Alto Adige Flashcards
What are the percentages for red and white wine production in Alto Adige?
60% white
40% red
What is the climate in Alto Adige?
Mild alpine continental, protected from cold winds by the northerly mountains
What influences in the Alto Adige create very good conditions for ripening fruit and retaining acidity?
Warm air currents from the valley
300 sunshine days per year
Large diurnal range partly due to 300-700m of altitude
What are some of the many types of soil in Alto Adige and what is the advantage of having many types?
Volcanic
Quartz and mica rock
Dolomitic limestone
Give producers a wide choice of soil types which are suitable for different varieties
Which training systems are generally used?
Traditional Pergola or Guyot
How are growing zones (not AOC sub zones) delimited in Alto Adige?
According to topography, climate and soil (terroir)
What and where are the two largest growing zones?
Bassa Atesina - south of the province, warmer climate
Oltradige - Lake Caldaro area
What is the most planted red grape?
Schiava
What are the main characteristics of Schiava?
Vigorous and high yielding so normally grown on a pergola
Pale ruby wine with violet and strawberry aromas and low tannin
What is the main aim in white winemaking and how is this achieved?
Main aim is preserving fruit flavour and aromas
Low to moderate ferment (12-15 degrees)
Stainless steel vessels
Cultured yeasts
Better wines may spend up to a year on Lees for more body and texture
What percentage of alto Adige wines are DOC?
98%
What are the main styles that an Alto Adige DOC can be?
Bianco - minimum 75% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco or Pinot Grigio
Single variety - min. 85% of the named variety
Dual variety - both must represent at least 15% of the blend
