Class 5 - Wines of North and Central Italy Flashcards
How long has wine been made in Italy?
At least 4000 years
Begun with the Etruscans and Greek settlers.
What was the winemaking law under the Romans?
Winemaking was prohibited outside Italy.
Wine was made by slaves.
What percentage of the world’s wine is produced by Italy?
20% of the world’s wine.
What is the per capita wine consumption in Italy?
70 L.
How many grape varieties are there in Italy?
1300 grape varieties.
What makes Italian wines difficult to learn?
A couple hundred indigenous grapes, most grown nowhere else.
What is Montepulciano in Italy?
Both a grape and a city in central Italy (Tuscany).
What are the two broad classifications of EU-wide wine?
Wine WITH origin and Wine WITHOUT origin.
What are the classifications for Wines Without Origin?
- Former VDT wines
- Generic (Bianco/Rosso/Rosato)
- Varietal Wines with/without vintage.
What are the classifications for Wines With Origin in italy?
- IGP (includes IGT level wines)
- DOP (includes DOC/DOCG level wines).
What is the capital city of Piedmont?
Turin.
What is the most widely planted grape in Piedmont?
Barbera.
What are the two most important wines from Nebbiolo in Piedmont?
- Barolo
- Barbaresco.
What are the primary white grape varieties in Piedmont?
- Cortese (Gavi)
- Moscato
- Arneis
- Chardonnay.
What is Barbaresco known for?
Elegant, austere wine with lush red cherry and tart acidity.
What is the average price range for Roero wines?
$19–$27.
What grape is used to produce Moscato d’Asti?
Moscato Bianco.
What are the two main styles of Moscato from Piedmont?
- Asti Spumante (fully bubbly)
- Moscato d’Asti (barely bubbly).
What is the aging requirement for Barolo DOCG?
38 months aging (including 18 months in wood) for normale.
What is the aging requirement for Barbaresco DOCG?
26 months aging (9 months in wood) for normale.
What type of wine is Dolcetto often compared to?
Italian version of Beaujolais (Gamay).
What is significant about the soil in Barolo?
Clay and marl help lessen the naturally high acidity of Nebbiolo.
What characterizes the wines from Ghemme and Gattinara regions?
Floral with high acidity, delicate tart red fruits and earthy notes.
What is the Nebbiolo grape known for?
Big, powerful red wine with great complexity.
What does ‘Piemonte’ mean in Italian?
Foot of the mountains.
What is unique about Produttori del Barbaresco?
A co-op where vineyard owners manage the brand and winery.
What is the grape used in Gavi wine? (Italy, piedmon)
Cortese.
Gavi wines are crisp, refreshing, and so bone dry that they’ll leave your mouth tingling. The Cortese grape has been part of Italian viticulture for centuries and is considered one of the finest white wine grapes from Piedmont.
What are the important DOCGs in Piedmont?
- Barolo
- Barbaresco
- Gattinara
- Asti
- Moscato d’Asti.
- Barbera d’Asti
- Barbera del Monferrato Superiore
- Gavi
- Roero.
What region is Moscato d’Asti from?
The same region as Barolo
What are the two main styles of Moscato found in Piedmont?
- Asti Spumante
- Moscato d’Asti
What is the alcohol content of Asti Spumante?
About 9% alcohol
What is the alcohol content of Moscato d’Asti?
About 5% alcohol
What does Tre Venezie refer to?
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Trentino-Alto Adige
- Veneto
What percentage of wine production does Veneto account for?
15% of wine production
What is the capital and largest city of Veneto?
Venice
Name three red grape varieties from Veneto.
- Corvina
- Merlot
- Rondinella
Name three white grape varieties from Veneto.
- Pinot grigio
- Garganega
- Glera
What is the most famous sparkling wine from Italy?
Prosecco
What grape is Prosecco made from?
Glera
What is the main grape used in Soave wines?
Garganega
What are the important DOCGs in Veneto?
- Amarone della Valpolicella
- Prosecco di Conegliano
- Soave Superiore
- Bardolino Superiore
- Recioto di Gambellara
What is the primary fermentation process for Amarone della Valpolicella?
Appassimento method
What is the alcohol content range for Amarone wines?
14-16%
What is the Ripasso technique in winemaking?
Young Valpolicella is re-passed over lees or dried fruit from Amarone fermentation
What are the principal grape varieties in Valpolicella?
- Corvina Veronese
- Rondinella
- Molinara
What is a notable characteristic of Valpolicella wines?
Bright with aromas of blueberries and banana
What is the difference between Soave and Soave Classico?
Soave Classico is from the best vineyards in the volcanic hills
What grape variety is primarily used in Trentino for sparkling wine?
Chardonnay
What is the main grape variety in Friuli-Venezia Giulia known for high quality varietal wines?
Merlot
Fill in the blank: Prosecco is commonly thought of as a cheaper version of _______.
Champagne
True or False: Soave wines are typically dry and light-bodied.
True
What is the common term for sparkling wines made using the traditional Champagne method in Italy?
Metodo Classico
Name two regions in Italy known for Metodo Classico sparkling wines.
- Franciacorta
- Trento
What is the main grape variety in Teroldego wines?
Teroldego
Teroldego (Italian: [teˈrɔldeɡo], Venetian: [teˈɾɔldeɡo]) is a red Italian grape variety grown primarily in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy.
What is the climate range in Valpolicella?
Continental on foothills to hot Maritime toward coast
Valpolicella (ne italy, near Verona)
What is the significance of the drying room in the Amarone production process?
Grapes are dried to concentrate flavors and sugars
What type of wine is Soave classified as?
White wine
What is the minimum percentage of Garganega required in Soave wines?
70%
What is the typical flavor profile of Soave wines?
Melon-and-orange-zest flavors
What grape varieties are included in the primary grape varieties of Friuli-Venezia Giulia?
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
What is the notable characteristic of Schiava/Vernatsch wines?
Light-bodied, dry, fruity and floral
What is the largest subarea of Friuli?
Grave (Free-oo-lee Gra-veh)
Grave is a significant subregion known for its wine production.
Name the primary white grape varieties of Friuli.
- Pinot Grigio
- Pinot Bianco
- Sauvignon (Blanc)
- Chardonnay
- Friulano (Sauv. Vert)
These varieties are essential for the white wines of the region.
Name the primary red grape varieties of Friuli.
- Merlot
- Refosco (Mondeuse)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
These varieties contribute to the red wines produced in Friuli.
What are the key regions of Friuli?
- Grave del Friuli
- Colli Orientali
- Collio
- Isonzo
These regions are known for their distinct wine characteristics.
List the important DOCGs in Friuli.
- Ramandolo (Verduzzo)
- Picolit & Picolit-Gialla
DOCG indicates a high quality of wine production.
What are the characteristics of Pinot Grigio and Prosecco from Friuli?
Light, moderately zesty with gentle herbaceous notes and citrus-like aromas
These wines are recommended for pairing with sushi, veggies, and light cheeses.
What is the significance of Collio in Friuli?
Accounts for little more than 5% of vineyards but traditionally accounts for the highest accolades and awards
The region is known for producing high-quality wines.
Describe the wines from Colli Orientali del Friuli.
Feature scents of white flowers and ripe apples, with lots of stone fruit and a long tingly finish
The area is known for both international and local grape varieties.
What is unique about orange wine from Carso?
Made by letting white wine juice keep contact with grape skins during fermentation
This method is traditionally used for red wines.
What is Emilia Romagna known for?
The food center of Italy with fertile soils
The region is divided by seven rivers.
Name the primary wines produced in Emilia Romagna.
- Albana di Romagna DOCG
- Sangiovese di Romagna based reds
- Lambrusco (various versions)
Lambrusco is known for its sparkling qualities.
What grape varieties are associated with Lambrusco?
- Light-bodied sparkling red wines
- Notes of strawberries, blackberries, rhubarb, and hibiscus
Lambrusco has various sweetness levels from dry to sweet.
What is the historical significance of viticulture in Tuscany?
Dates back to Etruscan settlements in the 8th century BC
Tuscan wine was exported as early as the 7th century BC.
What are Super Tuscans?
Wines made outside DOC/DOCG regulations, often containing Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon
These wines are recognized for their high quality.
What is the minimum grape composition for Chianti Classico?
Sangiovese a minimum of 80%
Addition of white grapes is no longer permitted.
What are the aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino?
4 years with a minimum of 2 years in oak
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva requires 5 years with 2 years in oak.
What is unique about the Sagrantino grape?
Considered possibly the world’s most high tannin red wine
It features deep flavors of plum, blackberry, and herbal notes.
What is Frascati wine primarily made from?
A blend of white grapes, primarily Malvasia and Trebbiano
It can also include Chardonnay and offers light flavors.
What are the primary grape varieties in Umbria?
- Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico)
- Grechetto
- Sangiovese
- Sagrantino
- Canaiolo
These varieties highlight the region’s diverse wine offerings.
What is the primary white grape variety in the Marches region?
Verdicchio
This grape is known for its quality wines in the region.
What are the primary grape varieties used in white wines from Marche?
- Verdicchio
- Trebbiano
- Pecorino
- Malvasia
These varieties contribute to the region’s diverse wine profile.
What are the primary grape varieties used in red wines from Marche?
- Montepulciano
- Sangiovese
These grapes are essential to the red wine production in Marche.
Name an important appellation for Verdicchio in Marche.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG
This appellation is known for high-quality Verdicchio wines.
What is Sagrantino known for?
High tannin red wine with flavors of deep plum, blackberry, and black cherry
Sagrantino is noted for its intense tannin structure.
Describe the flavor profile of Verdicchio.
Lean, dry white wine with pear skin and preserved lemon flavors
It pairs well with fish dishes.
True or False: Montepulciano is a wine grape that makes full-bodied red wines.
False
Montepulciano typically produces medium-bodied red wines.
Fill in the blank: The important appellation for Montepulciano in Abruzzo is _______.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG
This DOCG is recognized for its quality standards.
What flavors are commonly associated with Montepulciano wines?
- Plum
- Boysenberry
- Coffee
- Herbs
- Crushed black pepper
These flavors create a complex tasting experience.
What type of wine is characterized by smokiness and mocha flavors?
Montepulciano
This red wine can range from supple and smooth to chewy.
Name a white grape variety that is one of Italy’s most planted.
Trebbiano
Trebbiano produces wines similar to Chardonnay.
What is the flavor profile of Sangiovese from Marche?
More herbaceous with ripe plum and berry flavors, bold tannins
Dried herbs are also present on the finish.
List two important appellations for red wines in Marche.
- Conero Riserva DOCG
- Rosso Conero DOC
These appellations highlight the quality of red wines produced in the region.
What grape variety is used to produce wines labeled Grechetto?
Grechetto
This variety is part of the blend in Orvietto wines.
Fill in the blank: The important white grape variety from Abruzzo is _______.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
This variety contributes to the region’s white wine profile.
What is a notable characteristic of wines from Liguria?
Vermentino
This grape variety is significant in the coastal region.
What is the grape variety associated with Calabria?
Gaglioppo
This variety is prominent in the tip of the boot of Italy.
What grape variety is prominent in Basilicata?
Aglianico
Aglianico is known for producing rich red wines.
What is the primary grape variety from Val d’Aosta?
Petite Rouge
This variety is typical of the northern region of Piedmont.