Introduction to Italy Flashcards
When does Italian wine history date back to?
At least 8BCE
Etruscans exported wine culture to France from when onwards?
6BCE
What did the expansion of the Roman empire do for wine?
Created a home market
Led to the possibility of export in amphorae to the Gauls and Spain
What happened to wine production after the fall of the Roman empire in 5AD?
Wine production continued for domestic consumption
Exports came to a halt
From the 11th to 14th century, which two Italian cities became the trading centres of Europe?
Venice and Genoa
When did the modern period of Italian wine begin?
In the 19th century - this is when styles known today were beginning to be established
Which two events in Italy’s history paved the way for the contemporary period?
The unification of Italy in 1861
The economic boom after World War II
What type of wine production did winemakers focus on in the period immediately following World War II?
High yields and high volume production
When did international grape varieties first appear in Italy?
Early 20th Century
How did Italian wines change in the final 3 decades of the 20th century?
Winemakers moved away from making simple wines for local consumption or export
Standards of wine increased
Name two important innovations for Italian wine in the 20th Century.
Temperature control and stainless steel vats in Friuli wines in the 1960s
The success of Super Tuscan wines in the 1970s
How many native Italian grape varieties are there?
Between 375 and 500
What oak was traditionally used to mature Italian wines?
Large Slovenian oak casks
1000 to 5000l
Used over years allowing slow oxidation but no new oak flavour
How did use of oak in Italian winemaking change in the 80s and 90s?
Producers used more French oak barriques
There was more use of new oak
What is the term for wines which do not qualify for DOC status?
Vino da Tavola