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 inlandBecoming humid near the coastAltitude provides relief from some of the heat for those vineyards based in the ApenninesSea 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 bodyMedium acidityAromas of stone fruit, melons and mangosUsually early drinkingBetter example matured in oak and can be aged in bottle, developing notes of wax and honey
Describe wines from Greco
Leaner in body than FianoMore acidity than FianoGreen 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 colourHigh acidityHigh tanninsFlavours of black fruitMatured in oak and can age in bottle to develop earthy, forest floor notes
Where is Aglianico best in Campania?
Taurasi DOCG
Where is Basilicata?
Just below Campania
Describe Basilicata
An extremely mountainous region where vineyards can reach 900 metres, especially on the high plain that surrounds the extinct volcano of Monte Vulture
What is the principal grape of Basilicata?
Aglianico
What is considered to be the best wine of the Basilicata region?
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG
Describe Puglia
A vast agricultural area where large volumes of grapes are grown
What kind of climate does Puglia have?
Hot
What kind of grapes dominate Puglia? Why?
Black grapes| Because of Puglia’s hot climate
What are the most notable grapes of Puglia?
Negroamaro| Primitivo
Describe Puglia’s grapes when grown at high altitudes. How are they sold?
They produce simple, fruity wines for early drinking| Puglia IGT
Under what circumstances can Negroamaro produce high quality wines in Puglia?
When yields are controlled
Describe higher quality wines from Negroamaro
Full-bodiedMedium tanninsMedium acidityHigh alcoholBaked red and black fruit flavours
Where do many of the best examples of Negroamaro in Puglia come from?
Salice Salentino DOC
Describe the best examples of Primitivo
Full-bodiedMedium tanninsMedium acidityHigh alcoholPronounced flavours of very ripe berry fruit
In what respect is Sicily like Puglia?
It grows vast quantities of grapes
Into which appellation do most of Sicily’s grapes get made?
IGT Terre di Sicilia/Terre Siciliane
Into which appellation do most of Sicily’s grapes get made if yields are lowered slightly?
Sicilia DOC
What is the dominant black grape in Sicily’s most produced wines?
Nero d’Avola
Describe wines of Nero d’Avola
Medium to full-bodied winesMedium tanninsMedium acidityAromas of plums and black cherriesUsually made into a fruity, early-drinking styleFrom best producers they are more concentrated and complex
Describe how local white varieties are usually sold in Sicilia
As varietal or blended wines
What style are local white varieties usually made into in Sicilia?
Unoaked| Displaying citrus and stone fruit flavours
What other varieties are planted in Sicilia? Which is particularly successful?
Chardonnay and Syrah| Syrah
From which appellation do some of the best wines of Sicily come?
Etna DOC
How are Etna DOC wine grapes grown?
From old, low-yielding vines at high altitude
What are the reds of Etna DOC made from?
Nerello Mascalese| Nerello Cappuccio
How are the black varieties of Etna DOC vinified? What do these wines taste like?
They are blended togetherFragrant winesHigh acidityHigh tanninAromas of sour red cherries, cranberries and raspberries, sometimes with dried herbs
Describe Etna DOC wines with bottle age
High tannins soften| Mushroom-like aromas can develop
Describe the high quality white wines of Etna DOC
Medium bodyHigh acidityCitrus fruit, often with a stony/steely characterDevelop aromas of honey and wax with bottle age
