Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Micky WSET Lv3 > C27 - Northern Italy - completed > Flashcards

C27 - Northern Italy - completed Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
WSET ® Level 1 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 1 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Spirits flashcards WSET® Level 4 Wine flashcards
1
Q

Describe the key geographical features of Northern Italy

A

The vineyard regions are in the foothills of the Alps and on the extensive plain of the River Po

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the overall climate of Northern Italy?

A
  • Moderate, with dry, short summers
  • Alps form a rain barrier
  • Moderating influences by bodies of water such as local rivers (like the Po) and glacial lakes (such as Garda)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the effect of proximity to the sea in Italy

A

These areas can have higher rainfall and be more at risk of fungal disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe how Northern Italian vineyards were traditionally planted

A
  • High yielding vines at low densities

- With Pergola trellising systems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe a Pergola trellis

A

The vine canopy is trained high with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the principal reasons for Pergola training?

A
  • To protect the grapes from sunburn

- To allow for better circulation, minimising the risk of rot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

For what kinds of wines are Pergolas still used in Northern Italy?

A
  • High acidity and low sugar levels (e.g. for sparkling wine grapes)
  • For dried grapes which need to be free from damage and disease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which training system is now more common in Northern Italy?

A

High density plantings using VSP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Where is Alto Adige?

A
  • Centred around the town of Bolzano in the foothills of the Alps
  • Italy’s most northerly wine region
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe vineyard plantings in Alto Adige

A

Planted on terraces on the south-east and south-west facing valley sides of the River Adige

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the climate in Alto Adige

A
  • Moderate climate
  • Short, dry summers
  • Low rainfall during the growing season
  • Most vineyards experience high diurnal range due to altitude
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What does the high average vineyard altitude make the vineyards of Alto Adige ideal for?

A

Production of aromatic whites and elegant, light-bodied reds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the most notable white wine of Alto Adige?

A

Pinot Grigio

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe Pinot Grigio wines from Alto Adige

A
  • Dry
  • Light to medium body
  • High acid
  • Citrus and green fruit flavours
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the next most important white grapes of Alto Adige after Pinot Grigio?

A

Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which red grape dominates production in Alto Adige?

A

Schiava

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Describe wines of Alto Adige made from Schiava

A
  • Light and fruity
  • Low to medium tannins
  • Flavours of raspberries and plums
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How are almost all wines labelled in Alto Adige?

A

Alto Adige DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Where in Italy is Trentino?

A

Directly to the south of Alto Adige

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Describe the geography of Trentino, particularly in relation to Alto Adige

A

The valley is wider here than further north

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Where within the valley, are Trentino’s vineyards planted?

A

On the valley floor as well as on the slopes on both sides of the valley

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the climate of Trentino?

A
  • Moderate climate
  • Dry summer and low rainfall (similar to Alto Adige)
  • Slightly warmer than Alto Adige
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why is Trentino slightly warmer than Alto Adige?

A
  • More southerly latitude
  • Vineyards at lower altitude
  • Mountains to the west of the valley which protect from the cooling influence of Lake Garda
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are Trentino’s two main varieties?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Describe the wines made from the valley floor of Trentino

A
  • Medium body
  • Medium acidity
  • Ripe stone fruit flavours
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are wines like which were made from grapes grown at higher altitudes in Trentino?

A

More similar to whites made in Alto Adige

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are the two most planted black grapes of Trentino?

A

Merlot and Teroldego

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Where within Trentino are Merlot and Teroldego usually planted?

A

Mid-slopes and valley floor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Describe wines made from Teroldego in Trentino

A
  • Medium to full body
  • Deep colour
  • Medium to high tannin
  • High acidity
  • Aromas of black fruit
  • Usually matured in oak
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

How are most wines labelled in Trentino?

A

Trentino DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Where in Italy is Friuli-Venezia Giulia?

A

In the north’s eastern corner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Describe the most northerly vineyards in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

A

They are located in the foothills of the Alps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the climate of Friuli-Venezia Giulia?

A
  • Moderate continental
  • Cooled by cold air from the mountains
  • On the flat plain near the Adriatic, the climate is warm maritime
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Are many grape varieties are planted in Friuli?

A

Yes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What overall style is produced in Friuli?

A

Rich, ripe white and red wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are the most prevalent varieties in Friuli?

A

Pinot Grigio and Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Describe Pinot Grigio in Friuli

A
  • Some of the richest in Italy
  • Medium to full-bodied
  • Juicy peach and tropical fruit flavours
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the most planted black variety in Friuli?

A

Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Describe wines made from Merlot in Friuli

A
  • Medium body
  • Medium acidity
  • Medium tannins
  • Ripe red fruit flavours
  • Hint of spice from oak
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Give a third widely grown grape from Friuli. How do the wines taste?

A
  • Friulano
  • White grape
  • Medium body
  • Medium to high acidity
  • Aromas of pear, red apples and herbs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Describe wines from the plain of Friuli. How are they labelled?

A
  • Labelled Friuli Grave DOC

- White and made in a simple fruity style

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are the two major sub-regions of Friuli located in the hills? What style do they create?

A
  • Collio DOC
  • Colli Orientali DOC
  • Premium, more concentrated white wines
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Of Collio and Colli Orientali, which is also noted for its red wines?

A

Colli Orientali DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Which Northern Italian wine region is also one of its largest?

A

Veneto

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Describe the location of Veneto

A
  • Extends 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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is the climate like in Veneto?

A
  • Warm
  • Moderate rainfall
  • Cooling influence from altitude (so high diurnal range)
  • Breeze from Lake Garda cooling the west of the region
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What other weather phenomena are prevalent in Veneto?

A

The flat plain is affected by moist air and fog from the Po

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What is the viticultural result of the extra humidity brought by the moist air and fog in Veneto?

A

More spraying is needed to combat disease and rot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What kind of wines are made from grapes on the flat fertile plain in Veneto?

A

Inexpensive, high-volume wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Which grapes are most commonly grown on the flat plains of Veneto?

A
  • International: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Merlot

- Local: Corvina, Garganega and Trebbiano

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Why are the wines of Veneto’s plains usually simple and fruity?

A

As a result of the high yields

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

How are the simple wines of Veneto’s plains labelled?

A

Veneto IGT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Which DOC is spread across Veneto and Friuli?

A

Prosecco DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Where is Soave?

A

East of Verona

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Into how many distinct parts is Soave split?

A

Two

56
Q

Describe the two distinct parts of Soave

A
  • Foothills to the north

- A flat plain in the south, near the River Po

57
Q

Describe the soils of Northern Soave

A

Limestone and clay with some volcanic rocks

58
Q

Describe the characteristics of grapes from the foothills of Soave

A

Full flavour ripeness, but high acidity

59
Q

How do northern Soave’s grapes achieve full ripeness, but manage to retain their acidity?

A

The soils are naturally cool - this combined with the influence of altitude slows down ripening, resulting in retention of acidity, as well as good ripeness

60
Q

Can Soave wines age well?

A

Yes; the better example from the foothills in the north

61
Q

Describe the soils in the plains of Soave

A

Sandy and alluvial soils that aid ripening

62
Q

Describe wines from the plains of Soave

A
  • Fruitier, with medium acidity

- Early drinking

63
Q

What are the varieties of Soave?

A
  • Garganega

- Small amounts of other white varieties can make up the blend

64
Q

Describe the general profile of wines from Soave

A
  • Medium body
  • Medium to high acidity
  • Aromas of pears, red apple and stone fruit
  • Sometimes aromas of white pepper
  • No typical aromas/flavours of new oak
    In age worthy examples; aromas of almonds and honey
65
Q

How are wines of Soave labelled?

A
  • Soave DOC

- Soave Classico DOC (from the foothills)

66
Q

Where is Valpolicella?

A

North-west of Verona

67
Q

Describe the topography of Valpolicella

A

Similar to that of Soave

68
Q

What are the soils like in Valpolicella? What effect does that have on ripening/grapes?

A
  • The foothills of the north have limestone, clay and volcanic soils - this slows down ripening, so the grapes have more acidity
  • The soils in the flatter south are gravel and sand - warmer, so the grapes are fruitier with less acidity
69
Q

What is the main grape in Valpolicella?

A

Corvina

70
Q

To which region in Corvina native?

A

Veneto

71
Q

Describe a typical profile of the Corvina grape

A
  • Thin skin
  • Moderate colour
  • Low to medium tannins
  • High acidity
72
Q

How do winemakers increase the colour and tannins in Corvina-based wines?

A

Local grapes can be added to the blends

73
Q

How may wines be labelled when grapes are used from the entire region of Valpolicella?

A

Valpolicella DOC

74
Q

Where must Valpolicella be from when labelled with ‘Classico’?

A

The foothills of the region

75
Q

Describe wines labelled Valpolicella (Classico) DOC

A
  • Simple and fruity
  • Light tannins
  • Red cherry flavours
  • Rarely oaked
  • Made to drink immediately
76
Q

What is the purpose of the passito method?

A

To increase structure, flavour concentration, and in the case of red wines, colour

77
Q

Briefly describe the passito method

A
  • Grapes picked early, while still high in acidity
  • Dried indoors, concentrating sugars and flavours
  • Not fermented until winter
78
Q

What are the two types of Passito wine in Valpolicella?

A
  • Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG

79
Q

Describe wines labelled Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

A
  • Dry or off-dry
  • Full-bodied
  • High alcohol
  • Medium to high tannins
  • Intensely concentrated red berry and spice flavours
  • Usually aged in large oak casks
80
Q

What is the main difference in the way Recioto della Valpolicella wines are made (as opposed to Amarone)

A

Made from grapes that are so sweet, the fermentation stops naturally

81
Q

Describe Recioto della Valpolicella wines

A
  • Sweet
  • Full body
  • High alcohol
  • Medium to high tannins
  • Intense red fruit flavours
82
Q

Which other region of Northern Italy also makes the sweet Recioto wine style? What is it called?

A
  • Soave

- Recioto di Soave DOCG

83
Q

What is the ripasso method?

A
  • Grape skins from a fermenting Amarone are drained off the skins shortly before fermentation finishes
  • Skins remain unpressed and are added to a vat of Valpolicella that has finished fermentation
  • Newly introduced yeasts ferment the remaining sugar on the Amarone grape skins
  • New grape skins give more colour, flavour and tannins to the wine they have been added to
84
Q

How may the Valpolicella wines be labelled which have undergone the ripasso method?

A

Valpolicella Ripasso DOC

85
Q

Describe the flavour profile of Valpolicella Ripasso DOC

A
  • Medium to full-bodied
  • Medium to high tannins
  • Flavours of stewed red cherries and plums
86
Q

Where is Piemonte in Italy?

A

In the northwest corner

87
Q

What is the climate like in Piemonte?

A
  • Moderate continental
  • Long, cold winters
  • Summers subject to thunderstorms, hail and fog
  • Mountains to the north protect the region from rain and winds
  • Moderating influences from Po River and Lake Maggiore
88
Q

What is Piemonte’s most notable geographical feature?

A

Its foothills, ranging from 150 to 600 metres

89
Q

What do the foothills of Piemonte provide viticulturally?

A

Different aspects and altitudes

90
Q

What are Piemonte’s most notable grapes? (black and white)

A
  • Black: Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto

- White: Cortese and Moscato

91
Q

Where in Piemonte are its most famous wine making areas?

A

South of Turin, around the towns of Asti and Alba

92
Q

What are the most prestigious wine regions of Piemonte?

A

Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG

93
Q

What are Piemonte’s IGT/IGP wines?

A

There are none - all are DOC or DOCG

94
Q

Describe Barolo as an area

A
  • It’s a horseshoe shaped valley, spanning several villages

- Made up of steep, south-facing slopes (300m - 500m)

95
Q

What grapes make up Barolo DOCG?

A

Only Nebbiolo

96
Q

What are the key features of the Nebbiolo grape?

A
  • Black grape
  • High acidity
  • High tannins
  • Little colour
97
Q

Describe Nebbiolo’s key viticultural characteristic in Barolo

A

The grapes ripen slowly at the altitudes in Barolo

98
Q

What are the flavours/characteristics of Barolo DOCG?

A
  • Full body
  • High acidity
  • High tannins
  • Sour cherries, herbs and sometimes dried flowers
  • Ability to develop in bottle
99
Q

How are Barolo wines blended?

A

Often made from grapes sourced from different villages

100
Q

When may a village name appear on a Barolo label? Give an example

A
  • When grapes are sourced from only that village

- Barolo Serralunga d’Alba DOCG

101
Q

Where do the best Barolo come from? Give an example

A
  • Named villages or crus

- Barolo Cannubi DOCG

102
Q

Which other grapes are grown within Barolo? How are they labelled?

A
  • Dolcetto and Barbera

- Alba DOC

103
Q

How long must Barolo DOCG be aged before release?

A

Three years, of which 18 months must be in oak

104
Q

Describe the development of the role of oak in Barolo

A
  • It was traditionally aged in large oak barrels to soften harsh tannins
  • Today, improvements in vineyard management and gentler methods of extraction mean that many producers choose to age their wines for less time
105
Q

How may Barolo be aged?

A

In small barrels (sometimes new oak) or in larger casks, depending on intended style

106
Q

What’s the role of bottle ageing in Barolo wines?

A

All Barolo wines benefit from further bottle ageing

107
Q

What does bottle ageing achieve with Barolo wines?

A
  • Continues to soften tannins

- Adds further complexity, giving aromas of truffles, tar and leather

108
Q

For which grape is Barbaresco renowned?

A

Nebbiolo

109
Q

Describe the geography of Barbaresco

A
  • It has south-facing slopes at lower altitudes than those of Barolo (200 to 400 metres)
  • A river flows nearby
110
Q

What is the result of the lower altitudes and nearby river in Barbaresco?

A
  • Nebbiolo ripens earlier than Barolo

- Wines are fruitier and less perfumed

111
Q

What are the characteristics of Barbaresco DOCG?

A
  • Similar tannin and acidity to Barolo
  • Fruitier and less aromatic than Barolo
  • Ageworthy
112
Q

What is the requirements of ageing in Barbaresco DOCG?

A

Must be aged for two years before release, with nine months in oak

113
Q

Why are there fewer mentions of villages on the labels of Barbaresco?

A

Because it’s a smaller area than Barolo

114
Q

How can one identify a higher quality of Barbaresco DOCG?

A

It will be from a single named vineyard or cru

115
Q

How are the majority of appellations named in the wider region of Asti and Alba?

A

After a grape variety, followed by their nearest town

116
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Asti and Alba?

A

Barbera

117
Q

What are the two main wines (appellations) produced by Barbera?

A
  • Barbera d’Alba DOC

- Barbera d’Asti DOCG

118
Q

Of Asti/Alba’s popular Barbera wines, which is considered to be the higher quality?

A

Barbera d’Asti DOCG

119
Q

Describe Barbera wines of Asti/Alba

A
  • Late ripening
  • Medium to deep colour
  • Low to medium tannins
  • High acidity
  • Aromas of red cherries, plums and sometimes black pepper
120
Q

What two styles is Barbera usually made into?

A
  • Youthful and fruity, with no oak influence

- Barrel-aged with spicy flavours

121
Q

What is arguably the second most widely planted variety of the Asti/Alba area of Piemonte?

A

Dolcetto

122
Q

What is a key viticultural characteristic of Dolcetto in Piemonte? What does it mean?

A
  • It’s earlier ripening than Nebbiolo and Barbera

- It can be planted in cooler sites

123
Q

Which Dolcetto wine tends to produce many of the finest wines?

A

Dolcetto d’Alba DOC

124
Q

Describe wines of Dolcetto d’Alba DOC

A
  • Deep, often purple colour
  • Medium to high tannins
  • Medium acidity
  • Aromas of black plums, red cherries and dried herbs
125
Q

How are Barbera and Dolcetto suited to ageing?

A

They can both be drunk young, but the best examples can age for several years

126
Q

Besides Barbera and Dolcetto, which red grape is also planted in the Asti and Alba areas of Piemonte?

A

Nebbiolo

127
Q

Besides Dolcetto and Barbera, what else is Asti known for?

A

Sparkling wines made from Moscato

128
Q

Where is the region of Gavi?

A

In south-eastern Piemonte

129
Q

Describe the terrain where Gavi’s wine grapes are grown and what effect this has on the resultant wines

A
  • In hills

- The altitude combined with sea breezes, results in long, slow ripening of the grapes

130
Q

What is the grape used for Gavi wines?

A

Cortese

131
Q

How may Gavi wines be labelled?

A
  • Gavi DOCG
  • Cortese di Gavi DOCG
  • Gavi di Gavi DOCG (if grapes are from the town of Gavi itself)
132
Q

Describe the wines of Gavi

A
  • Pale
  • Light-bodied
  • High acidity
  • Aromas/flavours of citrus, green apples and pears
133
Q

How are Gavi wines usually vinified?

A

Protectively, with cool fermentation in stainless steel

134
Q

How do some producers add complexity to their Gavi wines?

A
  • Fermentation in old oak

- Lees stirring

135
Q

Describe age worthiness for Gavi wines

A
  • Usually ready to drink on release

- Wines from best producers can age well in bottle

Micky WSET Lv3 (46 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions