D3 | Italy

Question 1

Describe the climate of Piemonte

Answer 1

Moderate continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Protected by the Alps on the north to excessive rainfall and cold winds. And from weather systems coming from the Mediterranean by the Apennines.

Question 2

Describe the style of a typical Piemonte Nebbiolo

Answer 2

Pale ruby, turning pale garnet within 3-5 yrs. Pronounced intensity aroma’s and flavours of violet, rose, red cherry, red plum. Full body, high tannins, high acidity and can be high alcohol.

Question 3

Which training method is used for Nebbiolo in Piemonte and why?

Answer 3

Single Guyot - the vines are trained high because the first few buds are infertile. Single Guyot facilities mechanical trimming to the vigorous canopy. Excessive exposure of grapes to the sun can be a problem. Nebbiolo needs regular canopy management.

Question 4

What means “Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive”?

Answer 4

The official “Cru” status given to the best plots within Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG.

Question 5

What are the ageing requirements for BAROLO DOCG?

Answer 5

3 yrs and 2 months, including 18 months in oak

Question 6

What are the ageing requirements of BAROLO DOCG RISERVA?

Answer 6

5 yrs and 2 months, including 18 months oak

Question 7

What is the most planted grape variety of Piemonte?

Answer 7

Barbera (3 times as much as Nebbiolo)

Question 8

Describe the typical style of a DOLCETTO D’ALBA DOC

Answer 8

Deep ruby - med+ intensity red cherry and floral notes - med- acidity - med+ tannin

Question 9

Describe the climate of Tuscany

Answer 9

Warm Mediterranean on the coast with adequate rainfall for grape growing. Summers can be hot and winters cold.

Question 10

Name some of the climate Hazards in Tuscany

Answer 10

Occasional spring frost, hail and rain during harvest period. Summer drought and prolonged high temp (leading to the cessation of photosynthesis and therefore incomplete ripening of skins and seeds) can be hazards in some years.

Question 11

What is the most planted variety of Italy? And where does it account for as a whole?

Answer 11

Sangiovese; 10%

Question 12

Describe the style of a typical Sangiovese

Answer 12

Med int ruby colour - red cherry, red plum and herbal notes - medium to full bodied - high acidity and high tannins

Question 13

Name some habits of Sangiovese in the vineyard

Answer 13

Difficult to grow 
Buds early (therefore prone to spring frost)
Ripens late (early autumn rain)
Does best on sunny, south and south-east facing slopes to ripen best 
Best quality on 200-550 m
Vigorous 
Thin skins 
High yields

Question 14

What tells Classico you on the label?

Answer 14

Wines made from grapes grown within a historical area of DOC or DOCG

Question 15

What tells Superiore you on the label?

Answer 15

Wines with a higher minimum alcohol level, typically an additional 0,5%

Question 16

What tells Riserva you on the label?

Answer 16

Wines with a certain ageing period, at least 2 yrs for red and 1 for whites. Some DOC/DOCG specify this must be in oak.

Question 17

What was IGT called previously?

Answer 17

Vino de Tavola

Question 18

Which company is processing more than 10% of all Italian wine grapes?

Answer 18

Caviro, that are operating in seven regions.

Question 19

How many % of the wines in Trentino is produced by coops?

Answer 19

Just over 80%

Question 20

What is the main cooling influence in Trentino climate?

Answer 20

The airdrop by night from the Alps Mountains. This creates a high diurnal range which intensifies flavours and retains acidity in the grapes.

Question 21

What is the climate of Trentino?

Answer 21

Moderate, continental climate but with cooling influences.