Italy Flashcards
Name the communes of Barbaresco.
Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso and San Rocco Seno d’Elvio
Name the communes of Barolo DOCG.
Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, La Morra, Diano d’Alba, Novello, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, Cherasco, Roddi
What’s the grape synonym of Nebbiolo in Valtellina?
Chiavennasca
When was Sassicaia first released?
1968
Which family makes Tignanello?
Antinori
When was the first Tignanello released and what was the blend?
- Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Who makes Sassicaia?
Tenuta San Guido
Who makes Flaccianello?
Fontodi
Who makes Cepparello?
Isole e Olena
When was the first vintage of Le Pergole Torte?
1977
What’s the flagship wine of Tua Rita? Grape variety used?
Redigaffi.
100% Merlot.
Who produces Masseto?
Ornellaia - 100% Merlot
2002 - wet year
What’s the second wine of Ornellaia?
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Who produces Masseto?
Ornellaia. 100% Merlot.
What’s the clone of Sangiovese in Montepulciano?
Prugnolo Gentile
Sassicaia blend?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc (15%)
What are the two principal regions for Verdicchio in Marche?
Matelica
Castelli di Jesi
What’s the grape variety for Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice?
Sangiovese
Name two principal regions for Aglianico?
Taurasi DOCG
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG
Of which two famous regions is Garganega a principal variety?
Soave
Gambellara
Where is Timorasso widely grown?
Piedmont.
Wines with very high acidity, a rich and powerful body, herbal and mineral character complemented with TDN-flavors like kerosene and petrol.
To which grape variety refer ‘Nebbiolo di Gattinara’ and ‘Spanna di Ghemme’?
Croatina, the top-planted grape in Lombardy.
Where could I find Schiava?
Alto Adige
Synonym is Vernatsch in Alto Adige and Trollinger in Austria and Germany.
Which river extends to the east in Piedmont?
Po River. Many tributaries of Po river and lakes are nestled in the foothills.
Where could I find Acqui and Monferrato?
Piedmont
What is Spanna?
The local name for Nebbiolo in Ghemme, Gattinara and other parts of Alto Piemonte.
What are the soil types of Barolo?
Tortonian in the west: clay and limestone.
Helvetian/ Serravallian in east and south: higher sand content and high in calcium carbonate which reduces vine vigour and makes austere, structured and powerful wines.
What is the ageing requirement for Barolo Normale?
38 Months from November 1 of the harvest year, including 18 months in wood.
What is the ageing requirement for Barolo Riserva?
62 Months from November 1 of the harvest year, including 18 months in wood.
What is the minimum alcohol for Barolo?
13%
What is the minimum alcohol for Barbaresco?
12.5%
What are the ageing requirements for Barbaresco Normale?
Minimum 26 months from November 1 of the harvest year. Minimum 9 years in wood. May be released after January 1 of the third year following the harvest.
What are the ageing requirements for Barbaresco Riserva?
Minimum 50 months from November 1 of the harvest year. Minimum 9 months in wood. May be released after January 1 of the 5th year following the harvest.
What are the six core communes of Barolo? About 90% of Barolo DOCG is produced here.
Barolo
Montforte d’Alba
Serralunga d’Alba
Novello
La Morra
Castiglione Falletto
What is the common training technique in Barolo and Barbaresco?
Classic Guyot training.
Longer canes with more buds are needed for production, as the buds closest to the plant are typically sterile.
What does sorí mean?
It is a hillside vineyard with full southern exposure in Piedmonte.
Who produces in MGA Falletto? And Francia?
Monopole Bruno Giacosa
Monopole Giacomo Conterno
What is one of the highest peaks in Italy located in Piedmonte?
Monviso
Name examples of original Modernists and Traditionalists.
Modernists - Bruno Giacosa, Elio Altare, Beppe Colla (Prunotto), Angelo Gaja
Traditionalists - Bartolo Mascarello, Beppe Rinaldi, Teobaldo Cappellano
What are widely planted red grapes in Tuscany?
Sangiovese
Canaiolo
Colorino
Ciliegiolo
Mammolo
Malvasia Nera
What are widely planted white grapes in Tuscany?
Malvasia
Trebbiano Toscano
What are the subzones of Chianti?
Classico
Rufina
Colli Senesi
Colli Aretini
Colli Fiorentini
Colline Pisane
Montalbano
Montespertoli
Are white grapes allowed in Chianti Classico DOCG?
No, not since 2005.
What’s the name of the river in Chianti?
Arno River
Tributary = Sieve
What are the two soils in Chianti Classico?
Galestro - schist/ clay
Albarese - marl/ limestone
What are the subzones of Chianti Classico?
Greve
Barberino Tavarnelle
San Casciano Val di Pesa
Radda
Gaiole
Poggibonsi
Castellina
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Describe ‘governo’ in Tuscany.
Adding of partially dried grapes to the fermentation midway
What are the ageing requirements for Chianti DOCG Superiore?
Wines may be released from September 1 following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Chianti DOCG Riserva?
Minimum 2 years ageing from January 1 following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Chianti Classico DOCG?
Wines may be released from October 1 following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione?
30 months + 3 months in bottle
Riserva: 24 months + 3 months in bottle
What was Italy’s first DOCG? In which year?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
1980
What are the ageing requirements for Rosso di Montalcino DOC?
Wines may be released from September 1 following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
2 Years in wood + 4 months in bottle.
May be released from January 5 in 5th year following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva?
2 Years in wood + 6 months in bottle.
May be released from January 1 the 6th year following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Rosso di Montepulciano DOC?
May be released from March 1 following harvest
What are the ageing requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
Minimum 2 years from January 1 following harvest.
- 24 months in wood
- 18 months in wood + 6 months in other vessel
- 12 months in wood + 6 in other vessel + 6 in bottle
What are the ageing requirements for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva?
Minimum 3 years from January 1 following harvest, including at least 6 months in bottle.
What’s the grape synonym for Sangiovese in Montepulciano?
Prugnolo Gentil
What are the grapes and styles for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
Minimum 70% Sangiovese, max. 20% Canaiolo, max. 10% white grapes
Give a brief description of Vin Santo production in Tuscany.
Grapes are dried on bamboo shelves or vertically in drying rooms.
Basket pressed in caratelli that are traditionally made of chestnut (50 litre barrel).
Aged in caratelli for extended time.
Vin Santo di Montepulciano Riserva is aged for a minimum of 5 years in wood.
Name 4 separate DOC’s for Vin Santo in Tuscany.
Chianti
Chianti Classico
Montepulciano
Carmignano
What are the principal grapes for Vin Santo?
Trebbiano Toscano
Malvasia Bianca Lunga
What is ‘Occhio di Pernice’?
Vin Santo made with the inclusion of Sangiovese
What’s the name of the DOCG west of Chianti Classico DOCG famous for Vernaccia?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
What’s the principal grape for San Gimignano DOC?
Sangiovese
What are the white grapes of Bolgheri DOC?
Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
What’s the maximum percentage of Sangiovese that can be used for Bolgheri DOC reds?
50%
Name a famous DOC on southern Tuscan Coast.
Maremma DOC
By which DOCG is southern Maremma dominated?
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
Name a principal producer in Morellino di Scansano.
Le Pupille, famous for Saffredi bottling which is made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante
What are the grapes and styles of Carmignano DOCG?
Rosso
Rosso Riserva
Min. 50% Sangiovese, minimum 10% Cabernet
Max. 20% Canaiolo
Max. 20% Trebbiano, Malvasia or Canaiolo Bianco
Name a famous producer and wine from Carmignano DOCG?
Capezzana (‘Trefiano’)
What is the red grape used for Passito production on the island of Elba?
Aleatico
Name 5 principal producers in Chianti Classico.
Fontodi
Montevertine
Isole e Olena
Querciabella
Poggio Scalette
Name 5 principal producers in Montalcino.
Biondi Santi
Gianni Brunelli
Casanova di Neri
Poggio di Sotto
Poggio Antico
Soldera (only Sangiovese)
Name 5 principal producers on the Tuscan Coast.
Tenuta San Guido
Ornellaia
Tua Rita
Bibi Graetz
Frescobaldi
Capezzana (Carmignano)
Name 2 principal producers in Montepulciano.
Poliziano
Avignoresi
What is the top vintage in Tuscany in 90’s?
1999 - hot vintage produced wines with finesse
What are the top vintages in Tuscany in 2000’s?
2004 (perfect growing conditions)
2006
2007 (high alcohol + good acidity)
What are the top vintages in Tuscany in 2010’s?
2010 - outstanding cooler year
2013 - classic vintage (grapes harvested beginning of October)
2016 - deep colour and fragrance
Which vintage in the last 3 decades is seen as the disastrous vintage?
2002
What is the name of the sea near Tuscany?
Tyrrhenian Sea
In which commune can I find the Conca d’Ora vineyard?
Greve
What is the minimum alcohol for Chianti DOCG?
12
What is the minimum alcohol for Chianti DOCG Riserva?
12.5
What is the minimum alcohol for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?
12.5
What is the minimum alcohol for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva?
13
Who is Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta?
Winemaker of Tenuta San Guido who made the first Sassicaia in the town of Bolgheri on the hills of Maremma in 1968.
Where could I find Podere le Boncie?
In Chianti Classico, located in the southern Castelnuovo Berardenga
What is the name of the cold northeasterly wind that almost always gives great harvests?
Tramontana - blew for 2 weeks in 2016.
It gives bright, crystalline days followed by cool nights
Who produces Vigorello?
San Felice.
100% Sangiovese in 1968
Name traditional method sparkling wine appellations in Italy.
Franciacorta DOCG
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG
Trento DOCG
Alta Langa DOCG
Who makes ‘Solaia’? What is the first vintage and blend?
Antinori, 1978, 80% Cabernet (Sauvignon/ Franc) and 20% Sangiovese.
Where could I find Orvieto DOC?
Umbria
Grapes of Orvieto DOC?
Grechetto + Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico)
Name the DOCG’s of Umbria?
Sagrantino di Montefalco
Torgiano Rosso Riserva
Styles of Sagrantino di Montefalco?
Secco
Passito (the appassimento helps breaking down the tannins)
Grape(s) of Torgiano Rosso Riserva?
70% Sangiovese.
What are the DOCG’s for white wines in Marche?
Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva (coastal)
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva (inland)
What are the DOCG’s for red wines in Marche?
Conero Rosso Riserva (85% Montepulciano, 15% Sangiovese)
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona (85% Vernaccia Nera)
Describe wine style in Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG.
It’s a DOCG for sparkling wine. Rosso spumante secco and dulce. 40% Of wine is ‘passito’ grapes.
What is the other DOCG in Marche?
Offida
W - Pecorino and Passerina
R - Montepulciano
Name two principal producers in Abruzzo.
Emidio Pepe.
Valentini.
What are the DOCG’s of Abruzzo?
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Tullum
Styles and grapes in Tullum/ Terre Tollesi DOCG?
Rosso/ Riserva
Pecorino
Passerina
Spumante - >60% Chardonnay
What are the DOCG’s of Lazio?
Frascati Superiore
Cannellino di Frascati
Cesanese del Piglio
Principal grape of Frascati DOCG’s?
Min. 70% Malvasia
Where could I find Mount Vesuvius?
Campania
Grapes of Taurasi DOCG?
> 85% Aglianico
Plus: Piedirosso, Barbera, Sangiovese
Ageing requirement Taurasi DOCG Normale?
> 3 years
1 year in wood
Ageing requirement Taurasi DOCG Riserva?
> 4 years
18 months in wood
Where could I find Mount Taburno?
Campania
Wine styles and grapes in Aglianico del Taburno DOCG?
Rosato
Rosso
>85% Aglianico
What are the white wine DOCG’s in Campania?
Fiano di Avellino
Greco di Tufo (still and sparkling)
Name white varietals planted in Campania.
Coda di Volpe
Greco
Trebbiano Toscano
Caprettone
Falanghina (Falanghina del Sannio DOC)
Where could I find Taranto Gulf and Daunian Mountains?
Puglia
What are the DOCG’s of Puglia?
Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva
Castel del Monte Bombino Nero
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale
Name two DOC’s in Salento Peninsula and their principal grape.
Salice Salento DOC
Brindisi DOC
Negroamaro
Principal grape of Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva and Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva?
Min. 65% and 90% Uva di Troia, resp.
Wine style of Castel del Monte Bombino Nero?
Rosato wines of minimum 90% Bombino Nero. Less than 10 g/l RS.
What are the appellations for Aglianico in Basilicata?
Aglianico del Vulture DOC
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG
Ageing requirement for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Riserva?
> 5 years
2 years in barrel
1 year in bottle
Where could I find Mount Vulture?
Basilicata
What are the native grapes of Calabria?
Gaglioppo
Greco Bianco
What’s a top performing DOC in Calabria?
Ciro DOC
W - >80% Greco Bianco
R - >80% Gaglioppo
Where is Diego Planeta a groundbreaking producer?
Sicily
Name other principal producers in Sicily.
Marco de Bartoli
COS
Donnafugata
Benanti
What’s the wind called that blows from Africa and warms up Sicily?
Syrocco
Where could I find Mount Etna?
Eastern coast of Sicily
Name white varietals planted in Sicily.
Carricante
Catarratto
Minella Bianca
Grecanico Dorato
Grillo
Inzolia (=Ansonica)
Name red varietals planted in Sicily.
Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Cappuccio
Nero d’Avola
Gaglioppo
Frappato
Nocera
Where could I find the Faro, Mamertino, Eloro and Malvasia delle Lipari DOC’s?
Sicily
What is the DOCG called in Sicily?
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Principal grapes in Cerasuolo di Vittoria?
50-70% Nero d’Avola (rich and structured)
30-50% Frappato (light and floral)
Where is the Marsala DOC?
Western Sicily
What are the styles of Liquroso in Marsala?
Ambra/ amber
Oro/ gold
Rubino/ ruby
Grape varieties for Ambra and Oro?
Cataratto
Grillo
Inzolia
Damaschino
Grape varieties for Rubino?
Perricone/ Pignatello
Nero d’Avola
Nerello Mascalese
What are the ageing requirements for Fine, Superiore and Superiore Riserva?
- Fine: 1 year (8 months)
- Superiore: 2 years (20 months)
- Superiore Riserva: 4 years (44 months)
What are the ageing requirements for Solera, Vergine and Riserva/Stravecchio?
Solera - 5 years (56 months)
Vergine - 5 years
Stravecchio - 10 years (116 months)
What are the sweetness levels for Marsala?
‘Secco’ (40g/L)
’Semisecco’ (40–100g/L)
‘Dolce’ (100+g/L)
Includes both residual and complementary sugar content in the finished wine.
Where could I find Pantelleria? What is the principal grape?
Island southwest of Sicily.
Zibbibo = Moscato di Alessandria
What is the capital of Sardinia?
Cagliari
What are the main (international) red varietals planted in Sardinia?
Cannonau = Garnacha
Carignano = Carignan
What is Garnacha called in Sardinia?
Cannonau
What is the DOCG of Sardinia?
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
What is the northern border of Emilia-Romagna?
Po River
Grasparossa, Salamino and Sorbara are clones of which variety?
Lambrusco
What are appellations for Lambrusco style?
Colli di Parma DOC
Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa DOC
Reggiano DOC
Modena DOC
What are the production methods for Lambrusco?
Charmat/ Tank - generally used
Metodo Ancestrale
What do the terms ‘Abboccato’ and ‘Amabile’ mean?
Abboccato = off-dry
Amabile = gently sweet
What are the DOCG’s of Emilia-Romagna?
Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto (=white grape)
Romagna Albana = white wine too
What are the main geographic features in Northern Italy?
Alps
Dolomites
Plains of Po River Valley
Ligurian and Adriatic Seas
What is Spanna di Ghemme?
Croatina
What is Nebbiolo di Gattinara?
Croatina
What is Schiava called in Alto Adige and Austria/ Germany?
- Vernatsch
- Trollinger
What are white varietals planted in Valle d’Aosta?
Prie Blanc
Malvoisie = Pinot Grigio
Moscato Bianco
Petite Arvine
Name principal red varieties of Valle d’Aosta?
Petit Rouge
Nebbiolo
What are the sub’s of Valle d’Aosta?
Alta Valle
Torrette
Nus
Donnas
What is the name of the river that flows through Valle d’Aosta?
Dora Baltea
Which two mountains meet in Liguria?
Alps and Apennines
What are the most widely planted grapes in Liguria?
Vermentino
Pigato
Where is Cinque Terre DOC?
Liguria
What is the most widely planted red grape in Liguria?
Rossese = Tibouren in Provence
Where could I find Colli di Luni, Colline di Levanto and Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino?
Liguria
Where is Sciacchetra made?
Sweet passito wine made in Cinque Terre (Levante)
Where could I find Milan, Brescia and Lake Como?
Lombardy
Which country borders Valtellina?
Switzerland
What is Nebbiolo called in Valtellina?
Chiavennasca
What are Valtellina Superiore wines bottled in Switzerland called?
Stagafassli
Name the two DOCG’s of Valtellina.
Valtellina Superiore DOCG
Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
Requirements for Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG?
Dry passito wines in the style of Amarone.
Grapes are dried on straw mats for >2 months.
Vinification can take place after December 1.
Minimum abv of 14%
Aged for at least 20 months from April 1, including at least 12 months in barrel.
By which lake is Franciacorta moderated?
Lake Iseo.
What is the name of the most important commune in Franciacorta?
Erbusco
How much Pinot Bianco is allowed for Franciacorta wines?
A maximum of 50%
Which grape variety is authorised for up to 10% of the assemblage since 2017?
Erbamat
Name two recent top vintages for Franciacorta.
2009
2011
Describe the 2017 vintage in Franciacorta.
Very hot.
Dubbed the ‘lucifer’ vintage.
What are the dosage levels of Franciacorta?
Dossagio Zero
Pas Dose - 0-3
Extra Brut - 0-6
Brut - 0-12
Extra Dry - 12-17
Sec/ Dry - 17-32
Demi-Sec - 33-50
What is the top bottling of Ca’del Bosco called?
‘Annamaria Clementi’
Spends 8 years on the lees
What are principal producers in Franciacorta?
Barone Pizzini
Bellavista
Corte Fusia
1701
Ca’ del Bosco (since 1968)
Ageing requirements for Franciacorta?
25 months of which 18 on the lees.
Ageing requirements Saten and Rose?
31 (24 on lees)
Ageing requirements for Millesimato?
37 (30 on lees)
Ageing requirements for Riserva?
67 (60 on lees)
Describe the Saten wine style.
Blanc de Blancs
Slightly less sparkling, max. pressure of 5 atmospheres.
Can only be made in Brut style.
What is the DOC called for still wine in Franciacorta?
Curtefranca DOC
What is the other sparkling wine region in southwestern Lombardy called?
Oltrepo Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG
Where are the following Amaro’s made? Cynar, Averna, Braulio, Amoro Nonino, Fernet Branca
Cynar - Campania (artichoke)
Averna - Sicily
Braulio - Valtellina
Amaro Nonino - Friuli
Fernet Branca - Milan
Where could I find Lake Como and Lake Garda?
Lombardy
Garda also in Veneto
Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano in ‘proximity’ too
True or false - Trentino is in the south and Alto Adige in north.
True
Describe geographical conditions in Trentino Alto-Adige.
Alps in northwest
Dolomites in northeast
Adige river runs through middle
The mountains shelter and warm the valley. The Summers are among the hottest in Italy.
Name principal producer in Trentino Alto Adige.
Elisabetta Foradori, savior of Teroldego
Where could I find the grapes Nosida, Manzoni Bianco and Teroldego?
Trentino Alto-Adige
What are principal red grapes in Trentino Alto Adige?
Vernatsch = Schiava
Lagrein
What are subzones of Trentino Alto Adige?
Val Venosta
Merano
Val d’Adige
Valle Isarco
Bolzano
Oltradige
Bassa Atesina
What wine style is produced in Trento DOC?
Traditional method sparkling wine.
15 Months on lees for Spumante/Rosato.
24 Months on lees for Vintage.
36 Months on lees for Riserva (brut (nature) only).
Where could I find the Gulf of Trieste?
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
What are the Slovenian names for the below regions? Collio Goriziano and Carso.
Goriska Brda
Kras
True or false - the wineregions in Friuli Venezia Giulia are in southern half of Friuli, in the Alpine foothills and flatter plains.
True
Describe the climate in Friuli.
Cool, Mediterranean climate with cool mountain air, warm Adriatic currents and more than 1,000mm of rainfall.
What are the soils called in Friuli?
‘Ponca’ - marl/ sandstone on former ocean floor.
Name of the river in Friuli? What is the region called northwest and southeast of it?
Judrio River.
To northwest - Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
To southeast - Collio Goriziano DOC
Name principal white grapes in Friuli.
Picolit.
Pinot Grigio.
Name local red grapes in Friuli.
Refosco
Schioppettino
Pignolo - very tannic
What are the DOCG’s of Friuli?
Rosazzo
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit
Ramondolo
Lison
Main grape of Rosazzo?
Friulano
Style of Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit?
Sweet, passito wines
Style and grape of Ramondolo?
Sweet, passito wines made with 100% Verduzzo Friulano
Principal grape of Lison DOCG?
Tai/ Friulano
Name principal producers in Collio Goriziano.
Radikon
Schiopetto
Gravner
Main town in Collio famous as orange wine hub?
Oslavia
Styles and grapes of Carso DOC?
W - Malvasia, Vitouska
R - Terrano, et al.
What is the name of the river in the western low-lying plains of Veneto?
Piave river.
What is Torcolato?
Wine style made with dried Vespaiolo grapes in Breganze DOC, Veneto.
Principal geographic features in Valpolicella?
Lessini mountains (which block cool, northern winds) and Adige river.
Subzones of Valpolicella Classico?
Fumane
Negrar
Maran
Sant’ Ambrogio
San Pietro in Cariano
Which lake has a warming effect on western Valpolicella?
Lake Garda
Breezes from the lake are perfect for air-drying Corvina grapes
Blend Valpolicella appellations?
45-95% Corvina and/or Corvinone
5-30% Rondinella
<25% Others, like Molinara, Croatina, Dindarella and Cabernet S. and Merlot
Describe Amarone production.
Amarone is a continuation from Recioto or a less sweet version of Recioto della Valpolicella. ‘Invented’ by accident when a Recioto barrels were forgotten about and the wine was fermented to dryness.
The grapes are dried in a room called ‘fruttaio.’ Grapes are dried on bamboo racks, in wooden crates or hung from the ceiling.
What is the sugar content of Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG?
Approx. 50 g/l RS.
What is the maximum RS in Amarone?
9 g/l RS.
For every 0.10% of alcohol exceeding 14% abv, an additional 0.10 g/l of RS is allowed.
What are the ageing requirements for Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG?
‘Normale’ - aged for a minimum of 2 years.
‘Riserva’ - aged for a minimum of 4 years.
No barrel ageing is specified, but producers use a wide range of vessels, like Slavonian botti and new French barriques.
What is the minimum alcohol for Amarone?
14% abv.
Describe Ripasso process.
It’s similar to ‘Governo’ in Tuscany.
The remaining pomace of an Amarone or Recioto fermentation is added to young Valpolicella wine to start refermentation.
What is the minimum alcohol for Valpolicella Ripasso DOC?
Normale - 12.5%
Superiore - >13%
What is the DOC west of Valpolicella on the shore of Lake Garda?
Bardolino DOC
Wine styles produced in Bardolino DOC?
Rosso (Valpolicella grapes)
Novello (Carbonic maceration)
Spumante
Rosato = ‘Chiaretto’
Style and grapes of Bardolino Superiore DOCG?
Rosso/ Classico
35-80% Corvina Veronese (including up to 20% Corvinone)
10-40% Rondinella
Maximum 15% Molinara
Styles and grapes of Soave DOC?
Still and sparkling wines
70% Garganega, max. 30% Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay
Grapes of Soave Superiore DOCG?
Minimum 70% Garganega
Maximum 30% combined Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay
Maximum 5% other white non-aromatic grapes suitable for cultivation in Verona
Minimum alcohol for Soave Superiore and Riserva?
12%
12.5%
Minimum sugar content in Recioto di Soave DOCG?
Min. 70 g/l RS
Sparkling wine also allowed.
What is the name of the DOCG east of Soave? What is the allowed grape in this DOCG?
Recioto di Gambellara DOCG
Passito wines based on 100% Garganega
Name other DOCG’s in Veneto.
- Friularo di Bagnoli
- Piave Malanotte (both DOCG’s based on Raboso family of grapes)
- Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio (Moscato Giallo)
- Montello Rosso (CS, CF, Carmenere, Merlot)
Where is Prosecco made?
Central and northeastern Veneto and all of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
Describe Prosecco style.
It spends less time on the lees, therefore emphasising the fruity and floral character of the lightly aromatic Glera. Most wines have some RS and are labelled Extra Dry or Dry.
Grapes and styles of Prosecco DOC?
> 85% Glera
15% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco/ Grigio/ Nero
Frizzante and Spumante allowed
Is bottle fermentation allowed in Prosecco DOC?
Yes.
Is Rose Prosecco allowed?
Yes, since 2020.
Minimum 10-15% Pinot Nero.
Must be vintage-dated.
What are the 2 principal subzones that can be placed on Prosecco label?
Trieste
Treviso
What are the two DOCG’s that are part of the Treviso province?
Asolo Prosecco DOCG
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Still, frizzante, spumante
What means ‘Sui Lieviti’?
On the lees.
What are Farra di Soligo, Ogliano and Pieve di Soligo?
‘Rive’ or geographical designations within Conegliano-Valdibbiadene
What is a principal site for Prosecco?
Cartizze
107 Hectares
Powerful and full-bodied
17-32 g/l RS usually
Labelled as ‘Superiore di Cartizze’
What are two principal biotypes of Nebbiolo?
Nebbiolo Lampia
Nebbiolo Michet
What are synonyms of Nebbiolo?
Spanna
Picoutener/ Picotendro
Chiavennasca (in Valtellina)
Note: Spanna di Ghemme and Nebbiolo di Gattinara = Bonarda
What is the bottle called in Barolo?
Albeisa
What are the ageing requirements for Barolo Normale?
Total: 38 months
In barrel: 18 months
What are the ageing requirements for Barolo Riserva?
Total: 62 months
In barrel: 18 months
What are the ageing requirements for Barbaresco Normale?
Total: 26 months
In barrel: 9 months
What are the ageing requirements for Barbaresco Riversa?
Total: 50 months
In barrel: 9 months
In which province could I find Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero?
Cuneo Province
What are the soils called in Barolo?
Tortonian - blueish/ grey marl and higher in clay content.
Wines from here are more perfumed, rounder and more elegant. Barolo and La Morra have Tortonian soils.
Serravallien - grey marl and light yellow sandstone, with little fertility and high in calcium carbonate.
Wines are austere, powerful and structured. Monforte d’Alba and Serralunga d’Alba have Serravalien soils.
In which communes could I find soft Barolo’s?
Verduno and Cherasco are known for their soft Barolo’s.
What influence have the Apennines on grape growing in Barolo?
It delivers cool air to the southeastern part of the DOCG. As a result the southeast is cooler and the northwest is warmer.
In which commune are the highest altitude vineyards in Barolo?
La Morra
When did Barolo and Barbaresco become a DOCG?
1980
Describe Barbaresco’s topography, soils and climate.
Barbaresco is closer to Tanaro river and receives more of its moderating effect, resulting in a warmer climate. Grapes are generally harvested 2 weeks earlier than Barolo. Barbaresco has less calcium carbonate in the soils and there’s more sand and fertility in their soils too.
What is Sori?
A hillside vineyard with southern exposure.
True or False - all Barolo soils are low in pH.
False - the soils are high in pH.
What are principal Cru’s in Barolo.
Gabutti (‘Otin Fiorin’)
Brunate
San Lorenzo (Bartolo Mascarello, producer blends)
Le Coste (Giuseppe Rinaldi)
Ravera
Cannubi
Bussia
Monprivato in Casteglione Falletto (Giuseppe Mascarello)
Bricco Boschis (C. Falletto)
Francia (Giacomo Conterno)
Where could I find Brunate?
La Morra
Barolo
Principal producer in San Lorenzo Cru?
Bartolo Mascarello
Where could I find Le Coste?
Barolo
Name principal producers in Cannubi?
E. Pira
Ceretto
Paolo Scavino
Where could I find the Bussia Cru?
Montforte d’Alba
Aldo Conterno
Where could I find the Francia cru?
Serralunga d’Alba
Which two bottlings are made from Francia cru by Giacomo Conterno?
Barolo Cascina Francia
Barolo Riserva Monfortino
Name principal Barbaresco Cru’s.
Montestefano
Montefico
Paje
Rabaja-Bas
Rabaja
Pajore
Falletto
Who owns the below Monopoles? Francia and Falletto.
Francia - Giacomo Conterno
Falletto - Bruno Giacosa
Principal producer in Paje Cru?
Roagna
Principal producer in Rabaja Cru?
Bruno Rocca
Principal producer in Pajore Cru?
Sottimano
What are principal producers in Barbaresco?
Produttori del Barbaresco
Bruno Giacosa
Gaja
Roagna
Bruno Rocca
Sottimano
What are principal producers in Barolo?
Giacomo Conterno
Bartolo Mascarello
Giuseppe Mascarello
Vietti
Giuseppe Rinaldi
Elio Altare
G.B. Burlotto
Paolo Scavino
Capellano
Luciano Sandrone
E. Pira
Renato Ratti
What is ‘Le Rocche’?
Steep, sandy cliffs formed by slow erosion from the Tanaro river. Present in Roero.
Grapes and styles in Roero DOCG?
White and sparkling - >95% Arneis
Red - >95% Nebbiolo
Ageing requirements for Roero DOCG red wines?
20 Months for Normale.
32 Months for Riserva.
Both - 6 months in barrel.
Grapes and styles of Terre Alfieri DOCG?
Varietal wines of Arneis and Nebbiolo.
What are the 5 Barbera based appellations in Piedmonte?
- Barbera d’Asti DOCG
- Nizza DOCG
- Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG
- Barbera del Monferrato DOC
- Barbera d’Alba DOC
Name principal provinces in Piedmonte.
Asti
Alessandria
Cuneo
Torino
What are the 7 Dolcetto based appellations in Piedmonte?
- Dogliani DOCG
- Diano d’Alba DOCG
- Ovada DOCG
- Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
- Dolcetto d’Asti DOC
- Dolcetto d’Aqui DOC
- Dolcetto di Ovada
Principal grape of Nizza DOCG?
Barbera
Principal grape of Ovada DOCG?
Dolcetto
Styles and grape of Asti DOCG?
Frizzante
Spumante
Moscato Bianco
Requirements of Moscato d’Asti?
<2.5 Atmospheres of pressure.
Alcohol must be between 4.5% and 6.5% abv.
>80 g/l RS.
What was Canelli DOCG formerly known as?
Known as a subzone of Asti DOCG.
Wine styles of Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG?
Still
Sparkling
Passito
Requirements of Alta Langa DOCG?
Sparkling wines must be made via traditional method.
>90% Pinot Nero and/ or Chardonnay.
Must be vintage-dated.
30 Months and 36 months ageing (normale and riserva, resp.)
Name the DOCG for Cortese still and sparkling wines in southern Piedmonte?
Gavi DOCG
What is principal grape of Colli Tortonesi DOC?
Timorasso (savior of Timorasso is Walter Massa)
White wines in Langhe DOC labelled ‘del commune di Novello’ need to made of which varietal?
Nascetta
Elvio Cogno famous producer
Herbal/ saline wine
Name a famous DOC for Pelaverga?
Verduno Pelaverga DOC
Ageing requirements for Gattinara DOCG?
Normale - 35 months (24 months in wood)
Riserva - 47 months (36 months in wood)
Ageing requirements for Ghemme DOCG?
Normale - 34 months (18 wood - 6 bottle)
Riserva - 46 months (24 wood - 6 bottle)
What is Nebbiolo called in Northern Piemont (Gattinara and Ghemme for instance)?
Spanna
What is the grape for Caluso passito wines (sometimes affected by botrytis)?
Erbaluce
Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG = still, sparkling, passito
Describe 1990 in Barolo/ Barbaresco.
Very good, but forward vintage.
What have vintages 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 in common?
String of average/ below average vintages.
Top vintages in 90’s?
90
95
96
98
99
Describe 96 and 98.
Austere and structured.
Classic wines.
Describe 2001.
Outstanding vintage.
Classic wines.
Describe 2006.
Classic vintage.
Chewy, gripping tannins and nervy acidity.
Describe 2003 and 2007.
Both hot and dry.
Lack of phenolic ripeness. High alcohol. Cooked fruit. Green tannins.
Top vintages in ‘10’s?
2010
2013 - Summer sunny and cool. Later than typical harvest. Classic vintage (fresh acidity).
2016 - Warm, ideal harvest conditions. Ripe and structured wines.
2019 - High heat and large diurnal shifts. Very traditional vintage.
Average vintages in ‘10’s?
11 - ripe wines
12 - light wines
14 - variable quality
15 - diminished acidity
18 - rainy vintage
Sub’s of Valtellina?
Valgella
Inferno
Marogia
Sassella (named after ‘sassi’ - gravel stones)
Grumello
Sub’s of Valtellina?
Valgella
Inferno
Marogia
Sassella (named after ‘sassi’ - gravel stones)
Grumello
Who produces Vigna Cicala, Vigna Romirasco and Vigna Colonello?
Aldo Conterno
Bussia - Monforte d’Alba
Zones for Gran Selezione Chianti Classico?
Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio, and Vagliagli