C27 - Northern Italy (reviewed) Flashcards
Describe the key geographical features of Northern Italy
The vineyard regions are in the foothills of the Alps and on the extensive plain of the River Po
What is the overall climate of Northern Italy?
- Moderate Mediteranean, with dry, short summers
- Alps form a rain barrier
- Moderating influences provided by bodies of water such as local rivers (like the Po) and glacial lakes (such as Lake Garda)
What is the effect of proximity to the sea in Italy
These areas can have higher rainfall and be more at risk of fungal disease
Describe how Northern Italian vineyards were traditionally planted
- High yielding vines at low densities
- Pergola trellising systems
Describe a Pergola trellis in Northen Italy
- The vine canopy is trained high with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves
- This protects the grapes from sunburn and allows for better circulation, minimising the risk of rot
- Still used when high acidity and low sugar levels are required (e.g. for sparkling wine grapes) as well as for dried grapes which need to be free from damage and disease
Which training system in Northern Italy is becoming more common?
High density plantings using VSP
What are the main regions and sub-regions of Northen Italy and name the main grap varieties grown in each sub-region
- Trentino-Alto Adige
- Alto Adige (Pinot Grigio)
- Trentino (Chadonnay, Pinot Grigio)
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Pinot Grigio, Merlot)
- Veneto
- Soave (Garganega)
- Valpolicella (Corvina)
- Piemonte
- Barolo, Barbaresco (Nebbiolo)
- Asti, Alba (Barbera, Dolcetto)
- Gavi (Cortese)
Where is Alto Adige?
- Centred around the town of Bolzano, on the foothills of the Alps
- Italy’s most northerly wine region
Describe vineyard plantings in Alto Adige
Planted on terraces on the south-east and south-west facing valley sides of the River Adige
Describe the climate in Alto Adige
- Moderate climate
- Short, dry summers
- Low rainfall during the growing season
- Most vineyards experience high diurnal range due to altitude
What does the high average vineyard altitude make the vineyards of Alto Adige ideal for?
Production of aromatic whites and elegant, light-bodied reds
What are the main grape varieties of Alto Adige?
White
- Pinot Grigio
- Pinot Blanc
- GEWURTZRAMINER
- CHARDONNAY
Red
- Schiava
What is the most notable white wine of Alto Adige? Describe it.
- Pinot Grigio
- Dry
- Light to medium body
- High acidity
- Citrus and green fruit flavours
Describe wines of Alto Adige made from Schiava
- Light and fruity
- Low to medium tannins
- Flavours of raspberries and plums
How are almost all wines labelled in Alto Adige?
Alto Adige DOC
Where in Italy is Trentino?
Directly to the south of Alto Adige, South of Bolzano on the valley
Where within the valley, are Trentino’s vineyards planted?
On the valley floor as well as on the slopes on both sides of the valley
What is the climate of Trentino?
- Moderate climate Dry summer and low rainfall (similar to Alto Adige)
- Slightly warmer than Alto Adige
- Because more southerly latitude Vineyards at lower altitude and mountains to the west of the valley which protect from the cooling influence of Lake Garda
What are Trentino’s main varieties?
White:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
Red
- Merlot
- Teroldego
Describe the white wines made from Trentino - from valley floor vs higher altitude
Valley floor:
- Medium body
- Medium acidity
- Ripe stone fruit flavours
Higher altitude - similar to Alto Adige
- Light to medium body
- High acidity
- Citrus and green fruit flavours
Where within Trentino are Merlot and Teroldego usually planted?
Mid-slopes and valley floor
Describe wines made from Teroldego in Trentino
- Deep colour
- High acidity
- Medium to high tannin
- Medium to full body
- Aromas of black fruit
- Usually matured in oak and best examples have ability to age
How are most wines labelled in Trentino?
Trentino DOC
Where in Italy is Friuli-Venezia Giulia?
In the north’s eastern corner, foothills of the Alps
What is the climate of Friuli-Venezia Giulia?
- Moderate continental
- Cooled by cold air from the mountains
- On the flat plain near the Adriatic, the climate is warm maritime
Which grape varieties are planted in Friuli?
Many, the most prevalent being Pinot Grigio and Merlot
What overall style is produced in Friuli?
Rich, ripe white and red wines
Describe Pinot Grigio in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Some of the richest in Italy
- Medium to full-bodied
- Juicy peach and tropical fruit flavours
Describe wines made from Merlot in Friuli
- Medium acidity
- Medium tannins
- Medium body
- Ripe red fruit flavours
- Hint of spice from oak
Give a third widely grown grape from Friuli
How do the wines taste?
- Friulano, native grape variety
- White grape
- Medium body
- Wines with medium to high acidity
- Aromas of pear, red apples and herbs
Describe wines from the plain of Friuli How are they labelled?
- Labelled Friuli Grave DOC
- White and made in a simple fruity style
What are the two major sub-regions of Friuli located in the hills?
What style do they create?
- Collio DOC
- Colli Orientali DOC -
- Premium, more concentrated white wines
- Colli Orientali DOC - also noted for its red wines
Which Northern Italian wine region is also one of its largest?
Veneto
Describe the location of Veneto
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
What is the climate like in Veneto?
- Warm
- Moderate rainfall
- Cooling influence from altitude (so high diurnal range) and to the west of the region, from Lake Garda
What other weather phenomena are prevalent in Veneto?
- The flat plain is affected by moist air and fog from the Po
- This extra humidity brought by the moist air and fog in Veneto results in more spraying is needed to combat disease and rot
What kind of wines are made from grapes on the flat fertile plain in Veneto?
Inexpensive, high-volume wines
Which grapes are most commonly grown on the flat plains of Veneto?
International:
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
Local
- Corvina
- Garganega
- Trebbiano
How are the simple wines of Veneto’s plains labelled?
Veneto IGT
Where is Prosocco mostly produced?
Spread across Veneto and Friuli DOC but mostly in Veneto
Describe Soave areas, locations and soils
East of Verona, 2 distinct parts:
Foothills to the north
- Limestone and clay with some volcanic rocks
- Full flavour ripeness, but high acidity
- Naturally cool soils combined with altitude slows down ripening, resulting in retention of acidity and good ripeness
- The better examples can age well
Flat plain in South near River Po
- Sandy and alluvial soils that aid ripening
- Fruitier, with medium acidity and early drinking
What are the varieties of Soave?
- Garganega
- Small amounts of other white varieties can make up the blend
Describe the general profile of wines from Soave
- Medium to high acidity
- Medium body
- 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
How are wines of Soave labelled?
Soave DOC Soave Classico DOC (from the foothills)
Where is Valpolicella?
North-west of Verona
Describe the topography of Valpolicella
- Similar to that of Soave
- 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
What is the main grape in Valpolicella?
Corvina
To which region in Corvina native?
Veneto
Describe a typical profile of the Corvina grape
- Thin skin
- Moderate colour
- High acidity
- Low to medium tannins
- Local grapes can be added to the blends to increase the colour and tannins in Crovina-based wines
Describe the different types of wines from Valpolicella
- Valpolicella DOC - 100% from entire region
- Valpolicella Classico DOC - from the foothills historical sites
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG - passito method - dry or off-dry
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG - passito method - sweet
- Valpolicella Ripasso DOC - ripasso method
Describe wines labelled Valpolicella DOC or Valpolicella Classico DOC.
- Simple and fruity
- Light tannins
- Red cherry flavours
- Rarely oaked
- Made to drink immediately
Briefly describe the passito method
- Used to increase structure, flavour concentration and colour (for red wines)
- Grapes picked early, while still high in acidity
- Dried indoors, concentrating sugars and flavours
- Not fermented until winter
Describe wines labelled Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
- Dry or off-dry
- Full-bodied
- Medium to high tannins
- High alcohol
- Intensely concentrated red berry and spice flavours
- Usually aged in large oak casks
Describe Recioto della Valpolicella wines
- Sweet
- Medium to high tannins
- High alcohol
- Full body
- Intense red fruit flavours
What is the main difference between how Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella wines are made?
Recioto della Valpolicella is made from grapes that are so sweet, the fermentation stops naturally
Which other region of Northern Italy also makes the sweet Recioto wine style? What is it called?
- Soave
- Recioto di Soave DOCG
What is the ripasso method?
- 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
How may the Valpolicella wines be labelled which have undergone the ripasso method?
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Describe the flavour profile of Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
- Medium to high tannins
- Medium to full-bodied
- Flavours of stewed red cherries and plums
Where is Piemonte in Italy?
In the northwest corner
What is the climate like in Piemonte and geographical feature?
- 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
- Foothills, ranging from 150 to 600 metres providing different aspects and altitudes for viticulture
What are Piemonte’s most notable grapes? (black and white)
Black:
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
White:
- Cortese
- Moscato
Where in Piemonte are its most famous wine making areas?
South of Turin, around the towns of Asti and Alba
What are the most prestigious wine regions of Piemonte?
Barolo DOCG
Barbaresco DOCG
What are Piemonte’s IGT/IGP wines?
There are none - all are DOC or DOCG
Describe Barolo as an area
- It’s a horseshoe shaped valley, spanning several villages
- Made up of steep, south-facing slopes (300m - 500m)
What grapes make up Barolo DOCG?
Only Nebbiolo
What are the key features of the Nebbiolo grape?
- Black grape
- Little colour
- High acidity
- High tannins
Describe Nebbiolo’s key viticultural characteristic in Barolo
The grapes ripen slowly at the altitudes in Barolo
What are the flavours/characteristics of Barolo DOCG?
- High acidity
- High tannins
- Full body
- Sour cherries, herbs and sometimes dried flowers
- Best years, wine have ability to develop in bottle
How are Barolo wines blended?
Often made from grapes sourced from different villages
When may a village name appear on a Barolo label? Give an example
When grapes are sourced from only that village
Where do the best Barolo come from? Give an example
- Named villages or crus
- Barolo Cannubi DOCG
Which other grapes are grown within Barolo? How are they labelled?
- Dolcetto and Barbera
- They are labelled Alba DOC
How long must Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG be aged for release?
Barolo DOCG
- 3 years total before release
- of which, 18 months must be in oak
Barbaresco DOCG
- 2 years before release
- Of which 9 months in oak
Describe the development of the role of oak in Barolo
- It was traditionally aged in large oak barrels to soften harsh tannins
- Today, improvements in vineyard management and gentler methods of extraction mean that may producers choose to age their wines for less time
How may Barolo be aged?
- In small barrels (sometimes new oak) or in larger casks, depending on intended style
- All Barolo wines benefit from further bottle ageing
What does bottle ageing achieve with Barolo wines?
- Continues to soften tannins
- Adds further complexity, giving aromas of truffles, tar and leather
For which grape is Barbaresco renowned?
Nebbiolo
Describe the geography of Barbaresco
- It has south-facing slopes at lower altitudes than those of Barolo (200 to 400 metres)
- A river flows nearby
What is the result of the lower altitudes and nearby river in Barbaresco?
- Nebbiolo ripens earlier than Barolo
- Wines are fruitier and less perfumed
What are the characteristics of Barbaresco DOCG?
- Similar tannin and acidity to Barolo
- Fruitier and less aromatic than Barolo
- Ageworthy
Why are there fewer mentions of villages on the labels of Barbaresco?
Because it’s a smaller area than Barolo
How can one identify a higher quality of Barbaresco DOCG?
It will be from a single named vineyard or cru
How are the majority of appellations named in the wider region of Asti and Alba?
After a grape variety, followed by their nearest town
What is are the most widely planted varieties in Asti and Alba?
- Barbera (most planted)
- Dolcetto (Second most planted)
- Nebbiolo
What are the two main wines produced by Barbera?
- Barbera d’Alba DOC
- Barbera d’Asti DOCG (considered to be the higher quality)
Describe Barbera wines of Asti/Alba
- Late ripening
- Medium to deep colour
- High acidity
- Low to medium tannins
- Aromas of red cherries, plums and sometimes black pepper
What two styles is Barbera usually made into?
- Youthful and fruity, with no oak influence
- Barrel-aged with spicy flavours
What is a key viticultural characteristic of Dolcetto grapes?
What does is the consequence?
- It’s earlier ripening than Nebbiolo and Barbera
- It can be planted in cooler sites
Which Dolcetto wine tends to produce many of the finest wines?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Describe wines of Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
- Deep, often purple colour
- Medium acidity
- Medium to high tannins
- Aromas of black plums, red cherries and dried herbs
How are Barbera and Dolcetto suited to ageing?
They can both be drunk young, but the best examples can age for several years
Besides Dolcetto and Barbera, what else is Asti known for?
Sparkling wines made from Moscato
Where is the region of Gavi?
In south-eastern Piemonte
Describe the terrain where Gavi’s wine grapes are grown and what effect this has on the resultant wines
- In hills
- The altitude combined with sea breezes, results in long, slow ripening of the grapes
What is the grape used for Gavi wines?
Cortese
How may Gavi wines be labelled?
- Gavi DOCG
- Cortese di Gavi DOCG
- Gavi di Gavi DOCG (if grapes are from the town of Gavi itself)
Describe the wines of Gavi
- Pale
- High acidity
- Light-bodied
- Aromas/flavours of citrus, green apples and pears
How are Gavi wines usually vinified?
Protectively, with cool fermentation in stainless steel
How do some producers add complexity to their Gavi wines?
- Fermentation in old oak
- Lees stirring
