Italian Sparkling

Question 1

In what method is 96% of Italian Sparkling is made?

Answer 1

Tank method

Question 2

Where in Italy are the principal sparkling wine making regions located?

Answer 2

In the north

Question 3

What DOC are Veneto and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia located in?

Answer 3

Prosecco DOC

Question 4

What is the premium sparkling wine region sometimes labelled as “Superiore”

Answer 4

CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE DOCG

Question 5

What style of sparkling wine does Superiore di Cartizze produces?

Answer 5

Fuller-bodied wines, usually with residual sugar above the level of Brut due to riper fruit.

Question 6

What is the principal variety in Prosecco? What are its characteristics?

Answer 6

Glera.
Very vigorous, capable of very high yields
Produces wines which are high in acidity and light bodied
Must make up at least 85% of blend

Question 7

At what temperature does the first and the second fermentation happens in Prosecco?

Answer 7

First: 18°C
Second: 12–15°C

Question 8

Where is Franciacorte DOCG located? and What method do they typically use?

Answer 8

Lombardy in Piedmont

Traditional method

Question 9

What are the permitted grape varieties in Franciacorte?

Answer 9

Chardonnay (81%), Pinot Nero (15%), Pinot Bianco (3%) and Erbamat(1%)

Question 10

Where is Trentodoc DOC located and what effect does the region have?

Answer 10

Trentino and has a cooling effect from Lake Garda

Question 11

Is Lambrusco a DOC? What climate does it have?

Answer 11

No

Warm, continental climate, humid with adequate rainfall

Question 12

What style is Lambrusco made in?

Answer 12

Mostly frothy, fruity reds intended to be drunk young

Tend to exhibit strawberry aromas, medium to medium (+) tannins, high acidity and, usually, residual sugar

Question 13

Name three Lambrusco grape varieties and their characteristics

Answer 13

Lambrusco Salamino: most widely planted; It produces fragrant, deep-coloured, full-bodied wines with high acidity; mostly blended
Lambrusco Grasparossa: only variety to be grown mainly on the hillsides; produces deep-coloured, full-bodied wine with higher tannins and darker fruit than the others
Lambrusco di Sorbara: makes paler, lighter-bodied wines with high acidity

Question 14

Where is Asti?

Answer 14

Piedmont

Question 15

What grape is Asti and what its characteristics?

Answer 15

Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains and Muscato Bianco

Orange blossom, grapes and peach.

Question 16

Can you explain the Asti Method?

Answer 16

Whole bunch pressing with a single fermentation. Initially CO2 is allowed to escape, but once ABV of around 6% is achieved the tank is closed, trapping the remaining C02. The fermentation is then stopped by chilling to 2-3 degrees and filtered. Wine is then bottled when required.

Question 17

Which grape varieties are Franciacorta made from, and which region is it in?

Answer 17

Chardonnay (81%), Pinot Nero (15%), Pinot Bianco (3%) and 1% Erbamat. It is found in Lombardy.