Chap 29: Southern Italy Flashcards
What constitutes Southern Italy?
The area of southern italy extends south of Lazio, down to the tip of the country and includes the peninsula of Puglia and the island of Sicily (Sicilia).
Describe the climate of Southern Italy
* Cool, Mod, Warm, Hot
* Difference in conditions between inland vs. coast
* Climatic influences based on various vineyard locations
- Hot and dry inland, becoming humid near the coast
- Many vineyards are located on slopes within the Apennines and the altitude provides relief from some of the heat.
- 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?
Traditionally, 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 are the most common methods used today
What are the benefits of cordon training and trellising in Puglia in particular?
These newer techniques allow for mechanisation on Puglia’s flat plain
Which Region 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
* Body
* Acidity
* Aromas
* Age Potential?
- Medium to full body
- Medium acidity
- Aromas of stone fruit, melons and mangos
- Usually early drinking, but better examples are matured in oak and can be aged in bottle, developing notes of wax and honey.
Describe wines from Greco
* Body
* Acidity
* Flavors
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, but some use old oak and techniques such as lees-stirring to enhance the texture of their wines
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
* Color
* Acidity
* Tannins
* Flavors
* Age potential?
- Deep colour
- High acidity
- High tannins
- Flavours of black fruit. It is matured in oak and can age in bottle, where it develops earthy, forest floor notes
Where is Aglianico at its best in Campania?
Taurasi DOCG
Where is Basilicata?
Just below Campania
Describe Basilicata’s topography
An extremely mountainous region where vineyards can reach 900 metres, especially on the vast 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 (size of area and volume of grapes grown)
A vast agricultural area where large volumes of grapes are grown
