Chap 27: Northern Italy 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 rivers
What is the overall climate of Northern Italy?
* Cool, Mod, Warm
* Summers
* Climatic Influences
Moderate, with dry, short summers
Alps form a rain barrier that extends the length of the north Italian border
Moderating influences provided by bodies of water such as local rivers and glacial lakes (such as Lake Garda) to inland areas
What is the effect to vineyards with close proximity to the sea in Northern 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 and Pergola trellising systems was common.
Describe a Pergola trellis
The vine canopy is trained high with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves
What are the principal reasons for Pergola training?
- To protect the grapes from sunburn
- To allow for better circulation, minimising the risk of rot
For what kinds of wines are Pergolas still used in Northern Italy?
- When high acidity and low sugar levels are required (e.g. for sparkling wine grapes)
- Also for wines which are to be made from dried grapes, which need to be free from damage and disease
What is a common training system in Northern Italy?
High density plantings using VSP training are now more common
Where is Alto Adige?
Centred around the town of Bolzano in the foothills of the Alps - this is 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
* Cool, Mod, Warm
* Summer
* Rain
* Climatic Influences
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 is the most notable white wine of Alto Adige?
Pinot Grigio
Describe Pinot Grigio wines from Alto Adige
* Sweetness
* Body
* Acidity
* Flavors
- Dry
- Light to medium body
- High acid
- Citrus and green fruit flavours
What are the next most important white grapes of Alto Adige after Pinot Grigio?
Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc
Which red grape dominates production in Alto Adige?
Schiava
pronounced “Ski-ah-va”
Describe wines of Alto Adige made from Schiava
* Body
* Tannins
* Flavor
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
Where 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?
* Cool, Mod, Warm
* Summer
* Rain
Moderate climate
Dry summer and low rainfall
(similar climate to Alto Adige, but slightly warmer.)
Why is Trentino slightly warmer than Alto Adige?
- More southerly latitude
- Vineyards at lower altitude
- Mountains to the west of the valley protect from the cooling influence of Lake Garda
What are Trentino’s two main varieties?
Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio
Describe the wines made from the valley floor of Trentino
* Body
* Acidity
* Flavors
Medium body
Medium acidity
Ripe stone fruit flavours
What are wines like which were made from grapes grown at higher altitudes in Trentino?
More similar to whites made in Alto Adige
What are the two most planted black grapes of Trentino?
Merlot and Teroldego
pronounced ‘Ter’ ‘ol’ ‘de’ ‘go’
Where within Trentino are Merlot and Teroldego usually planted?
Mid-slopes and valley floor
Describe wines made from Teroldego in Trentino
* Color
* Body
* Tannin
* Acidity
* Flavors
* Oak?
* Age Potential?
Deep colour
Medium to full body
Medium to high tannin
High acidity
Aromas of black fruit
Usually matured in oak
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
Describe the most northerly vineyards in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
They are located in the foothills of the Alps
What is the climate of Friuli-Venezia Giulia?
* Cool, Mod, Warm
* Continental, Maritime, Mediterranean
* Climatic Influences
* How does the climate vary here?
Moderate continental cooled by cold air from the mountains
On the flat plain near the Adriatic, the climate is warm maritime.
Are many grape varieties are planted in Friuli?
Yes
What overall style is produced in Friuli? What smaller volume style is also traditionally produced?
Rich, ripe white and red wines
While in much smaller volumes, orange wines are also traditional to the area and there are a number of premium examples
What are the most prevalent varieties in Friuli?
Pinot Grigio and Merlot
Describe Pinot Grigio in Friuli
* Body
* Flavors/Style
Some of the richest in Italy
Medium to full-bodied
Juicy peach and tropical fruit flavours
What is the most planted black variety in Friuli?
Merlot
Describe wines made from Merlot in Friuli
* Body
* Aciditiy
* Tannins
* Flavors
Medium body
Medium acidity
Medium tannins
Ripe red fruit flavours, often with a hint of spice from oak
Give a third widely grown grape from Friuli
* Varietal
* Grape Color
* Body
* Acidity
* Aromas
Friulano
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?
What do the wines tend to be like from here (color, flavor/style)?
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 w/ Coli Orientali also noted for its reds.
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 and ranges from the foothills of the Alps in the north, to the flat plains in the south
What is the climate like in Veneto?
* Cool, Mod, Warm
* Rain
* Climatic Influences
- Warm
- Moderate rainfall
- Cooling influence from altitude (so high diurnal range for the vineyards in the foothills)
- Breezes from Lake Garda cool the vineyards in the west of the region
What other weather phenomena are prevalent in Veneto?
The flat plain is affected by moist air and fog from rivers
What is the viticultural result of the extra humidity brought by the moist air and fog in Veneto?
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 and Merlot Local: Corvina, Garganega and Trebbiano
Why are the wines of Veneto’s plains usually simple and fruity?
As a result of the high yields
How are the simple wines of Veneto’s plains labelled?
Veneto IGT
In 2017, a new denomination was introduced:
* What is it called?
* What regions does it cover?
* What style of wine is now widely used for?
- Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC
- Covers: Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino.
- It has become widely used by producers of Pinot Grigio that previoulsy used on of the local IGTs.
Where is the vast majority of Prosecco produced? Where else can it come from?
Vast majority iis from the Veneto, but it can also be produced in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Where is Soave located?
East of Verona
Into how many distinct parts is Soave split?
Two
Describe the two distinct parts of Soave
Foothills to the north AND a flat plain in the south, near the River Adige
Describe the soils of Northern Soave
The foothills are maded up of limestone and clay with some volcanic rocks
Describe the characteristics of grapes from the foothills of Soave
* Flavor
* Aciditiy
Full flavour ripeness, but high acidity
How do northern Soave’s grapes achieve full ripeness, but manage to retain their acidity?
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
Can Soave wines age well?
Yes; the better example from the foothills in the north
Describe the soils in the plains of Soave
Sandy and alluvial soils that aid ripening
Describe wines from the plains of Soave
* Acidity
* Flavor
* Age Potential
Fruitier, with medium acidity
Early drinking
What are the varieties of Soave?
Main variety is Garganega, but small amounts of other white varieties can make up the blend
Describe the general profile of wines from Soave
* Body
* Acidity
* Aromas/Flavors
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
How are wines of Soave labelled?
Wines made from grapes from the entire region can be labelled Soave DOC, but wines made using solely grapes from the original classified area can be labelled Soave Classico DOC
Where is Valpolicella located?
North-west of Verona
Describe the topography of Valpolicella
Similar to that of Soave
What are the soils like in Valpolicella? What effect does that have on ripening/grapes?
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 of the region are gravel and sand, which is 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
* Skin
* Color
* Tannin
* Acidity
Thin skin
Moderate colour
Low to medium tannins
High acidity
How do winemakers increase the colour and tannins in Corvina-based wines?
Local grapes can be added to the blends
What DOCs may wines be labelled under in Valpolicella?
What requirements must they follow to do so?
Valpolicella DOC - wines must be made from grapes within the region, but it can be from anywhere in the region
Valpolicella Classico DOC - wines must be made solely from grapes from the original classified area.
Describe wines labelled Valpolicella (Classico) DOC
* Tannin
* Flavors
* Oak?
* Age potential?
Light tannins
Simple and fruity - Red cherry flavours
Rarely oaked
Made to drink immediately
What is the purpose of the passito method? Where is it widely used?
To increase structure, flavour concentration, and in the case of red wines, colour
Widely used in Veneto
Briefly describe the passito method
Grapes picked early, while still high in acidity
Dried indoors, concentrating sugars and flavours
Not fermented until winter
What are the two types of Passito wine in Valpolicella?
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Describe wines labelled Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
* Sweetness
* Body
* Alc
* Tannin
* Flavors
* Maturation? If so what type of vessel?
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
What is the main difference in the way Recioto della Valpolicella wines are made (as opposed to Amarone)
Made from grapes that are so sweet, the fermentation stops naturally
Describe Recioto della Valpolicella wines
* Sweetness
* Body
* Alc
* Tannin
* Flavor
Sweet
Full body
Medium - High alcohol
Medium - High tannins
Intense red fruit flavours
Which other region of Northern Italy also makes the sweet Recioto wine style? What is it called?
Soave region makes a sweet wine made by the same method, labelled Recioto di Soave DOCG
What is the ripasso method?
- Grape skins from a fermenting Amarone della Valpolicella are drained off the skins shortly before fermentation finishes.
- Skins remain unpressed and are added to a vat of Valpolicella wine that has finished fermentation.
*The remaining sugar on the unpressed Amarone grape skins is fermented by yeast present on those grape skins, during which time the skins give more color, flavour and tannins to the Valpolicella wine they had been added to.
How may the Valpolicella wines be labelled which have undergone the ripasso method?
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Describe Valpolicella Ripasso DOC:
* Body
* Tannin
* Flavor
Medium to full-bodied
Medium to high tannins
Flavours of stewed red cherries and plums
Where is Piemonte located in Italy?
In the northwest corner
What is the climate like in Piemonte?
* Cool, Mod, Warm
* Continental, Maritime, Mediterranean
* Summers conditions and Winter conditions
- Moderate continental
- Long, cold winters
- Summers can be subject to thunderstorms, hail and fog
What is Piemonte’s most notable geographical feature? What impact does this have on the vineyards?
Its foothills, ranging from 150 to 600 metres, which provide different aspects and altitude for viticulture.
What are Piemonte’s most notable grapes? (black and white)
Black: Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto White: Cortese and Moscato (Muscat)
Where in Piemonte are its most famous wine making areas?
South of Turin, around the town of Alba
What are the most prestigious wine regions of Piemonte?
Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG
Describe Barolo as an area
It spans several villages each having steep (300m - 500m), south-facing slopes.
What varietals are permitted in Barolo DOCG?
Only Nebbiolo
What are the key features of the Nebbiolo grape ?
* Acidity
* Tannin
* Color
Black grape with:
High acidity
High tannins
Little colour
How does climatic influence(s) in Barolo impact Nebbiolo grapes during the growing season?
The grapes ripen slowly at the altitudes in Barolo
What are the flavours/characteristics of Barolo DOCG?
* Body
* Acidity
* Tannin
* Flavors
* Age Potential?
Full body
High acidity
High tannins
Sour cherries, herbs and sometimes dried flowers 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
ex: Barolo Serralunga d’Alba DOCG
Where do the best Barolo come from? Give an example
Named villages or crus
ex: Barolo Cannubi DOCG
Which other grapes are grown within Barolo? How are they labelled?
Dolcetto and Barbera, which are labelled using the generic Alba DOC or Langhe DOC
How long must Barolo DOCG be aged before release?
A minimum of 38 months, of which a minimum of 18 months must be in wood and released from the January of the 4th year after harvest.
Describe the development of the role of oak in Barolo
It was traditionally aged for several years in large oak barrels to soften harsh tannins
Today, improvements in vineyard management and gentler methods of extraction results in wines with smoother, riper tannins and mean that many producers now choose to mature their wines for less time
In what vessels may Barolo be aged?
In small barrels (often including some new oak) or in larger casks, depending on intended style
What’s the role of bottle ageing in Barolo wines?
All Barolo wines tend to benefit from further bottle ageing
What does bottle ageing achieve with Barolo wines?
Continues to soften tannins + adds further complexity, giving the wine aromas of truffles, tar and leather
For which grape is Barbaresco renowned?
Nebbiolo
Describe the geography/topography 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 here than in Barolo AND the wines here are fruitier and less perfumed.
What are the characteristics of Barbaresco DOCG?
* Tannin
* Acidity
* Flavors
* Age Potential?
Similar tannin and acidity to Barolo (high acid, high tannin)
Fruitier and less perfumed than Barolo
Ageworthy
What is the role of ageing in Barbaresco DOCG?
Must be aged for a minimum of 26 months (with a minimum of 9 months in wood) and released from the January of the third year after the harvest
How does the size of the region of Barbaresco compare to that of Barolo?
It’s a smaller region than Barolo
How can one identify a higher quality of Barbaresco DOCG?
It will often 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 the most widely planted variety in Asti and Alba?
Barbera
What are the two main wines produced by Barbera?
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Of Asti/Alba’s popular Barbera wines, which is considered to be the higher quality?
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Describe Barbera wines of Asti/Alba
* Ripening
* Color
* Tannins
* Acidity
* Aromas
Late ripening
Medium to deep colour
Low to medium tannins
High acidity
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 to give spicy flavours
What is arguably the second most widely planted variety of the Asti/Alba area of Piemonte?
Dolcetto
What is a key viticultural characteristic of Dolcetto in Piemonte? What does it mean?
It’s earlier ripening than Nebbiolo and Barbera and therefore can be planted in the coolest sites
Which Dolcetto wine tends to produce many of the finest wines?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Describe wines of Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
* Color
* Tannin
* Acidity
* Aromas
Deep, often purple colour
Medium to high tannins
Medium acidity
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 located?
In south-eastern Piemonte
What grape is used for Gavi Wines?
Cortese
Describe the terrain where Gavi’s wine grapes are grown and what effect this has on the resultant wines
The vines are grown in the hills where altitude and sea breezes, results in long, slow ripening of the grape Cortese, emphasising its natural high acidity and floral character
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
* Color
* Body
* Acidity
* Aromas/Flavors
Pale
Light-bodied
High acidity
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 and Lees stirring
Describe age worthiness for Gavi wines
Usually ready to drink on release, but wines from best producers can age well in bottle
