Italie du Nord Flashcards
Where are the vineyards located in northern Italy?
What kind of climate?
The vineyard regions of Northern Italy are located in the foothills of the Alps and on the extensive plain of the River Po. The Alps form a barrier that extends the length of the north Italian border, and shelter the vineyards from rain.
MODERATE climate with dry, short summers. Local rivers, including the Po (south), and glacial lakes, such as Lake Garcia (north), provide a moderating influence to inland areas. Areas that lie close to the sea
can have higher levels of rainfall, meaning that fungal
diseases can be a problem.
What are the main caracteristics of vines training in the northern part of Italy?
Traditionally planted with high yielding vines at low densities.
A complex trellising system called pergola was common: the canopy is trained high with the fruit hanging down below a horizontal canopy of leaves.
- provides shade, slows ripening/protects from sunburn
- allows air to circulate, minimising the risk of rot
- good for grapes that need high acid/low sugar, e.g. grapes for sparkling wine
- good for grapes that need to be dried after harvest, e.g. passito wines.
However, higher density plantings using VSP training are now more common.
Where is Piemonte and what is its climate?
What is the first red grape to ripen in Piemonte?
Piemonte is in the northwest corner of Italy.
Its climate is moderate Continental.
Dolcetto (purple color)
What are the primary black/red grapes used in Piemonte?
Nebbiolo
Barbera (most planted)
Dolcetto
What are the 2 most important red DOCGs of Piemonte?
What is the only grape allowed?
BAROLO DOCG
Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo
What is the aging requirement for Barolo?
38 months, 18 of which must be in oak
What is the aging requirement for Barbaresco?
26 months, 9 of which must be in oak
If a bottle of Barolo has just “Barolo” on it, where can the grapes come from that go into that wine?
The grapes can come from any of the several villages that make up the Barolo DOCG
If the grapes for a Barolo come from just one village or just one vineyard, what appears on the label?
You’ll see Barolo + name of village (e.g. Serralunga d’Alba, La Morra) or Barolo + name of cru (e.g. Villero, Francia).
Is Nebbiolo an early or late ripener?
Nebbiolo is a late ripener.
Note the pale color (Nebbiolo is thin skinned but packed with tannins).
Which mountains create a rain shadow in Piemonte, protecting the region from northern winds?
The Alps
What are the weather threats in Piemonte
summertime hail
fog, which can lead to underripe grapes or rot
What are the 2 primary white grapes in Piemonte?
Moscato (most planted)
Cortese
Are there any IGPs or IGTs in Piemonte?
No, Piemonte has only DOCs and DOCGs.
What is the altitude range for vineyards in Barolo?
Which direction do the most important vineyards in Barolo face?
300-500m
Most vineyards in Barolo face south.
What is the altitude range for vineyards in Barbaresco?
200-400m
Lower altitude means Nebbiolo ripens earlier in Barbaresco, making Barbaresco usually a bit fruitier than traditional Barolo.
Which DOCG can be on a wine if the Cortese grapes only come from the village of Gavi itself?
Gavi di Gavi DOCG
Light body, high acid, citrus, pear/apple aromas
Barbera d’Alba is a DO____.
Barbera d’Asti is a DO____.
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Which Dolcetto DOC is generally viewed as the one making better Dolcetto?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Veneto lies on what sea?
Adriatic. Venice is in the eastern part of the Veneto.
What lake is on Veneto’s western border?
How does this lake influence the winegrowing area around it?
Lake Garda
Breezes off the lake cool down vineyards in the western portion of the Veneto.
What is the main red grape in Valpolicella DOC and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG?
CORVINA.
It has a profile of sour cherry and high acidity.
Grapes grown on the valley floor in Valpolicella use which DOC?
Grapes grown in the foothills of Valpolicella use which DOC?
Valley floor: Valpolicella DOC
Foothills: Valpolicella Classico DOC
What are the soils of Valpolicella DOC?
What are the soils of Valpolicella Classico DOC?
Which is more fertile?
Valpolicella DOC –gravel and sand (more fertile)Valpolicella Classico DOC –limestone, clay, and volcanic