Central, Southern Italy Flashcards
Where does Toscana lie?
between the Apennine Mountains and the sea
When does legislation delimiting the Chianti zones date back to?
to 1716
What was chianti historically bottled in?
bottled in a fiasco due to the inferior quality of Italian glass, the squat, straw-covered Chianti bottles came to epitomize the rustic, cheap nature of Italian wine in the late 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Who is Marquis Mario Rocchetta?
released the first commercial vintage of Sassicaia in 1968
Who is Piero Antinori?
nephew of Marquis Mario Roccheta, whose first Tignanello bottling soon followed release of Sassicaia
What is the climate of Tuscany?
a dry, maritime-influenced climate, winters can be harsh and summers can be long and hot
What is the climate of Montalcino?
in the southern province of Siena is typically more arid
What is the climate of Montepulciano?
further inland, displays a more seasonal, continental climate
Describe a typical Sangiovese wine
light in color, naturally high in acidity, firmly tannic, and medium- to full-bodied. Sour cherry notes and herbal undertones are common
What other grapes are usually blended with Sangiovese in Tuscany?
CS/local Colorino-add color and power, Canaiolo-historically softened Sangiovese’s hard attack.
What was the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico’s “Chianti Classico 2000 Project”?
devoted to clonal research
What are anthocyanins?
Found in grape skin, adds pigment to wines
What are the Sangiovese clones in Montalcino and Montepulciano?
Brunello clone of Montalcino or the Prugnolo Gentile clone of Montepulciano
Name the DOCGs where Sangiovese is the principal grape in Tuscany
Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Montecucco Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino
What is Italy’s most planted white grape?
Trebbiano Toscana
What is Trebbiano’s common blending partner?
Malvasia
What is the grape of San Gimignano?
Vernaccia
In the coastal vineyards of Maremma what white grape shows promise?
Mediterranean Vermentino
When was Chianti elevated to DOCG?
1984
When were the limits of the modern Chianti zone established?
in 1932
What 7 subzones were created for Chianti when the region was first delimited?
- Classico
- Rùfina
- Colli Fiorentini
- Colli Senesi
- Colline Pisane
- Colli Aretini
- Montalbano
What eighth subzone was added to Chianti in a 1997 decree?
Montespertoli
What firm dominates Rùfina?
the Frescobaldi firm
Who are the only producers in the tiny Pomino DOC within Rùfina?
Frescobaldi and the highly regarded Fattoria Selvapiana
What does Pomino DOC allow?
red/white wines, permits a higher % of international grapes than Chianti DOCG, as well as a range of varietal bottlings
What is The general recipe for Chianti DOCG, updated in 1996?
calls for (min)70-100% Sangiovese
Wines from the Colli Senesi subzone must contain what?
a minimum 75% of the Sangiovese
What practice dating to the 1870s, is now optional rather than mandatory?
The addition of the white grapes Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia (Maximum 10%) in Chianti
What is the limit of Cabernet grapes in Chianti?
Cabernet grapes may not exceed a maximum of 15%
Describe the traditional practice of governo
refermentation with the juice of dried grapes, to strengthen the wine and initiate malolactic fermentation—is legally permitted
If a wine undergoes the governo process what must be indicated on the label?
This process must be indicated on labels as “Governo all’uso Toscano”, although most quality-minded producers avoid it
When may Chianti normale be released?
March 1 of the year following the harvest
What subzones require additional aging for Chianti normale to be released?
the Florentine subzones of Rùfina, Montespertoli, and Colli Fiorentini
When may Chianti be labeled as riserva?
With 2 years of aging
When may Chianti be labeled superiore?
require an additional 1/2-degree of alcohol and lowered vineyard yields.
Chianti rests in what provinces?
Firenze, Siena, Arezzo, Prato, Pisa, Pistoia
How many Communes of Production does Chianti hold?
19 communes in Arezzo, 32 communes in Firenze, 3 communes in Prato, 16 communes in Pisa, 7 communes in Pistoia, 24 communes in Siena
Which subzones require a min alcohol of 11.5% for Chianti normale?
Chianti, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, Montalbano
Which subzones require a min alcohol of 12% for Chianti normale?
Colli Fiorentini, Senesi, Montespertoli, Rufina
What are the maximum yields in Chianti?
Chianti: 9 tons/ha, 63 hl/ha
All subzones: 8 tons/ha, 56 hl/ha
Chianti Superiore: 7.5 tons/ha, 52.5 hl/ha
What was upgraded to DOCG alongside Chianti?
Chianti Classico, in 1984
What does the Chianti Classico area contain?
the original Chianti zone delimited by Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici in 1716
What are the four original villages of Chianti Classico?
- Radda
- Gaiole
- Castellina
- Greve
(later appended “in Chianti” to their names)
What two soil types are common in Chianti Classico?
the soft, friable, marl-like galestro and alberese, or sandstone
What thrives on the galestro soils?
Sangiovese thrives on the galestro soils, and comprises a minimum 80% of the Chianti Classico blend
As of the 2006 vintage what is no longer permitted in Chianti Classico?
blending of white grapes into wine
What is the min alc for Chianti Classico and aging requirements?
min alcohol level is 12%—compared to 11.5% for Chianti DOCG—wines must be aged for a year prior to release
What must Riserva wines from Chianti Classico be?
Riserva wines must be aged for a minimum 24 months, with a minimum 12.5% alcohol level
What are Gran Selezione wines in Chianti Classico?
Gran Selezione wines—a new category introduced in 2013—must be aged for at least 30 months prior to release.
What is often the wood vessel of choice for aging riserva Chianti Classico?
Barrique
Who is credited with the invention of the Brunello style?
Clemente Santi of Tenuta Greppo’s Biondi-Santi, first to isolate the Brunello clone and bottle it alone in 1865
Where is Brunello di Montalcino located?
is in the southern reaches of Tuscany, and encompasses 24,000 hectares—although only around 5,000 acres are authorized and planted for Brunello
What is Montalcino?
nearly square hill, which overlaps Chianti Senesi in the province of Siena
What is Brunello di Montalcino produced from?
100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
What are the aging requirements for Brunello?
aged in cask 2 yrs & bottle additional 4 mos
*not released until Jan1st of the 5th year following harvest
What are the aging requirements for Riserva Brunello?
aged in cask 2 yrs & bottle additional 6 mos
*not released until Jan1st of the 6th year following harvest
What is the soil in Montalcino?
Soil is varied, with galestro characterizing the higher-altitude vineyards. Clay is predominant in the warmer southern reaches of the zone, and fossilized marine deposits are scattered throughout
How does Brunello differ from Chianti?
Brunello is stronger, with more alcohol, extract and tannin, than Chianti
What are Brunello’s fraziones?
fraziones (suburbs, or sub-communes)- Sant Angelo in Colle, Castelnuovo Abate and Torrenieri
What producers lean toward small barrels and shorter macerations in Brunello?
Casanova di Neri, Mastrojanni— in the hope of rounding and fleshing out the wine
What producers remain more traditional in their approach in Brunello?
Biondi-Santi, Talenti, and Soldera
What is a A “junior” version of Brunello?
Rosso di Montalcino DOC, is produced in the same delimited region from 100% Sangiovese
what are the aging requirements for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
must be aged for 1 yr prior to release, cask aging isn’t required
What provides Montalcino producers an outlet for “Super-Tuscan” wines?
The Sant’Antimo DOC, created in 1996
What are the rules for Sant’Antimo DOC?
Any grape authorized in Tuscany may be utilized for Sant’Antimo DOC, and the wines may be either red or white
Describe Moscadello di Montalcino DOC
exists for white wines from the region, produced from the Moscadello (Moscato Bianco) grape, are often sweet, and may be still or sparkling.
Where is Vino Noble di Montepulciano produced?
To the east of Montalcino, produced in Montepulciano and several surrounding communes
What is allowed in the blend of VNdM?
min 70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile clone) and, as of 2010, a max 30% other varieties of Tuscany, including no more than 5% of white varieties
What are the aging requirements for VNdM?
aged for a min 2yrs, with at least 1yr in wood
What are the aging requirements for VNdM Riserva?
aged for at least 3 years
How does VNdM compare to Chianti and Brunello?
The wines tend to be less firm than Chianti and less aggressively tannic than Brunello, striking a softer balance
What are the Principal Soils of VNdM?
Volcanic, Sandstone
Describe Morellino di Scansano DOCG
coastal, in the southern Maremma, achieved DOCG status in 2006 for red wines based on a minimum 85% Sangiovese (locally known as Morellino)
What are the aging requirements for Morellino di Scansano DOCG?
may be released from March 1 of the year following the harvest, Riserva wines min 2yrs (1 in wood)
What happened in the 1930s that made viticulture possible in Scansano?
much of the southern Maremma was an inhospitable swamp until Mussolini drained it in the 1930s
What does the territory of Scansano benefit from?
the reputation of nearby Bolgheri in the northern Maremma and a corresponding increase in investment and interest throughout the region
Describe the red wines of Carmignano DOCG
a low-altitude territory which overlaps Chianti Montalbano, min 50% Sangiovese. Historically, winemakers in the region have added Cabernet grapes to the native grape, and 10%-20% of CabSauv and/or CabFranc is required in blend
What does the new DOCG of Rosso della Val di Cornia allow in higher proportions in the blend?
Cab Sauv and Merlot in the Sangiovese blend
What former subzone was elevated to DOCG status alongside the red wines of Val di Cornia in 2011?
Suvereto DOCG
Who two wines sparked the Super Tuscan revolution?
Marquis Mario Rocchetta’s Tenuta San Guido 1968 Sassicaia & Antinori Tignanello 1971
Describe the 1971 Tiganello Antinori released as vino da tavola
barrique-aged red whose proportion of Sangiovese was set with the 1982 vintage at 85%
Describe the 1968 Sassicaia
a barrique-aged Cabernet blend from Bolgheri in the Northern Maremma, as vino da tavola
Name some “Super-Tuscan” Bordeaux-style wines
Antinori’s Cabernet-based Solaia, the Bordeaux blend Ornellaia and the Merlot-based Masseto, and the 100% Cabernet Franc Paleo Rosso from Le Macchiole
What were the 3 first pure varietal bottlings of Sangiovese?
San Felice’s Vigorello, Montevertine’s Le Pergole Torte and Isole e Olena’s Cepparello
What was one of the original IGTs?
Bolgheri in the northern Maremma , although it quickly received a DOC in 1994 for red, white, and rosato wines
Describe the red wines of Bolgheri
blends usually dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, although they may contain a majority of either Merlot or Sangiovese. Neither grape may make up more than 70% of the blend
What are the aging requirements for Bolgheri Superiore wines?
aged for a min 2 years (1 year in barrique), min alc 12.5%
What is the grape of choice for white varietally labeled Bolgheri?
Vermentino, although varietal Sauvignons and Trebbiano blends are allowed.
What did the Bolgheri DOC surrounding Sassicaia earn?
the single-estate subappellation Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in the late 1990s, as a tribute to its renown
What historical significance does the island of Elba hold?
About 12 miles off the coast of Maremma, notably the site of the French Emperor Napoleon’s exile in 1814.
In 2011, the Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG was finalized for what?
sweet red passito wines made from the Aleatico grape on the island of Elba, ONL DOCG for sweet wine
What has the Aleatico grape been genetically linked to?
the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape; possibly it is a red-skinned mutation
What is The only white wine in Tuscany to enjoy DOCG status?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano: a crisp, pink grapefruit-tinged white wine produced on sandy, rock-strewn soils around the hilltop town of San Gimignano in the Siena province.
What is the blend for Vernaccia di San Gimignano?
Vernaccia w/ MAX 15% other non-aromatic white grapes authorized in Tuscany (Malvasia/Traminer NOT allowed, Riesling & Sauvignon max. 10% of the wine)
What is vin santo?
“holy wine”, is a high alcohol, almond- and honey-toned dried grape wine in Tuscany, although the difficulty and time required in its production make it increasingly rare
What are the grapes in vin santo?
Trebbiano and Malvasia, Grechetto is sometimes authorized
What are the rosé versions of vin santo?
“Occhio di Pernice” are produced with a minimum 50% Sangiovese added to the white grapes
What is the drying process for vin santo?
The grapes are hung from rafters to dry for a specified time set by each DOC—the grapes are usually raisinated until December 1, at least
How long does the fermentation take for vin santo?
A period of slow fermentation and aging follows, for a period of between three and eight years, depending on the style.
What type of barrels are used for vin santo?
caratelli barrels, usually chestnut wood allowing rapid oxidation, although many modern producers have switched to oak
What never happens in barrel for vin santo?
The barrels are never topped—alcohol is concentrated through evaporation and the wine gains its characteristic amber hue
What is the final style of vin santo?
may be dry or sweet, depending on the length of the appassimento process.
If Vin Santo is fortified, what is it labeled as?
Vin santo may be fortified, and labeled liquoroso.
While many Tuscan DOCs allow the production of vin santo, the majority of exported wine is from where?
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC
Where does Umbria lie?
lies in the shadow of the Apennines, east of Tuscany
What moderates Umbria’s climate?
maritime winds funneling from the Tyrrhenian Sea
Describe Orvieto DOC
clean, light white wine produced from Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), generally dry, although they may be sweet, and even botrytised
Within the territory of Orvieto, where are solid red wines produced?
on the tuffeau soils of Lago di Corbara DOC
What does the new encépagement for Oriveto, engineered in 2003 emphasize?
the native Grechetto grape over the blander Trebbiano Toscana and may lead to a higher base standard of wine in the future.
What are The most celebrated red wines of Umbria?
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG and Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
What is the blend in Torgiano Rosso Riserva?
Min 70% Sangiovese, Max 30% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Perugia
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is 100% Sagrantino and in what styles?
Secco & Passito
What are the aging requirements for Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG?
Secco: Min 30 mos from Dec 1 of harvest year, at least 12 months in wood
Passito: Min 30 months from Dec 1 of the harvest year
What were the Sagrantino wines produced as historically?
passito
What two producers shine in Montefalco?
Marco Caprai (modern) and Paolo Bea (traditional)
Aging requirements for Torgiano Rosso Riserva?
min 3yrs (including 6 months in bottle)
When is Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOC and not DOCG?
Standard Torgiano bottlings—varietal wines, Rosso, Bianco, spumante—are simply DOC.
Who was instrumental in the elevation of Torgiano Rosso Riserva to DOCG in 1990?
The Lungarotti family, Torgiano’s largest producer
Where does the Marches lie?
a region to the east of Umbria on the Adriatic Coast
The marches doubled its number of DOCG wines in 2009 with the addition of what?
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG and Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
What is the most important grape of the Marches?
Verdicchio, has the capacity to produce ageworthy, focused, green-tinged white wines with a distinctive lemony, stony character and a bitter almond tang.
The late-ripening Verdicchio grape is suitable for what type of production at DOC level?
naturally high in acidity, making it suitable for spumante production—and the occasional late harvest wine—at the DOC level
What two areas in the Marches are best known for Verdicchio production?
The coastal Castelli di Jesi and the more inland and higher-altitude Matelica are the best zones for the wines,
What differentiates Verdicchio from DOC and DOCG in the Marches regions?
normale versions released as DOC and the riserva versions, aged for a minimum of eighteen months, released as DOCG
What is the difference between wines made in the Matelica and Castelli di Jesi zones?
The Matelica wines are often sharper, whereas Castelli di Jesi provides wines of a fuller, rounder character.
What are Red wines produced as in the Marches?
Conero Rosso Riserva DOCG and Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG
Describe Conero Rosso Riserva DOCG in the Marches
produced just south of the regional capital Ancona, and the wines are comprised of a minimum 85% Montepulciano and a maximum 15% Sangiovese
Aging requirements for Conero Rosso Riserva DOCG?
2 yrs, many producers rely on a % of new barriques for aging rather than traditional old botti.
What surrounds the coastal Conero zone?
the larger Rosso Piceno DOC, which typically offers lighter Sangiovese and Montepulciano blends.
What is the Vernaccia grape in the Marches?
actually a red grape—”Vernaccia” probably derives from the Latin “vernaculus”, or “indigenous”, and is used for a number of distinct varieties in Italy
Describe Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG wines
sparkling reds, either dry or sweet, made from a percentage of passito grapes (40%).
Italian officials approved what DOCG in 2011?
Offida DOCG, covers red wines from Montepulciano and white varietal wines produced from Pecorino and Passerina
Describe Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC
aromatically complex wines fashioned from the obscure Lacrima grape, heady, floral, Pinot Noir-like
How is Calabria divided?
covered in mountains, dividing the region climatically between the hot Mediterranean coast and the more continental, higher-altitude interior.
What is the chief red grape of Calabria?
Gaglioppo, a thick-skinned grape
What type of wines are produced in Cirò DOC?
reds and rosatos of Gaglioppo, on the Ionian Coast.
What was Gaglioppo linked to?
genetically linked to Sangiovese
What are white plantings dominated by in Calabria?
Greco
Where are the best examples of white Calabrian wine?
white grapes account for less than 10% of Calabrian wine—the best examples may be found in the DOC of Melissa.
Greco di Bianco DOC in Calabria principally produces what?
sweet wines from the Greco grape, which is often partially dried prior to fermentation.
What separates Sicily from Calabria?
by the narrow Strait of Messina
What is the history of Marsala?
famously discovered by the Englishman John Woodhouse in 1773, Marsala DOC, created in 1969
Which producers have pioneered quality in Sicily?
Marco de Bartoli in Marsala, Planeta, Palari, and COS
What is the climate of Sicily?
arid Mediterranean heat is countered by altitude in the better vineyards, allowing large diurnal swings to even the ripening process, and beneficial hillside exposures are common on the mountainous island.
What are the white grapes of Sicily?
native Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, Carricante, and Grillo, Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) and the ubiquitous Malvasia
What are the native red grapes of Sicily?
Nero d’Avola (although Calabrese, its synonym, suggests Calabrian origins), Frappato, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
What is Sicily’s most heavily planted grape and the third most cultivated in Italy?
Catarratto, found only in the vineyards of western Sicily. The grape, utilized in Marsala blends and the Alcamo Bianco DOC table wines, churns out millions of hectoliters of juice destined for grape concentrate or distillation.
What grapes are better alternatives for Marasala and table wines than Cataratto?
Inzolia and Grillo
What are the dominant varietals of the Etna DOC rosso and biano wines?
Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, respectively
Where is the Etna DOC located?
eastern Sicily, and the vines on the Mount Etna’s slopes benefit from well-drained volcanic soils—but viticulture in the shadow of an active volcano is a risky proposition.
Describe Faro DOC
Nerello Mascalese dominates the blends, Sicily’s extreme northeastern coast, exemplified by the wines of Palari.
What is Sicily’s most planted red grape?
Nero d’Avola, crowned with the recent DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria, often likened in flavor to Syrah
What is the blend for Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wines?
Nero d’Avola 70-50%
lighter/grapey Frappato 30-50%
Why is maceration limited in Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wines?
to maintain the vibrant cherry-red, “Cerasuolo”, color of the wine.
What grapes produce notable dessert wines in Sicily?
Moscato/Zibibbo and Malvasia grapes
What exceedingly rare DOCs are located to the east of Vittoria in southeastern Sicily?
Moscato di Noto (75 acres) & Moscato di Siracusa DOCs (5 acres)
Off the northern coast of Italy, the Malvasia delle Lipari DOC wines are made in what style?
produced in purely sweet, passito, and fortified styles.
Zibibbo is fashioned into what on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, near the African coast?
sweet Moscato di Pantelleria DOC and the superior Passito di Pantelleria
What are the dominant red varietals on Sardegna?
Cannonau (Garnacha, or Grenache) and Carignano (Cariñena, or Carignan)
What is the dominant white grape in Sardegna?
Vermentino, is likely of Spanish origin.
When did a period of general cultural assimilation occur that brought spanish varieties to Sardegna?
Spanish Kingdom of Aragon ruled Sardinia until the early 1700s, for a period of nearly 400 years.
What do Sardegna’s wines easily reach due to the hot, dry Mediterranean climate?
high alcohol levels
On Sardegna, What historic styles may even be fortified and produced in a style reminiscent of Spanish sherries?
the rare Malvasia di Bosa DOC and Vernaccia di Oristano DOC
What is Sardegna’s sole DOCG zone?
Vermentino di Gallura
What is the climate of Vermentino di Gallura?
At the extreme north end of Sardinia, Gallura is a hot, high-elevation zone with poor, rocky, granitic soils—a paramount requirement for keeping the Vermentino grape’s vigorous ambitions at bay.
What are the wines of Vermentino di Gallura like?
aromatic and rich wines and may see oak influence, although fresher styles are more common.
To be labeled superiore, the wines of Vermentino di Gallura must show what?
min 13% alcohol vs. the base 12% required for the DOCG
What grape is common in the south of Sardegna?
Nuragus, tends to produce tart, appley wines; the best versions are Nuragus di Cagliari DOC.
What is Sardegna’s premier red grape?
Cannonau, often rustic and spicy, with a fuller body than its color would indicate—premature oxidation is especially virulent in Sardinia’s Grenache.
What covers the entire island of Sardegna?
Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
What are the three subzones of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
Oliena, Jerzu, and Capo Ferrato
What lies Immediately south of the Marches on the Adriatic Coast?
Abruzzo
What is Abruzzo’s most cultivated varietal and the second most planted red grape in Italy?
The Montepulciano grape
What does the Montepulciano grape produce?
It easily produces ripe, tannic and full-bodied wines of deep color.
What are Rosato versions of Montepulciano known as?
Cerasuolo in reference to the cherry red hue of the rosés.
What culminated in 2003 in an effort to raise Abruzzo’s prestige?
the 2003 evolution of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG—essentially the classico zone of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
What are Abruzzo’s 2 premier producers?
Edoardo Valentini and the naturalistic Emidio Pepe, release their reds simply as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Assemblage for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?
requires 85% Montepulciano
Requirements for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG?
minimum of 90% Montepulciano, 2 yrs of aging (1 in wood)
What are Riserva wines aged for in Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?
minimum three years
What accounts for most of Abruzzo’s white wines?
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC, from either Trebbiano Toscano or the distinct Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
What is Trebbiano d’Abruzzo also known as?
Bombino
What lies to the south of Tuscany and Umbria on the Tyrrhenian Coast?
Lazio, with its capital at Rome, the political center of Italy and the third most populous Italian region
What are the main grapes of Lazio?
Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia
Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia are produced in mass quantities in Lazio in what DOC?
Castelli Romani DOC, a broad zone that encompasses several smaller appellations
Among the subzones of the Castelli Romani is what?
the Frascati DOC, a commune near Rome, white still and sparkling wines are principally composed of Malvasia
In 2011 Italian authorities awarded what DOCs in Lazio DOCG status?
Frascati Superiore and Cannellino di Frascati, a late harvest style
What are the wines of Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone?
Trebbiano-based white wines
Red wines make up only __ of the Lazio’s typical production
15%
What was the first zone in Lazio to achieve DOCG status?
Cesanese del Piglio, rosso wines from indigenous Cesanese
What does the Cesanese grape produce?
spicy, peppery, highly acidic wines of moderate to high alcohol levels
Some of Lazio’s best known red wines on the international stage emerge from where?
the Falesco estate in Montefiascone near the Umbrian border, but Falesco’s successes string from polished and plush examples of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, not Cesanese
What is the small, mountainous region to the south of Abruzzo?
Molise
In Molise, most winemaking is handled by co-operatives, and less than __ of the region’s production is at the DOC level
5%
What 4 DOCs exist in Molise?
- Biferno
- Molise
- Tintilia del Molise
- Pentro di Isernia
What is the most prominent DOC in Molise?
Biferno DOC, producing reds/rosatos from a blend of Montepulciano and Aglianico, whites based on Trebbiano.
At the height of the Roman Empire in the first century CE, what wine was among the most prominent wines of the ancient world?
Falernian, a Campanian wine sourced from the slopes of Monte Massico
What was the ancient Falernian wine like?
was sweet or dry, strong enough to be inflammable, and probably produced from the Aminean grape, a Greek import known today as Greco.
The coastal Massico region in northern Campania today builds on its ancient heritage with the steadily improving wines of what DOC?
Falerno del Massico DOC
What are the Falerno del Massico DOC wines like?
On the volcanic tufa soils of the lower mountain slopes, red wines are produced from Aglianico & Primitivo, white varietal wines from Falanghina
What is the the capital of Campania?
Naples
What varieties comprise a majority of the Campanian DOC wines?
ancient red varieties Aglianico and Piedirosso (“red feet”) and white Falanghina, Greco, and Fiano
Describe Aglianico
tannic, high-acid, shares a structural similarity with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo—although it displays a darker fruit profile—and has the capacity to produce the longest-lived and noblest red wines of Southern Italy.
While tempered with the lighter Piedirosso in the velvety blends of Falerno del Massico DOC, Aglianico shines as a varietal wine in what DOCGs?
Taurasi DOCG and Aglianico del Taburno DOCG (promoted to DOCG in 2011)
Taurasi wines are produced where?
in the inland area of Irpinia, in the province of Avellino—a region only a scant 40 miles from the center of the Aglianico del Vulture zone in Basilicata, the grape’s other famous expression
Aging requirements for Taurasi?
min 3 years, with one year in wood.
Aging requirements for Taurasi Riserva?
min 4yrs, 18 mos in wood
What producers exemplify the quality of wines in Taurasi?
Mastroberardino, Terredora and Feudi di San Gregorio
The white DOCG wines of Campania are what?
Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino
Where are the Fiano di Avellino DOCG wines produced?
In a number of communes adjacent to the west of the Taurasi zone
Assemblage for Fiano di Avellino DOCG?
min 85% of the full-bodied, assertive, resiny Fiano
Greco, a lighter but more intensely aromatic grape, is grown at higher altitudes where?
to the immediate north of Fiano di Avellino
Assemblage for Greco di Tufo DOCG?
minimum 85% Greco, acidic Coda di Volpe comprises the remainder
While not at DOCG level, Falanghina produces dry and sweet passito whites where?
in the inland Sannio DOC north of Avellino
Where does Falanghina really excel?
in the panoramic coastal DOCs of Campi Flegrei and Costa d’Amalfi
Falanghina is blended with what in Campi Flegrei and Costa d’Amalfi DOCs?
the rare white Biancolella grape to produce a mellower and lusher style of wine
What are the white wines of Vesuvio DOC?
Coda di Volpe and Verdeca grapes constitute the majority of the blend, as a minor component, Falanghina provides an aromatic lift
Where is Vesuvio DOC?
produced on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius just south of Campi Flegrei and Naples
What may Vesuvio be?
white, rosato, red, sparkling, or fortified in style
If it achieves a minimum 12% alcohol, what may Vesuvio be labeled as?
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio
Alongside Forastera, the Biancolella white grape produces more delicate varietal whites in the offshore DOC of what?
Ischia DOC, in the Bay of Naples
What is most prevalent on the Ischia DOC island?
reds based on Piedirosso & Guarnaccia (Grenache variant)
Apulia, the heel of the boot of Italy, covers what?
a lengthy expanse of coastland on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
How does Apulia differ from its rugged neighbors Basilicata and Molise?
It is the least mountainous region in Italy, characterized by broad plains and low hills
Apulia’s flat, fertile plains provide an easy outlet for what?
high-yielding viticulture, and much of the region’s mass production is devoted to base wines destined for vermouth, bulk blending material, or distillate.
Apulia struggles to release more than ___ of its wines at the DOC level.
2%
As of 2011 Apulia has over __ DOCs and __ DOCGs (all awarded in 2011) devoted its limited DOC/G production!
24, 4
In northern Apulia, Castel del Monte—a region now home to three DOCG zones—and Rosso Barletta DOC wines are produced, predominantly from what?
the aromatic red grape Nero (Uva) di Troia
What is Apulia’s most most cultivated red grape?
Negroamaro, prized for its deep color and powerful tannic structure
What are 2 of the more prominent applellations in Molise?
Salice Salentino DOC and Brindisi DOC
The third major red grape of Apulia is what?
Primitivo, which has been genetically linked to Zinfandel and shares a softly tannic, syrupy character with its American cousin
Primitivo di Manduria DOC lies where in Molise?
to the east of Salice Salentino DOC, on the Ionian Coast.
Describe the wines of Primitivo di Manduria DOC
100% Primitivo, may no longer be sweet
Primitivo di Manduria DOC wines may no longer be sweet with the recent advent of what?
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG, min 50 g/l of RS, may be subject to the appassimento process
White wines are produced to a lesser extent in Apulia, but what grapes are present?
Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco show promise in the Salice Salentino DOC, but much of the region’s Trebbiano is aromatized in vermouth production
___, Italy’s third least populous region—only Molise and the Valle d’Aosta have a smaller population—is a mountainous, poor region producing little wine.
Basilicata
Basilicata was long characterized by a sole DOC—____—although the number of DOCs in the region has in recent years climbed to __
Aglianico del Vulture, 4
What remains Basilicata’s only real wine of note, and arguably one of the finest expressions of the thick-skinned Aglianico grape?
Aglianico del Vulture
In 2010, Aglianico del Vulture Superiore was upgraded to DOCG, mandating what requirements?
Aglianico must show min alc of 13.5% and undergo 3 years of aging, including 1 in wood.
When may Aglianico del Vulture Superiore wines be labeled riserva?
If aged for a min 5 years, including 2 in wood
Describe Aglianico del Vulture Superiore wines
Grown on the volcanic soils of the slopes of Mount Vulture, Aglianico can develop great complexity as it slowly ripens
For Aglianico del Vulture DOC wines, what is allowed?
may be dry (acsiutto) or off-dry (amabile), still or spumante, although dry, still interpretations represent the DOC’s most serious wines. 1 year of aging is mandated.
