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WSET 3 > Ch27 Northern Italy > Flashcards

Ch27 Northern Italy Flashcards

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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

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2
Q

What is the overall climate of Northern Italy?

A

Moderate, 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 Garda)

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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

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4
Q

Describe how Northern Italian vineyards were traditionally planted

A

High yielding vines at low densities

With Pergola trellising systems

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5
Q

Describe a Pergola trellis

A

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

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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

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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

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8
Q

What is the most common training system in Northern Italy?

A

High density plantings using VSP

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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

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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

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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

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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

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13
Q

What is the most notable white wine of Alto Adige?

A

Pinot Grigio

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14
Q

Describe Pinot Grigio wines from Alto Adige

A

Dry Light to medium body
High acid
Citrus and green fruit flavours

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15
Q

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

A

Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc

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16
Q

Which red grape dominates production in Alto Adige?

A

Schiava

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17
Q

Describe wines of Alto Adige made from Schiava

A

Light and fruity
Low to medium tannins
Flavours of raspberries and plums

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18
Q

How are almost all wines labelled in Alto Adige?

A

Alto Adige DOC

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19
Q

Where in Italy is Trentino?

A

Directly to the south of Alto Adige

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20
Q

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

A

The valley is wider here than further north

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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

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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

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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

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24
Q

What are Trentino’s two main varieties?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio

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25
Q

Describe the wines made from the valley floor of Trentino

A

Medium body
Medium acidity
Ripe stone fruit flavours

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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

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27
Q

What are the two most planted black grapes of Trentino?

A

Merlot and Teroldego

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28
Q

Where within Trentino are Merlot and Teroldego usually planted?

A

Mid-slopes and valley floor

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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
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30
Q

How are most wines labelled in Trentino?

A

Trentino DOC

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31
Q

Where in Italy is Friuli-Venezia Giulia?

A

In the north’s eastern corner

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32
Q

Describe the most northerly vineyards in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

A

They are located in the foothills of the Alps

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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

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34
Q

Are many grape varieties are planted in Friuli?

A

Yes

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35
Q

What overall style is produced in Friuli?

A

Rich, ripe white and red wines

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36
Q

What are the most prevalent varieties in Friuli?

A

Pinot Grigio and Merlot

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37
Q

Describe Pinot Grigio in Friuli

A

Some of the richest in Italy Medium to full-bodied Juicy peach and tropical fruit flavours

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38
Q

What is the most planted black variety in Friuli?

A

Merlot

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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
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40
Q

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

A 
Friulano
White grape
Medium body
Wines with medium to high acidity
Aromas of pear, red apples and herbs
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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

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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

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43
Q

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

A

Colli Orientali DOC

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44
Q

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

A

Veneto

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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

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46
Q

What is the climate like in Veneto?

A

Warm
Moderate rainfall
Cooling influence from altitude (so high diurnal range) and to the west of the region, from Lake Garda

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47
Q

What other weather phenomena are prevalent in Veneto?

A

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

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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

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49
Q

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

A

Inexpensive, high-volume wines

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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

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51
Q

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

A

As a result of the high yields

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52
Q

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

A

Veneto IGT

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53
Q

Which DOC is spread across Veneto and Friuli?

A

Prosecco DOC

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54
Q

Where is Soave?

A

East of Verona

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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, 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 may 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 role 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 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

WSET 3 (24 decks)

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