Geography, Climate and Soil - Piemonte Flashcards
Which two ranges of mountains frame the northern border of Italy and what do they do?
The Alps and The Dolomites. They exert continentality.
What is the main river that bisects the North of Italy?
The River Po.
What are the principal cities of Piemonte and Lombardia?
Turin and Milan respectively.
What lake lies to the extreme northeast? What is its significance?
Lake Maggiore - It has much less climatic effect on Piemonte’s vineyards than Lake Garda does on the vineyards of Veneto.
Explain the effect of the Mediterranean on the vineyards of Piemonte.
It has virtually no influence due to the high Apennines to the south.
Give a general overview of the viticultural year in Piemonte.
- Harsh cold Winters
- A long ripening period in the Summer and Autumn
- Autumn brings frequent fog
The best and latest ripening varieties will get what aspect and what varieties are they?
They will get South facing slopes for best exposure to the sun.
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera
- Moscato
- Dolcetto
- Cortese
What are early ripening varieties in Piemonte and what exposures do they generally have?
Dolcetto and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they are generally grown on East and West facing slopes.
Burgundian varieties are grown on what aspects and why?
Burgundian varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown on North facing slopes as ripening too quickly is a problem with these varieties.
Where is Barolo DOCG found?
In the Langhe hills, south of the river Tonaro south of the town of Alba.
What is the generic soil of Barolo and the specific soil of the two valleys? What differences do they produce in their wines?
The Generic soil is alluvial marine in origin.
Barolo Valley - Light calcareous marl - More aroma and elegance.
Serralunga Valley - Heavier soil with more lime and iron. - Fuller bodied and tannic, more ageing potential.
Where are the vineyards of Barbaresco DOCG situated?
South of the river Tanaro, east and northeast of Alba.
What are the chief differences between Barbaresco DOCG and Barolo DOCG in terms of soil and vineyards?
Barbaresco DOCG is planted on lighter soils and the slopes are less steep. The vineyards are closer to the river Tonaro meaning there is more warmth and the Nebbiolo in Barbaresco DOCG ripens earlier than Barolo DOCG.
What does the earlier ripening of Barbaresco over Barolo mean climatically?
That it is less at risk of October rain and dilution and therefore has many more successful vintages.
Where is Nebbiolo d’Alba situated?
Sandwiched between Barolo and Barbaresco on the north and south sides of the River Tonaro.
