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Italian Wine Scholar > Chapter 5- White Wines of the Peninsula & Islands > Flashcards

Chapter 5- White Wines of the Peninsula & Islands Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the most prevalent white variety on the Italian Peninsula?

A

Trebbiano

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2
Q

Where is Trebbiano found in abundance?

A

Down the Adriatic coast from Emilia Romagna to northern Puglia, also important in Tuscany, Lazio, and Sicily

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3
Q

What are the “Three V’s” of white wines from the Italian peninsula?

A

Verdicchio (signature white grape of Marche), Vermentino (increasingly important in Tuscany, real home is on Sardinia, primary grape in Liguria), and Vernaccia (key white grape in Tuscany)

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4
Q

What are two other interesting white grape varieties in Marche besides Verdicchio?

A

Passerino and Pecorino (extends range down to Abruzzo)

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5
Q

What is the quality white grape in Emilia Romagna and Umbria?

A

Grechetto

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6
Q

Which white grape makes famous dry wine in Lazio?

A

Malvasia

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7
Q

What are the set of white varieties that are unique to the Campania region?

A

Fiano, Falanghina, Greco, and Coda di Volpe

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8
Q

What are the white grape varieties that are grown almost exclusively in Sicily?

A

Ansonica, Catarratto, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, and Zibibbo (also grows considerable Trebbiano)

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9
Q

Which region has the largest concentration of any region in Italy?

A

Sicily

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10
Q

What is Sardinia’s second white variety after Vermentino?

A

Nuragus (indigenous grape)

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11
Q

How much white wine is grown in Calabria, Basilicata, and the lower 2/3 of Puglia

A

Very little, red territory

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12
Q

Where does Trebbiano rank amongst most-planted white varieties in Italy and how wide-spread is the growing region?

A

It ranks third, exceeded by Pinot Grigio and Glera (Prosecco), one of handful of varieties in taly that is truly widesperad, grown in nearly every region but most prevalent in Emilia Romagna, Puglia, and Abruzzo (peninsula)

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13
Q

Define Trebbiano

A

Several varieties of grapes that are not closely related, not always specifically identified so treated as single variety, but the difference among the grapes in significant

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14
Q

Where is Trebbiano grown outside of Italy

A

Four times as much of it grows in France, where it is known as Ugni Blanc (used for cognac/armagnac), and small amounts grown in Argentina and Uruguay

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15
Q

What is Trebbiano generally used for?

A

Bulk wine and blending and only rarely for varietal wines (but allowed as varietal or blending in dozens of denominations)

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16
Q

Where is Vermentino gorwn

A

Most important white variety in Sardinia, and most important variety in Liguria, also makes some of best wines in Tuscany

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17
Q

What is Pigato and where is it grown

A

Pigato is a biotype of Vermentino (genetically the same but differs in performance), grown in Liguria

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18
Q

What grape varieties are genetically the same as Vermentino?

A

Pigato (Liguria), Favoriita (Peidmont), Rolle (Corsia/Southeastern France)

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19
Q

What are well known denominations for Vermentino wines?

A

Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (Sardinia), Vermentino di Sardegna DOC (Sardinia), Bolgheri DOC (Tuscany)

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20
Q

What grape makes up more than 40% of Liguria’s wine? From which denominations?

A

Vermentino, under local name Pigato, Colli di Luni DOC and Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC

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21
Q

What percent of Vermentino is planted on the island of Sardinia

A

2/3, it is the number one white great variety there

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22
Q

What grape is Sardinia’s only DOCG based on

A

Vermentino

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23
Q

What are the two main DOPs for Vermentino on Sardinia?

A

Vermentino di Sardegna DOC (one of large denominations on Sardinia, allows producers to make single-variety wines from vineyards anywhere on island), Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (specific area on northern end of Sardinia)

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24
Q

What is the second white variety of note in Sardinia after Vermentino?

A

Nuragus, variety unique to the region

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25
Q

What is the one denomination based on Nuragus? Where s it located?

A

Nuragus di Cagliari DOC, encompasses southern half of Sardinia (including regional capital city of Cagliari)

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26
Q

Where does the name Nuragus come from?

A

Came from name of iconic prehistoric stone structures found all over Sardinia and only on the island

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27
Q

What is Sardinia’s largest IGP?

A

IGP Isola de Nuraghi (meaning island of nuraguses), can be used for many red and white varieties

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28
Q

What percent of wines in Tuscany are white

A

15%

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29
Q

What is the most planed white variety in Tuscany?

A

Trebbiano; most common member of Trebbiano family is Trebbiano Toscano - rarely distinguished with the exception of some sweet ones

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30
Q

What white wines come from vineyards along the coast? Which denominations/areas produce these wines?

A

Vermentinos; produced in Bolgheri DOC (allows Vermentino and Sauv Blanc based whites), Maremma Toscana DOC, island of Elba, vineyards farther north close to Liguria

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31
Q

What is the go to white variety in inland Tuscany?

A

Vernaccia

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32
Q

Where is the home of Vernaccia?

A

Hill town of San Gimignano (lies just within Chianti area)

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33
Q

What is Tuscany’s only DOCG for white wine?

A

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

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34
Q

What are many Tuscan white wines labeled as?

A

IGP Toscana, due to lack of white wine denominations

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35
Q

What regions make Grechetto based wines?

A

Umbria and Emilia Romagna (where it is called Pignoletto

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36
Q

What is the history of Grechetto/Pignoletto?

A

Grechetto originally thought to only be in Umbria but DNA analysis showed Grechetto in Umbria and Pignoletto in Emilia Romagna were the same grape, concern in Emilia Romagna that identity of Pignoletto would be lost if they were forced to label wine as Grechetto or if Grechetto wines of other regions could label their wines as Pignoletto, solved this by creating Pignoletto DOC in Emilia Romagna as well as Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG (both only varetal Grechetto wines)

37
Q

What are the Grechetto denominations in Emilia Romagna?

A

Pignoletto DOC and Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG

38
Q

What is the denomination most closely associated with Grechetto and where is it located?

A

Orvieto DOC, around hill town of Orvieto, lies mostly in Umbria, partly in Lazio - moderately high volume, only white wines, best based on Grechetto but can be based on Grechetto or Trebbiano

39
Q

What percentage of wine in Lazio is white?

A

3/4

40
Q

What denomination in Lazio is around Lake Bolsena (crater lake from ancient volcano in northern Lazio) next to Orvieto DOC

A

Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC

41
Q

Where does the name Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC come from

A

Story of bishop traveling to Rome who was wine aficionado, sent assistant ahead to scout if wine was good and write “Est” (it is), if it was- it was so good the assistant wrote “Est” on the door three times

42
Q

What wines are produced in Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC?

A

Blends based primarily on Trebbiano Toscano

43
Q

What denominations produce Malvasia wines and where are they located?

A

Frascati Superiore DOCG and Frascati DOC, area in the Alban Hills not far from Rome - sweet or dry

44
Q

What is the history of Frascati and where is it at today?

A

Frascati was early European export wine became victim of its own success due to overproduction and declining quality, Frascati denominations are undergoing revival as remaining producers are reducing yields and replanting superior type of Malvasia called Malvasa del Lazio

45
Q

What percentage of wines in Campania are white?

A

Just under half, well known

46
Q

What white grape varieties are associated primarily with Campania?

A
  • Fiano: one of Italy’s most respected white varieties
  • Greco: Believed to be brought to Italy by ancient Greeks
  • Falanghina
  • Coda di Volpe: “Foxtail” (what grape clusters’ shape reminds people of)
47
Q

What are the two white wine DOCGs in Campania?

A

-Fiano di Avellino: Varietal wine from Fiano
-Greco di Tufo: Varietal wine from Greco
Both located in hills and higher elevation of Campanian Apennines

48
Q

What is the primary denomination for Falanghina?

A

Falaghina del Sannio DOC (located in hills and higher elevation of Campanian Apennines)

49
Q

What is Coda di Volpe most known for?

A

Key part of white blend for Vesuvio DOC (also used for red Piedrosso and lesser known white grape Caprettone)

50
Q

What is the unique category of wine called in Vesuvio DOC?

A

Lacryma Christi (“Tears of Christ”) - can be used for red, white, or rosato; equivalent of superiore in other denominations, indicates higher minimum alcohol level Christ was crying because Vesuvio wines are so good), because of global warming almost all wines from this region qualify

51
Q

What is the most prevalent grape variety in Sicily

A

Catarratto, in the last century was most planted varietal in all of Italy

52
Q

How is Catarratto viewed with regards to quality?

A

Considered low quality blending grape, being steadily replaced with more saleable varieties, rarely produced as varietal wine

53
Q

What are important higher quality white grape varieties in Sicily?

A
  • Grillo (White variety they most want to be known for)
  • Ansonica (almost exclusive to Sicily except small amount in Tuscany)
  • Grecanico Dorato- genetic match with Venetian grape Gargenega
  • Zibibbo- used primarily for sweet wines
  • Also large plantings of Chardonnay and Trebbiano
54
Q

What is the majority of white wine in Sicily labeled as?

A

Sicilia DOC or IGP Terre Siciliane (both cover entire region)

55
Q

What is the well known DOC in Sicily

A

Etna DOC - located on shoulders of Mount Etna, most active volcano in Europe

56
Q

Where are the vines of Etna DOC grown and what wines are made?

A

Vineyards of Etna DOC are on lower slopes of 11,000 foot volcano (1000-3600 ft elevation), provides cooler temperatures than are typical in Sicily; makes Nerello Mascalese and white wines blend based on variety called Carricante

57
Q

How much white wine does Molise, Basilicata, and Calabria produce?

A

Miniscule amounts

58
Q

What DOC makes white wines based on Grecco in Southeastern Italy?

A

Ciro DOC, noted primarily for red wines made out of Gaglioppo (Calabria)

59
Q

How much white wine does Puglia produce and of what quality?

A

Quite a bit in the northern section adjacent to Molise where Montepulciano is grown, very little of it is at DOP level, Trebbiano is the main white variety

60
Q

What is the dominant grape variety in Abruzzo?

A

Trebbiano

61
Q

What is the largest denomination for Trebbiano based wines? Where is it located?

A

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, covers the same area as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOCs - must be varietally Trebbiano

62
Q

Which member of the Trebbiano family has Abruzzo cultivated?

A

Trebbiano Abruzzese, one of the highest quality members of the Trebbiano family

63
Q

What members of the Trebbiano family are currently grown in Abruzzo?

A

Trebbiano Abruzzese and Trebbiano Toscana (twice as much planted in Abruzzo as Trebbiano Abruzzese, much less exciting), DOC rules allow either variety or both to be used in Trebbiano d’Abruzzo - leads to significant variability in wines

64
Q

What is the most famous white wine variety of Marche?

A

Verdicchio

65
Q

What are Marche’s most famous white wine denominations and where are they located?

A

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC and Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG (both near town of Jesi, not far from coast); Verdicchio di Matelica DOC and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG (both near town of Matelica, lies on east side of mountain ridge in interior valley), Matelica produces much less wine than Jesi

66
Q

Where is Offida DOCG and what white wine does it produce?

A

Offida DOCG is in Marche, white wines produced from Passerina or Pecorino (also white wines from Montepulciano)

67
Q

What characteristics of wines do Italians favor in coastal regions to complement seafood dishes?

A

Crisp, light to medium white wines and lighter low tannin reds

68
Q

Ansonica:

  1. Also known as?
  2. Characteristics?
  3. Flavors and aromas?
  4. Best DOP?
A
  1. Insolia, Inzolia
  2. Naturally tannic white grapes, light to medium body in Sicily, fuller body in Tuscany, golden color
  3. Tuscany: Citrus, Sicily: Yellow apple, dried apricot
  4. Elba DOC (Tuscany)
69
Q

Catarratto:

  1. History
  2. Two biotypes
  3. Characteristics
  4. Aromas/flavors
A
  1. Once most planted Italian variety, now disappearing
  2. Comune (higher sugar, lower acid) and Lucido
  3. Medium to full body
  4. Sage, thyme, banana, pineapple, citrus, somewhat bitter finish
70
Q

Coda di Volpe:

  1. Characteristics
  2. Aromas/flavors
  3. Best DOPs
A
  1. Low in acidity, high in extract and color; austere on volcanic soil, richer and softer elsewhere
  2. Peach, pineapple, papaya, honey
  3. Sannio DOC (Campania)
71
Q

Falanghina:

  1. Varieties
  2. Characteristics
  3. Aromas/flavors
  4. Best DOP
A
  1. Group of at least two distinct varieties - Falanghina Beneventana and Falanghina Flegrea
  2. High in acidity
  3. Flegrea: Peach, yellow apple, apricot, cherry pit; Beneventana: Less fruity, more floral. Both have green leafy note
    Best DOP: Falanghina del Sannio DOC (Campania)
72
Q

Fiano:

  1. Characteristics
  2. Aromas/flavors
A
  1. One of Italy’s greatest white varieties, light to full body, very versatile; best on volcanic soil- steely, minerally, ageworthy
  2. Hazelnut, green apple, pear, honey
73
Q

Grecanico Dorato:

  1. Biotype of what variety?
  2. Best DOP
A
  1. Biotype of Garanega

2. Alcamo DOC (Sicily)

74
Q

Grechetto:

  1. Which varieties
  2. Characteristics
  3. Aromas/flavors
  4. Best DOPs
A
  1. Two unrelated varieties- Grechetto di Orvieto and Grechetto di Todi (aka Grechetto Gentile, Pignoletto, or Rebola) - Todi is better but both are often mixed in Grechetto wines
  2. Light bodied, high in acidity
  3. Lemon, white flowers, chamomile, lime, yellow apples, anise
  4. Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG (Emilia Romagna)
75
Q

Greco Key Varieties

A

Group of a dozen unrelated varieties - most important are Greco and Greco Bianco

76
Q

Greco

  1. Region
  2. Characteristics
  3. Aromas/Flavors
  4. Best DOP
A
  1. Campania
  2. Full bodied, oily, tannic, deep yellow, age-worthy
  3. Yellow flowers, honey, peach, pear, tropical fruits
  4. Greco di Tufo
77
Q

Greco Bianco

  1. Region
  2. Biotype
  3. Best DOP
A
  1. Calabria
  2. Biotype of Malvasia di Lipari
  3. Greco di Bianco
78
Q

Grillo

  1. Crossing of which two grapes
  2. Characteristics
  3. Aromas/flavors
  4. Best DOPs
A
  1. Crossing of Catarratto and Zibibbo
  2. Crisp acidity
  3. Lemony, herbal (similar to Sauvignon Blanc)
  4. Almaco, Contea di Sclafani, Delia Nivolelli, Monreale
79
Q

Malvasia description

A

Group of mostly unrelated varieties, 17 different “Mavalsias” on official list- mostly white, some red, one pink

80
Q

Primary Malvasia varieties and descriptions

A
  1. Malvasia Bianco di Candia: Most planted Malvasia, light bodied, high in acidity; white flowers, citrus, green or yellow apples, herbs
  2. Malvasia Bianco Lunga: Primary ingredient in Vin Santo, low acidity
  3. Malvasia del Lazio: AKA Malvasia Puntinata, crossing of Zibibbo and Schiava Grossa, highest quality Malvasia; yellow fruit (peach, mango, banana, passionfruit); Best DOP Frascati
  4. Malvasia di Candia Aromatica: High quality variety, especially for sweet wines; aromatic- tropical fruit and spice; Best DOPS Colli di Parma and Colli Piacentini
  5. Malvasia di Lipari: Genetically same as Calabria’s Greco Bianco, primarily used for Passito wines; peach, apricot, honey, orange; Best DOP Malvasia delle Lipari
  6. Malvasia Istriana: Often used in orange wine; minerally; peach, apricot, pear, wisteria, diesel (with age); Best DOPS Carso, Collio, Fruili Isonzo
81
Q

Nuragus

  1. Characteristics
  2. Best DOP
A
  1. Delicate aromas

2. Nuragus di Cagliari

82
Q

Passerina:

  1. Description
  2. Characteristics
  3. Aromas/flavors
  4. Best DOPs
A
  1. Multiple biotypes, may be group of distinct varieties under same name
  2. High acidity
  3. Ripe citrus, tropical fruit
  4. Controguerra, Offida
83
Q

Pecorino:

  1. Characteristics
  2. Aromas/flavors
  3. Best DOP
A
  1. High quality variety, high acidity, high alcohol
  2. Apple, pear, delicately herbal (sage, thyme, mint)
  3. Offida
84
Q

Trebbiano

  1. Description
  2. Primary varieties and descriptions
A
  1. Prolific group of unrelated varieties, all white; only related ones are (1) Abruzzese and Spolentino and (2) Lugana and di Soave (really Verdicchio)
  2. a. Trebbiano Abruzzese: Highest quality Trebbiano (apart from ones that are actually Verdicchio), high acidity; white flowers, peach, citrus
    b. Trebbiano Toscana: Most planted type of Trebbiano, same as Ugni Blanc (cognac grape in France), high acidity; generally neutral, can be delicately herbal and lemony
85
Q

Verdicchio:

  1. Description
  2. Biotypes
  3. Characteristics
  4. Aromas/flavors
  5. Best DOPs
A
  1. One of Italy’s greatest white varieties
  2. Trebbiano di Lugana and Trebbiano di Soave
  3. High acidity, age worthy
  4. Floral, delicately fruity, almond
  5. Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG (Marche), Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG (Marche)
86
Q

Vermentino:

  1. Also known as
  2. Biotypes
  3. Aromas/Flavors
A
  1. AKA Rolle in France
  2. Liguria’s Pigato and Piedmont’s Favorita
  3. Citrus, tropical fruit, acacia, rosemary, thyme, saline finish
87
Q

Vernaccia:

  1. Description
  2. Primary Varieties and descriptions
A
  1. Group of several unrelated varieties, some red
    2.
    a. Vernaccia di Oristano: Sardinian variety; apricot, hazelnut, almond, white chocolate, herbs; Best DOP Vernaccia di Oristano
    b. Vernaccia di San Gimignano: Tuscan variety; relatively neutral; Vernaccia di San Gimignano
88
Q

Zibibbo:

  1. Also known as
  2. Family
  3. Aromas/flavors
  4. Best DOP
A
  1. Moscato di Alessandria (Muscat of Alexandria)
  2. Member of Muscat family, offspring of Muscat Bianco
  3. Apricot, orange blossom, lily of the valley, ginger, dried herbs; sweet wines: orange jam, caramel, fig, raisin
  4. Pantelleria

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