Italy Flashcards
The General growing environment of Italy.
In general many wine regions have a warm Mediterranean climate. Italy is a long thin country (latitude ranges from 34-47 N)
Apennines running down most of the country providing a wide ranges of sites. Many regions are influenced by the sea that surrounds the country at 3 sites. Some inland areas have a continental climate (e.g. Trenton-Alto Adige and Veneto).
Training of vines in North , Tuscany en south after WOII
North: pergola (high volume)
Tuscany: mixed planting (vines in the same field with olive trees, vegetable and grain)
South: bush vines
Top 10 grapes varieties in Italy
- Sangiovese
- Pinot Grigio
- Trebbiano
- Glera
- Montepulciano
- Catarratto
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Primitivo
- Barbera
Winemaking development in relation to oak.
Traditionally in large cask (1000-5000 l) Slavonisch oak used formant years. Slow controlled oxidation, not adding new oak flavors.
‘80 and ‘90’s increased used if new French oak Barriques.
Last 2 decades: reversal of this trend in favor of old oak.
Since when DOC
From 1967 vintage
Name 2 examples of vino do Tacoma with outstanding quality
Tuscan Sassicaia (coast of Bolgheri was not covered in DOC at first, since 1994 is added)
Le Pergole Torte from Montevertine estate. 100% Sangiovese in Chianti Classico when at time was not permitted (be a blend including white grapes)
DOCG what en when?
Stricter rules (for example requiring lower yield)
1980
In general, the more prestigious wine regions have become DOCGs
Name a giant co-operative in Italy
Caviro
North-east Italy which regions?
Trentino-Alto Adige
Friuli- Venezia Giulia
Veneto
Another name for Alto-Adige
Sudtirol
Which wines are typically produced in Trentino
Mainly whites unoaked and fresh (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau) and red wines from Teroldego, Merlot and Marzamino.
Growing Environment of Trentino
Moderate Continental Climate with cooling influences.
Daytime summer temperatures can be hot due to the mountains providing protection from cold north winds, the moderating presence of lake Garda to the south and heat building up on the valley floor.
Large difference temperature day/night due to cold air descending from the mountains at night. The cold nights enable grapes to retain acidity and prolong the growing season, allowing flavours to intensify.
Grape varieties of Trentino
75% white (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Muller Thurgau)
25% Red (Teroldego, Merlot, Marzemino)
3 black local varieties of Trentino
Teroldego (black cherry)
Marzemino (red cherry)
Lagrein (red cherry and black plum) closely related, all vigorous, mid to late ripening, deeply colored, medium tannins wine.
Teroldego
Most common black variety in Trentino. Historically trained on pergola for high yields. Quality minded growers now use Guyot.
Can suffer drying out of stems.
Best clones are 145 and 152 for intense aromas.
Best quality wines come from Teroldego Rotaliano DOC
