C29 - Southern Italy Flashcards
What constitutes Southern Italy?
South of Lazio to the southern tip of the country, including the peninsula of Puglia and the island of Sicily
Describe the climate of Southern Italy
Hot and dry inland
Becoming humid near the coast
Altitude provides relief from some of the heat for those vineyards based in the Apennines
Sea breezes cool the vineyards on the flatter terrain of the Puglian peninsula
What is the principal economic activity in Southern Italy?
Agriculture
To which areas of Southern Italy is grape-growing particularly important?
Puglia and Sicilia, where significant volumes of wine are made
What were the traditional training methods in the south of Italy?
Vines were bush-trained low to the ground, with leaf cover protecting the grapes from sunburn
What kind of training is now most common in Southern Italy?
Cordon training and trellising
What are the benefits of cordon training and trellising in Puglia in particular?
These newer techniques allow for mechanisation on Puglia’s flat plain
…is home to more DOCGs than any other region in the south of Italy
Campania
What is the landscape like in Campania?
A varied landscape with mountains, valleys and coastal plains
What does Campania’s varied landscape mean viticulturally?
That a wide range of black and white varieties can be grown here
Which varieties arguably produce the best whites in Campania?
Fiano and Greco
Where do the best examples of Fiano and Greco respectively come from?
The Campanian appellations of Fiano d’Avellino DOCG and Greco di Tufo DOCG
Describe wines made from Fiano
Medium to full body Medium acidity Aromas of stone fruit, melons and mangos Usually early drinking Better example matured in oak and can be aged in bottle, developing notes of wax and honey
Describe wines from Greco
Leaner in body than Fiano
More acidity than Fiano
Green apple, stone fruit and passionfruit flavours
Describe winemaking for wines from Greco grapes
Most producers ferment their wines in stainless steel
Some use old oak and techniques such as lees-stirring to enhance texture
How do Greco-based wines age?
The best examples age in bottle to develop aromas of honey and mushrooms
What is the most prestigious black grape of Campania?
Aglianico
Describe Aglianico wines from Campania
Deep colour High acidity High tannins Flavours of black fruit Matured in oak and can age in bottle to develop earthy, forest floor notes