5 sub-zones of **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC** have more stringent requirements. What are they?
* lower max. yields * higher min. alcohol * longer aging
59
Name the 5 sub-zones of **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**.
* **Casauria o Terre di Casauria**: lies to the southwest of *Chieti* along the *Aterno-Pescara River*; requires 100%. **Montepulciano**. * **Terre dei Vestini**: extends from *Pescara* up to the foothills of the *Gran Sasso* Massif; requires at least 90% **Montepulciano**. * **Alto Tirino**: high-elevation sub-zone situated in the southeastern foothills of the *Gran Sasso Massif*; requires at least 95% **Montepulciano**. * **Terre dei Peligni**: high-elevation sub-zone located in the *Peligna Valley* around the town of *Sulmona*; requires at least 95% **Montepulciano**. * **Teate**: extends from *Pescara* and *Chieti* to the **Molise** border; requires at least 90% **Montepulciano**. All sub-zones can be produced as riservas with a higher min. alcohol level and longer ageing requirements.
60
How is it that there is great variety in wine style and quality within **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* diverse topographies * diverse climates * large number of producers * high production volume
61
How is it that there is great variety in wine style and quality within **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* diverse topographies * diverse climates * large number of producers * high production volume
62
What are the characteristics of wines from **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
The best examples are full-flavoured, powerful, full-bodied, tannic and structured with ageing potential.
63
What is **Cerasuolo**?
This is the local and traditional name for *rose* wine in **Abruzzo**. The name is derived from the typical cherry (cerasa) colour of the *rosato* itself.
64
What is the **Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC**?
This is a regional appellation for **Montepulciano** *rosato* in the region of **Abruzzo**. Prior to 2010, this wine was a sub-category within the **Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC**.
65
Where is **Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC** located?
The winegrowing area covers all of **Abruzzo**'s designated winegrowing area.
66
What grapes are used in the production of **Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* min. 85% **Montepulciano**
67
What styles of wine are produced in **Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* *rosato* * *superiore*
68
What are the characteristics of wines from **Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC**?
This well-respected wine is known for being a savory, complex, more structured style of rosato. It boasts a deep cherry-pink colour, tannic grip and bracing acidity. The best versions are surprisingly age-worthy.
69
Which is the historic and most important white wine of **Abruzzo**?
**Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC**
70
Where is **Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC** located?
This appellation covers all of **Abruzzo**'s designated winegrowing area.
71
What grapes are used in the production of wines from **Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* min. 85% **Trebbiano Abruzzese** and/or **Trebbiano Toscano** and/or **Bombino Bianco**
72
What are the requirements of wines from **Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
* min. 11.5% abv *Superiore*: * min. 12% abv * lower max. yields *Riserva*: * min. 12.5% abv * min. 18 months aging * lower max. yields
73
What are the characteristics of wines from **Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC**?
Due to the 3 different grapes allowed in the blend plus the wide and diverse winegrowing area, the wines vary greatly in character, style and quality. They can be simple and refreshing or among Italy's greatest white bottlings as made evident by the producer *Valentini*.
74
Where is **Abruzzo DOC** located?
This regional appellation roughly covers the entire winegrowing area of **Abruzzo**.
75
Why was the **Abruzzo DOC** created?
This DOC was created in 2010 to allow for the production of varietal wines with DOC status made from minor but characterful grapes such as: * Pecorino * Passerina * Cococciola * Montonico Bianco
76
Some of the most distinctive **Pecorino** are produced under which appellation in **Abruzzo**?
**Abruzzo DOC**
77
What styles of wine are produced under **Abruzzo DOC**?
* *spumante* * *bianco* * *rosso* * *superiore* * *passito* * varietal
78
Where is **Terre Tollesi** (**Tollum**) **DOCG** located?
This small **DOCG** is located near the coast, situated to the west of Ortona. | *Erratus: elevated to DOCG in 2019
79
What grapes are used to produce wines in **Terre Tollesi DOCG**?
This DOCG focuses primarily on: * **Montepulciano** (labeled *Tullum Rosso*) Varietals: * **Pecorino** * **Passerina** * **Trebbiano** varieties Among several other grapes.
80
What are the requirements of **Tullum Rosso DOCG** *riserva* wines?
Min. 2 years aging. * Errata: Tullum elevated to DOCG in 2019.
81
What styles of wine are produced in **Terre Tollesi DOCG**?
* *spumante* * *bianco* * *rosso* * *rosso riserva* * *novello* * *passito* * varietal
82
Where is Ortona DOC located?
This recent (2011), small, coastal appellation is near the town of Ortona.
83
What grapes are used to produce wines in Ortona DOC?
Wines based on: * **Montepulciano** * **Trebbiano**
84
What styles of wine are produced in Ortona DOC?
* bianco * rosso
85
Where is Villamagna DOC located?
This recent (2011), small, red wine appellation surrounds the town of Villamagna and is situated southeast of Chieti and west of Ortona.
86
What grapes are used to produce wines from Villamagna DOC?
Wines are based on **Montepulciano**.
87
What styles of wine are produced in Villamagna DOC?
* *rosso* * *rosso riserva*
88
What is the primary **IGT** in **Abruzzo**?
Terre d'Abruzzo IGT | *Errata: This overarching IGT (2022) has replaced the 8 separate IGTs.

Italian Wine Scholar: Central & Southern Italy (29 decks)

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