Italy Flashcards
Describe Garganega, what Region is it mainly grown in
Garganega is a white Grape
Acidity medium to high
Body medium
Pear, Peach, Apple, White Pepper
Typically blended, not oak matured, the best can age in Bottle and develope Almond and Honey Notes
It is mainly grown in Veneto, Soave DOC/Soave Classico DOCG
Where in Italy lies the Soave Region, describe the climate and growing locations
Soave lies north of Verona in Veneto
Grapes are grown in the Foothills to the North or on the flat Plain near the Adige River
The climate is moderate continental, cooled by descending Mountain Air, warm short Summers, moderate Rain
Grapes are grown in the Foothills, on naturally cool Limestone, Clay and Volcanic soils, slowing ripening
And on the sandy soils of the Plain which is warmer and aids ripening
What styles of wine are Produced in Soave, Veneto
Soave is produced by Garganega, often blended with small amounts of other varieties, typically unoaked, varietal flavours of Apple Pear white pepper
Either grown on the foothills of the Alps, on cool Limestone and Clay, slow ripening retains high acidity with full flavor ripeness, these can age in Bottle, developing flavours of almonds and Honey
On the sandy plain, Grapes ripen quicker, Acidity is medium and meant for early consumption
Where lies the Valpolicella Region in Veneto, wuwt climate and Topography can be expected
Valpolicella lies north of Verona next to Soave, the climate is moderate to warm continental
In the foothills of the Alps Limestone, Clay and Volcanic Souls, slow Ripening, producing Grapes with high acidity
The south is flatter, soils are sand and Gravel, it is warmer, the grapes are fruitier and lower in Acidity
What Grapes are used to produce Valpolicella Wines in Veneto, describe the Grape, name the different DOC(G)s are found here
Corvina is the main Grape, it has moderate color, high acidity, low to medium tannins and notes of Red Cherry, Spice
Valpolicella DOC
Valpolicella Classico DOC
Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG
Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Name the different Production Methods of Valpolicella and their DOC(G)s,
Classic fermentation - Valpolicella (Classico) DOC
The passito Method
Dried Grapes, making dry/off dry Wine - Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG
Dried Grapes, making sweet Wine - Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG
The Ripasso Method
Refermenting Grape Skins - Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Describe the Passito Method and the Wines it produces in Veneto
The passito Method is used in Valpolicella to make Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG and Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG
The Corvina Grapes are dried indoors, Fermentation starts in the Winter
Amarone Della Valpolicella is dry/off dry, full bodied, high alcohol, medium to high tannins, concentrated red berry+spice flavours, aged in large oak bats
Amarone Della Recioto
Is made from Grapes too sweet to fully ferment, it is sweet, medium to high alcohol, full body, medium to high tannins
There is also Recioto de Soave made the same way
Describe the Ripasso Method and the wines made by it in Veneto
Ripasso wines are made in Valpolicella from Corvina Grapes,
Grape Skins from fermenting Amarone Della Valpolicella are used
1) shortly before Fermentation stops the Wine is drained off
2) fully fermented Valpolicella Wine is added to the skins
3) the unpressed Grape Skins start fermenting from the ambient Yeast present
This extracts colour, flavor and tannins, making medium to full bodied wines with medium to high tannins and flavours of stewed cherry and Plum
Describe Valpolicella and Valpolicella Classico Wines from Veneto
Made north of Verona from Corvina Grapes, these wines are simple and fruity with light tannins and red cherry flavours, they are rarely oaked and ready to drink immediately
Where is Alto Adige located, what is the climate like and what wines are produced
Alto Adige is the most northerly wine region in Italy
the climate is moderate continental, south facing Terraces on the Adige River in the foothills of the Alps, dry summers
Aromatic white Wines with light to medium Body, high Acidity Citrus and Green Fruit Aromas from Pinot Grigio also Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc
Elegant, light bodied reds
Where is Trentino located in Northern Italy, what is the climate like and what Grapes are produced
Trentino ließ south of Alto Adige, climate is similar but slightly warmer, wines are produced on the warmer Valley Floor and surrounding Slopes
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, depending on growing locations they range from low to medium body, medium to high acidity, citrus, green fruit to ripe stone fruit
Deeply colored, high Tannin, full Body, Black Fruit Flavor, Red wines from Teroldego
Where lies Friuli-Venezia Giulia and what is the climate like
Friuli lies in the Northeastern Corner of Italy in the Foothills of the Alps and the Flat Plain near the Adriatic Sea, which is warm Maritime
What Wines are produced in Friuli Venezia Giulia and what sub Regions are of Note
Friuli produces the richest and fullest Pinot Grigio of Italy, medium to full Body, juicy Peach and Tropical Aromas
The Native Friuliano makes wines with High Acidity, medium Body, Aromas of Pear, red Apples and Herbs
Merlot is the most planted Black Grape, medium Body, Medium Acidity and Tannin, ripe red fruit and spice from Oak
Coolio DOC and Colli Orientali are important DOCs both located in the Hills
What is the DOC called that covers Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia and Trentino
Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC, for producers of Pinot Grigio
Describe Northern Italys Climate and Growing Hazards
Northern Italy is moderate continental, the Alps form a Barrier, giving warm, dry Summers
Rivers and Glacial Lakes as Lake Garda moderate Inland Areas
Fungal Disease can be an Issue close to the Sea
traditionally Pergola Training at low density was used, high density VSP trained Vineyards are more common now
Where is Piemonte located and what is the climate like, Name Regions of Note and what Grapes are mainly grown
Piemonte is located in the North-West corner of Italy, the climate is moderate continental, long cold winters, hail and fog in summer
Foothills range from 150 to 600 meters
Barolo, Barbaresco, Asti&Alba, Gavi
Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese
Where is Barolo located and what is the climate like and what is the main Grape Varity
Barolo lies in Piemonte, it is noted for its foothills at 3 to 500 meters asl, providing steep, south facing slopes, it’s moderate continental
Nebbiolo
What are the characteristics of a Barolo DOCG, how does it compare to Barbaresco
Barolo must be made entirely from Nebbiolo
The wines have pale color, are high in tannins, full-bodied, high acidity, notes of sour cherries, herbs and dried flowers
The must be aged for 38 months, 18 in Barrel and can be released the 4th January after Harvest, careful extraction is needed
Barbaresco also makes wine of 100% Nebbiolo, but with lower altitudes it ripens earlier, making fruiter and less perfumed wines.
They can be released the 3rd January after Harvest and ripen minimum 26 months, 9 on wood
Describe the Regions of Asti and Alba, Climate and Wines
Asti and Alba is a wider area, most appellations are named of the Grapevariety and the nearest town
Most planted is Barbera, making d’Asti and Alba
It is late ripening, medium to deep colour, low to medium tannin, red cherries, plum, black pepper, either young, fruity wines or barrel aged and spicy
Dolcetto is also widely planted, it ripens earlier and grows in the coolest sites, deep purple, medium to high tannins, medium acidity, black plums, red cherries
Describe the Region of Gavi and it’s Wines
Gavi lies in south eastern Piemonte, altitude and Sea Breeze’s ensure slow ripening
Cortese is the main grape, naturally high in Acidity, pale, light bodied, floral, citrus and green apple and pears
Mostly protective winemaking but some oak aging and lees stirring
Describe central Italy’s climate, the Region’s and main Grape Varieites
Central Italy is hot, the Apennines Mountain range moderates through Altitude, on the coast it is humid and Breeze’s moderate
Tuscany (Chianti, southern Tuscany and the Coastal Area) - Sangiovese and international varieties (Super Tuscan)
Umbria, similar to Tuscany, more continental - Grenchetto and Trebbiano
Lazio, south Tuscany, mountainous - Malvasia and Trebbiano
Marche, on the other side of the Apennines - Verdicchio
Abruzzo, below Marche - Montepulciano
What is the climate in Chianti like, name important DOCGs, explain why the Quality is higher
Chianti lies on the Foothills of the Apennines, it is hot continental
The most important DOCGs are Chianti Classico (Riserva), Chianti Rufina DOCG, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
These vineyards lie at higher altitude, ensuring a slow ripening process, Sangiovese is late ripening
Describe a typical Chianti Wine
Chianti is mainly made from Sangiovese, but small quantities of other Varieties can be added to the blend
High Acidity and Tannin, red Cherries, Plums, dried Herbs, most Chianti is aged in Oak, adding spicy Aromas, with bottle Age a meaty character develops
What are the Aging Requirements for Chianti
Classico must age 12 Months
Classico Riserva must age 24 months, of which 3 on Oak
Classico Gran Selezione must age 30 months
