History

Question 1

When did Mt Vesuvius erupt, and what impact did it have on viticulture?

Answer 1

AD 79

Caused a race to plant new vines on the outskirts of the Empire’s captial

Question 2

During the middle ages, what organization(s) preserved vitcultural practices?

Answer 2

Ecclesiastical orders - Benedictines and Cistercians. Barbarians didn’t drink wine and destroyed many vineyards.

Question 3

Through the middle ages, how was wine viewed in Italy?

Answer 3

Primarily as a food product and/or for personal consumption, though sea-side cities enjoyed transportation advantages and started trading wine after 1000 AD. Bordeaux’ proximity to trade routes gave it an early commercial advantage.

Question 4

Which country dominated wine production/sales from 1700’s-1800’s. Why?

Answer 4

France. Due to ability to travel and salesmanship/marketing.

Question 5

When did Phylloxera hit Italian vineyards?

Answer 5

1870

Question 6

When did the Quality Regulations begin in Italy?

Answer 6

1963 - DOCs

Question 7

When did Chianti begin to dominate IT wine exports, and who led the movement?

Answer 7

1980’s - rising quality and new production methods gave birth to Sassicaia and Tignanello.

Question 8

What % of grapes must come from the named area on an IGT wine?

Answer 8

85%

Question 9

What can NOT be listed on the label of a VdT wine?

Answer 9

Neither the varietal nor the vintage can appear on the label

Question 10

What production authority is held by the area of production on an IGT wine?

Answer 10

1. Grapes used
2. Yield per hectare (tons per hectare)
3. Yield per ton of grapes (hectolitres per ton)
4. Min aging period (if any)
5. Chemical/physical and sensory properties
6. Other authorized production practices

Question 11

What does VQPRD stand for, and what does it cover?

Answer 11

Quality Wine Produced in a Specified Region (approx) Vino Qualitat Produczione Regionale Determinate

• DOC
• DOCG

Question 12

What regulation authority does DOC entail?

Answer 12

“Wines of distinctive character and superior quality”:
Grapes used
Production Area
Production process
Aging
Control of entire production cycle
Must pass both chemical and sensory analysis during production

Question 13

What requirements does the DOCG designation impose on a winemaker?

Answer 13

Subject to stricter rules than DOC wines.
Must have 5 years of history as a DOC wine
Chem and Sensory analysis during production, as with DOC
BUT, another sensory analysis after bottling

Question 14

What is one key difference between PDO/DOP and PGI/IGP regulations

Answer 14

DOP (covers DOC andd DOCG) 100% of Grapes must be grown, vinified and bottled within the defined area

IGP (IGT) 85% of grapes must be grown…

Question 15

Can a producer of IT wines decide whether to use the IGT/DOC/DOCG rules and labels over the new (2009) EU pyramid of classifications?

Answer 15

Yes, they are grandfathered as “traditional terms”

However, they can choose to use both sets of terms on their labels