Grapes and wines in Southern Italy

Question 1

Describe the climate of Southern Italy and moderating influences on vineyard locations

Answer 1

Hot and dry inland, more humid near the coast
Vineyards on slopes of Apennines moderated by cooler altitude
Vineyards on the flatter terrain of the peninsula are cooled by sea breezes

Question 2

Describe vinegrowing practices in Southern Italy

Answer 2

Traditionally bush-trained vines low to the ground with leaf cover protecting grapes from sunburn
Now cordon training and trellising are most common to allow mechanisation on flat plains

Question 3

Describe the landscape of Campania

Answer 3

Very varied with mountains, valleys, coastal plains

Question 4

List the key white varieties of Campania

Answer 4

Fiano

Greco

Question 5

Describe Fiano di Avellino DOCG

Answer 5

Medium acidity, medium to full body and aromas of stone fruit, melons, mango
Usually made to drink young
Better examples are matured in oak, can be aged in bottle developing aromas of wax and honey

Question 6

Describe Greco di Tufo DOCG

Answer 6

More acidity and leaner in body than Fiano di Avellino DOCG
Green apple, stone fruit, passion fruit flavours
Mostly fermented in stainless steel, but some use old oak and lees stirring to enhance texture. Best examples can age and develop aromas of honey and mushrooms

Question 7

What is the most prestigious black grape of Campania? Give an example of wine and the best known appellation

Answer 7

Aglianico
Deep colour, high acidity and tannin, flavours of black fruit, matured in oak and can age in bottle, developing earthy, forest floor notes
Taurasi DOCG

Question 8

Describe the vineyard layout in Basilicata

Answer 8

Extremely mountainous - vineyards can reach up to 900m in altitude e.g. on vast high plain around Monte Vulture

Question 9

What is the principle grape variety and best wine of Basilicata?

Answer 9

Aglianico

Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Question 10

Describe the climate of Puglia and its impact on grape growing

Answer 10

Hot climate means region is dominated by black grape varieties

Question 11

What are the key varieties of Puglia?

Answer 11

Primitivo

Negroamaro

Question 12

Describe wine styles of Negroamaro and Primitivo when grown in high yields

Answer 12

When grown in high yields, produce simple fruity wines for early drinking i.e. Puglia IGT

Question 13

Describe wine styles of Negroamaro and Primitivo when grown in controlled yields

Answer 13

Negroamaro: Salice Salentino DOC has high-quality full bodied wines, with medium tannins and acidity, high alcohol and baked red and black fruit

Primitivo: full-bodied, medium tannins and acidity, high alcohol, pronounced flavours of very ripe berry fruit

Question 14

What is the dominant black grape of Sicily and associated appellations?

Answer 14

Nero d’Avola
In high yields: IGT Terre di Sicilia/Terre Siciliane
Lowered yields: Sicilia DOC

Question 15

Describe a Sicilia DOC wine

Answer 15

Dominant in Nero d’Avola
Medium to full-bodied, medium levels of acidity and tannin, aromas of plums and black cherries. Can be made in fruity early-drinking style but better examples are more concentrated and complex

Question 16

Describe a typical white wine from Sicily

Answer 16

Sold as varietal or blended, unoaked and citrus and stone fruit flavours

Question 17

What international varieties are also planted in Sicily?

Answer 17

Chardonnay
Syrah (particularly successful)

Question 18

Describe the style and blend of Etna DOC.

Answer 18

Old, low yielding vines at high altitudes
Blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Capuccio
Fragrant with high acid and tannin
Aromas of sour cherries, cranberries, raspberries, sometimes with dried herbs
With bottle age the high tannins soften, and mushroom-like aromas develop

Question 19

Describe Etna DOC

Answer 19

Fragrant with high acid and tannin
Aromas of sour cherries, cranberries, raspberries, sometimes with dried herbs
With bottle age the high tannins soften, and mushroom-like aromas develop

Question 20

Describe a high-quality white wine from Sicily

Answer 20

Medium-bodied, high acidity, citrus fruit often with a stony/steely character, developing aromas of honey and wax with bottle age