Italy Flashcards
1
Q
When and where did the Greeks arrive in Italy?
A
8th Century BC, start planting vines in Sicily (“Oenitrea”)
2
Q
What was the name of the first city established in Sicily by the Greeks?
A
Agrigento
3
Q
What was the name of the Italian civilisation that pioneered better winemaking methods?
A
Etruscans
4
Q
When did the Romans conquer Italy? How did this change the social status of wine?
A
146AD. Wine became a drink for the high class
5
Q
How did the Romans first concentrate wine?
A
Wine would be cooked over a fire, preserved with honey, resin and herbs
6
Q
Which country invented the wine glass?
A
Italy, imported the art of glass blowing from Syria around 1300AD
7
Q
What event in the 15th century changed the winemaking standards of Italy?
A
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453AD, Greek wines stopped being exported to Italy, Italy then turned to increasing the quality of its domestic production
8
Q
What are the two historical Italian ports for wine trade?
A
Venice - had a wine export monopoly in the first millenium
Port of Pisa - centred near the thriving wine producing region of Florence, and nearby Tuscany became a main trading port
9
Q
Provide two examples of Italian banking families the promoted the wines of Tuscany
A
Antinori, Frescobaldi
10
Q
Who created the first delimitation of production area in Italy? When?
A
Medici family delimit the Chianti region in 1716
11
Q
Who pioneered the Nebbiolo grape in the region of Piemonte?
A
1832-1849, Louis Oudard, Oenologist from Champagne. Furthermore promoted and made Barolo a dry wine
12
Q
Who invented the traditional Chianti blend?
A
1861, Prime minister of Italy Barin Ricasoli invents the blend of Sangio + Canaiolo
13
Q
Who helped save Italian vineyards from the potential mildew devestation in the early 1900s?
A
Giribaldi, brought Bordeaux mixture to Italy
14
Q
Was Italy greatly affected by Phylloxera?
A
No, reached Italy 20 years later, grafting solution already discovered
15
Q
What was a major factor that led to the increase in Italian wine exports in the 20th century?
A
Emigration of Italians throughout the world
16
Q
When was the DOC system first established? When was it recognised?
A
Established 1963, recognized 1966
17
Q
What magazine publication put a spotlight on Italian winemakers in the late 20th century?
A
Gambero Rosso magazine, established 1986
18
Q
What are the 4 levels of the Italian appellation system?
A
- Vino da Tavola
- Indicazione Geografica Protecta (IGP, formerly IGT)
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
19
Q
How many DOCs and DOCGs are there in Italy?
A
DOC - 332
DOCG - 76
20
Q
Describe the region and wines of Calle d’Aosta DOC
A
- North west Italy, bordering Switzerland
- Mountainous, high sunshine, low temp
- Production 70% red
- Chardonnay, Gamay, Petit Rouge, Nebbiolo, Pinot Nero
21
Q
Provide an overview of the Piemonte region
A
- North west Italy
- Home to more DOCGs than any other Italian region
- Turin (Torino) is the major city
- Best known for Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, white Gavi, Sparkling Asti
- Continental climate, mountainous and Med influence
- 59 wine regions
- No IGTs
22
Q
What are the main grapes of the Piemonte region?
A
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
- Brachetto
- Moscato Bianco
- Cortese
- Arneis
23
Q
What are the characteristics of the Barbera grape?
A
- Deep colour
- Low-med acid
- Low-med tannins
- Red and black gruits, coffee, smoke, anise
24
Q
What are the characteristics of the Dolcetto grape?
A
- Easy growing, ripening
- Soft, friuty wines of varying colour
- Low acid
- Notes of black peppercorns, violets
- Firm tannin structure
- Early drinking
25
What are the characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape?
- Hard to grow, requires well-drained limestone or marl soils
- Taking long time for grapes to mature
- Sensitive to disease and rot
- Red fruits, dried roses
- AKA Spanna, Chiavennasca, Picotener
26
What are the characteristics of the Brachetto grape?
- Light bodied
- Low alcohol
- Aromatic - red and black raspberries, strawberries, rose
NOTE: Famous for being presented to Cleopatra from Caesar and Marc Anthony
27
What are the characteristics of the Moscato Bianco (Muscat à petit grains) grape?
- Notes of honeydew melon, grape, ripe pear, mandarin, floral
28
Describe the asti method in terms of Moscato winemaking
- Harvested ripe
- Grapes pressed gently, fermentation in open, pressurized tank
- Tank closed towards end of ferment to trap CO2
- Fermenting juice is frozen when desired level of alcohol is reached
- Low alc – 4.5-6.5%
- Max 2.5 bars
- Sweetness min 80g/L
29
What are the characteristics of the Cortese grape?
- Dry white, crisp chalky finish
- Notes of lemon, apple, melon, straw
- Med-high acid
30
Describe the region of Barolo DOCG
- Elevation between 170-540m
- 1500ha
- Min mat 38 months (18 in barrel), riserva min 62 months (18 in barrel)
- Terroir is varied, La Morra and Barolo are limestone, marl rich. Other areas are sandstone and limestone, creating bigger wines
- 12 Crus - Cannubi, Brunate and Bussia are most famous
31
What is Barolo Chinato?
- An aromatized wine made from Barolo
- Bark, herbs, spices added
- 8 week maceration
- Fortified to 16%
- Matured in small barrels for 12 months
32
Describe the region of Barbaresco DOCG
- 500 ha
- Covers 3 muncipalities - Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso
- Nearby Tanaro River regulates cliamte
- Limestone rich marl soils (similar to La Morra of Barolo)
- 200-400m altitude
- Min mat 24 months (18 months barrel), riserva 48 months (18 months barrel)
- Main vineyards include Montefico, Mantestefano, Rabaja, Albesani
33
Describe the differences between Barolo and Barbaresco
- Barbaresco slightly more maritime climate: warmer, drier, milder
- Grapes ripen earlier than in Barolo
- Barbaresco wines are less tannic, more approachable when young
- Barbaresco characterised by rich, spicy flavours, perfumed sweetness
- Barolo tends to age longer
34
Which DOCG is Lombardia most famous for?
Franciacorta DOCG
35
Describe the wines of Franciacorta DOCG
- Made similar to Champagne
- Methode trad
- Chardonnay, Pinot noir + Pinot Blanc (max 50%)
- Rosé version must have base wine min 35% PN
- Franciacorta Satèn = blanc de blancs, min 50% chard, rest Pinot Blanc
36
What are the ageing requirements for Franciacorta?
- 18months for non vintage
- 24 months for saten and rose
- 30 months for vintage
- 60 months for riserva
37
What are the 4 styles of red wines from Valpolicella?
Valpolicella (normal, dry)
Recioto (dried until min dec. 1st, not fully fermented; sweet)
Valpol Ripasso (fermented with pomace of Recioto or Amarone)
Amarone (Similar to recioto, although fully fermented - max RS 9g/L)
38
What are the main grapes used for Valpolicella?
- Corvina
- Rondinella
- Corvinone
- Molinara
(Must be 45-95% corvina for Valpol DOC(G)s)
39
Describe the wines of Soave
- Most famous white wine DOC in Italy
- Small, hilly region
- Min 70% Garganega, Trebbiano max 30%, chardonnay max 5%
- Recioto di Soave DOCG are sweet wines made of dried grapes
40
Describe the wines of Prosecco
- Glera is main grape
- Grape was named Prosecco before 2009, when it was changed to protect the designation
- Prosecco DOC is produced in a limited area of North east Italy, Veneto and Friuli
- Can include max 15% indigenous grapes (Bianchetta, verdiso, perera)
- Charmat method
- Rosato allowed as of 2019, including Pinot Nero
41
Name some examples of DOC(G)s within the Prosecco region
- Prosecco Trieste, Treviso DOC
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Asolo Prosecco DOCG
42
What is Prosecco Cal Fondo?
- Method used prior to charmat method
- Trad method, not disgorged
- Frizzante, not spumante
43
Describe the region of Trentino-Alto Adige
- Northernmost region of Italy
- Trento is capital
- No DOCGs, 9 DOCs, 4 IGPs
- 91% produced at DOC level
- Chardonnay, PG, Schiava are main grapes
44
Describe the region and wines of Emilia-Romagna
- 58,000ha
- Bologna is capital city
- Best known for Lambrusco
- 3rd largest production of any Italian region
- Main grapes are Trebbiano, lambrusco, sangio
45
What does "Lambrusco" mean?
Wild vine
46
What is the most famous Lumbrusco DOC
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro
47
Describe the production method for Lambrusco
Wines undergo second fermentation, either in bottles or autoclaves
Min alc 10.5% frizzante, 11% spumante
Can be produced to any sweetness level
No min. Maturation
48
Describe the region of Abruzzo
- Located in the east coast (adriatic sea)
- Marche to the north, Lazio SW, Molise SE
- 2 DOCGs, 7 DOCs
- Montepulciano (57%), Trebbiano (29%)
- Region was hit by an earthquake in 2009
- Modena is main city
- Main DOCs are Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
49
What is the most famous DOC for trebbiano production in Italy?
DOC Trebbiano d'Abruzzo
50
What are the most famous DOCs for Montepulciano production in Italy?
DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
DOCG Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
51
Describe the wine region of Tuscany
- Best known for sangiovese
- 11 DOCGs, 41 DOCs, 6 IGPs
- Best known for Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri, Vin Santo
- Warm, dry region
52
Which family first created the Chianti delimitation?
Medici family, 1716
53
What new labelling term was created for Chianti in 2014 to help it compete with Barolo, Barbaresco in prestige?
"Gran Selezione" - grapes must be grown by the producer, min 30 months ageing (min. 3 months in bottle)
54
What are the minimum ageing requirements of Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG?
Min. 24 moths ageing including min. 3 months in bottle
55
What is the name of the only white-wine producing DOCG of Tuscany?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG - white wines based on Vernaccia grapes. Overlaps Chianti DOCG
56
What IGT is most commonly used for "Super Tuscans"?
IGT Toscana
57
What are the two rivers between which Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is located?
Ocria, Chiana rivers
58
What are the minimum amounts of sangio required for Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico DOCG?
Chianti - min 70%
Classico - min 80%
59
What are the minimum grape requirements for Vino nobile di montepulciano DOCG?
Min 70% Sangio
10-20% Canaiolo
Max 10% Mammolo
60
Describe the rise of Bolgheri DOC
- Swampland prior to the 1970s
- 1972 Sassicaia made its way to the decanter tasting of 1978
- Banks of gravel, similar to the Médoc
- Seen as Italy's answer to Bordeaux, wines have been increasing their reputation
61
What grapes are used for Italy's Vin Santo?
Trebbiano, Malvasia, Sangiovese
62
Describe the region of Campania
- Capital is Naples
- Best known for reds made from Aglianico, whites of Flanaghina, Fiano, Greco di Tufo
- Lots of sunshine
- Dry, hot summers
- Mild winters
- Long growing season
- Volcanic, alluvial, limestone, marls, dolomites
63
Describe the region of Campania
- Capital is Naples
- Best known for reds made from Aglianico, whites of Flanaghina, Fiano, Greco di Tufo
- Lots of sunshine
- Dry, hot summers
- Mild winters
- Long growing season
- Volcanic, alluvial, limestone, marls, dolomites
64
Describe the wines of Taurasi DOCG
- First DOCG of Campania
- Vineyards up to 400m elevation
- Calcareous marl, volcanic, limestone
- Min 85% Aglianico
- Min mat 3 years (1 year in oak)
- RISERVA: Min mat 4 years (18 months in oak)
65
Describe the wines of Fiano di Avellino DOCG
- Regarded as highest quality fiano from Italy
- Volcanic and calcareous soils
- Min 85% fiano
- Medium body, notes of honeydew, pear, pine
66
Describe the wines oof Greco di Tufo DOCG
- White grape variety imported from Greece
- Tufo is a soil type (compacted volcanic ash)
- 8 villages can claim the DOCG
- Greco min 85%, rest Coda di volpe
67
Describe the wine region of Puglia
- Capital city is Bari
- 4 DOCGs, 28 DOCs, 6 IGPs
- Focus on bulk wines under IGPs
- Sangiovese, primitivo, negroamaro, trebbiano
- Notable DOOC is Primitivo di Manduria DOC
68
Describe the wines of Primitivo di Manduria DOC
- Planted on hot, dry, sloping plains
- Min 85% primitivo
- Min 13.5% alcohol - highest min alc level of any appellation for dry, unfortified wine in the world
69
What is the name of the DOC in Puglia responsible for sweet Primitivo wines?
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG
- 100% prim, min RS 80g/l
- Must be dried on the vine
70
Describe the history of winemaking in Sicily
- First wine region of Italy - 600BC
- Popularity took off in the 18th century, with popularity of Marsala
- English wine merchant John Woodhouse discovered adding alc would stabilise the wines
71
Provide a general overview of the wines of Sicily
- Wines are mostly IGP, creation of Sicilia DOC in 2011 has increased DOC production
- Catarratto, Calabrese, Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Cappuccio are main grapes
- Mount etna responsible for volcanic soils
- Marsala production relegated to the western side of the island, due to less volcanic soil
72
What is the largest DOCG of Sicily? What style of wine does it produce?
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
- First DOCG (2005)
- Blend of Nero, Frappato
- Soils are mostly limestone and clay, more sand towards the coast
73
Describe the wines of Etna DOC
- First DOC of Sicily
- Covers the norther, eastern and southern slopes of Mt Etna
- Etna Rosso most common wine produced, with Mainly Mascalese, Cappuccio
- Etna Bianco min. 60% Carricante + catarrato, trebb, minnella
- Also rosé and spumante
- Higher elevation vineyards are the best
74
How many grape varieties can be used in the production of Marsala?
10 Sicilian varieties
75
What are the 3 sweetness levels for Marsala?
Secco <40g/L RS
Semisecco - 40-100g/l RS
Dolce >100g/l RS
76
What are the 5 maturation related labels for Marsala?
Fine (1 year)
Superiore (2)
Superiore Riserva (4)
Vergine/soleras (5)
Vergine/solera stravecchio (10)
77
What are the two main grapes of Sardinia?
Cannonau (Grenache), Vermentino
78
Describe the wines of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
- Located in the north of Sardinia
- Became first and only DOCG of the island in 1996
- Min 95% vermentino
- Straw-yellow colour with green tinge
- Frizzante, spumante, passito and vendemmia tardiva allowed
79
Describe the process of making white vs red Grappa
- Pommace must not include stems
- Unfermented grapes skins are fermented with yeasts, then distilled
- Distilled using column distillation or put distil.
- May be matured or not, traditionally clear and unaged
RED
- only difference is red grape skins are already fermented, can be distilled immediately
