Italy * Flashcards
When were DOC and DOCG created, and what do they stand for?
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) were created in 1963. DOC regulates yields, approved varieties, viticultural and vinification practices, and minimum ABV. DOCG adds a “guaranteed” level of stricter controls.
Which was the first wine awarded DOCG status and in what year?
Brunello di Montalcino was the first DOCG, awarded in 1980.
Why were Super Tuscan producers initially labeled as ‘Vino da Tavola’?
They bypassed restrictive DOC rules in Bolgheri/Maremma and could not meet DOC regulations, so they labeled their high-quality wines simply as ‘Vino da Tavola.’
What did Goria’s Law (1992) introduce?
Goria’s Law introduced IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), offering more flexibility in grape selection and winemaking. IGTs can apply for DOC status after 5 years.
How do DOP and IGP relate to DOC/G and IGT?
DOC/G wines are classed as DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta), and IGT wines are classed as IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) under EU standards.
What does the DOC/G system primarily regulate?
It mainly regulates geographical boundaries and certain production rules, rather than strictly guaranteeing top quality.
Mnemonic for remembering the Italian quality tiers (lowest to highest).
Vino → IGT → DOC → DOCG. A quick mnemonic: “Very Interesting Dazzling Drink.”
What are the major white grapes of Piedmont?
Moscato Bianco and Arneis are the main whites; Cortese, Erbaluce, and Favorita (Vermentino) are also important.
What are the major red grapes of Piedmont?
Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Minor reds include Brachetto, Grignolino, Ruchè, Croatina, Vespolina, Freisa, and international varieties.
What geographic features influence Piedmont’s climate?
It is surrounded by the Alps and the Apennines (rain shadow). The Po and Tanaro Rivers and proximity to the Ligurian Sea moderate the climate.
What are the general soil types in Piedmont?
Soils vary: alluvial in plains; calcareous marl, sandstone, clay, and sand in the hills. Barolo specifically has Tortonian (calcareous marl) and Helvetian (sandstone).
Describe Piedmont’s overall climate.
It has a cold continental climate with warm summers, cold winters, some Ligurian Sea influence in the south, and a risk of hail in the fall.
When and how did Barolo’s modern style emerge?
Nebbiolo has a long history, but the modern dry Barolo style emerged around 1830. Producers split into traditional (large neutral oak) and modern (French barriques) camps.
Define ‘sori’ and ‘MGA’ in Piedmont wine terminology.
‘Sori’ means top south-facing vineyard sites; ‘MGA’ (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) indicates officially recognized single-vineyard crus.
What does ‘Vigna’ mean on a Piedmont wine label?
‘Vigna’ designates a single vineyard source, subject to stricter yield and bottling rules.
How long must Barolo age before release?
Barolo must age at least 38 months, with 18 months in wood. Riserva requires 62 months total, also with 18 in wood.
How long must Barbaresco age before release?
Barbaresco must age at least 26 months, with 9 months in wood. Riserva requires 50 months, with 9 in wood.
Which DOCG in Piedmont focuses on Arneis whites and Nebbiolo reds?
Roero DOCG. It produces Nebbiolo-based reds and Arneis whites (still and sparkling).
Name two Nebbiolo-based DOCGs in northern Piedmont (besides Barolo/Barbaresco).
Gattinara and Ghemme DOCGs.
What’s notable about Barbera d’Asti, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore, and Nizza DOCGs?
They all focus on Barbera. Nizza was formerly a subzone of Barbera d’Asti and requires 100% Barbera with extended aging.
Which Piedmont DOCG specializes in Ruchè?
Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG focuses on aromatic Ruchè-based reds.
Name the three Dolcetto-focused DOCGs in Piedmont.
Dogliani, Dolcetto d’Ovada Superiore, and Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba.
Which grape is used for Gavi (Cortese di Gavi) DOCG?
Cortese, producing still, frizzante, and sparkling whites.
What styles are made under Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG?
Dry, sparkling, and sweet passito (including sparkling passito) from the Erbaluce grape.
Explain the difference between Asti and Moscato d’Asti production.
Asti is typically fully sparkling (often Charmat) and can be dry; Moscato d’Asti is lightly sparkling (frizzante), sweeter, and lower alcohol.
What styles are made in Alta Langa DOCG?
Traditional-method sparkling wines from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir.
Which sweet, red, lightly sparkling DOCG in Piedmont uses Brachetto?
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG (sweet, frizzante or spumante).
Name the major Barolo communes.
Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, and La Morra.
Name three famous Barolo crus.
Examples: Cannubi, Brunate, Bussia (many others exist).
Name three famous Barbaresco crus.
Examples: Ovello, Montestefano, Rabajà (others: Roncagliette, Martinenga).
How many DOCs does Valle d’Aosta have?
One overall DOC (Valle d’Aosta), which includes seven subzones.
What are the main grapes of Valle d’Aosta?
White: Blanc de Morgex, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Petite Arvine, Moscato. Red: Petit Rouge, Picotendro (Nebbiolo), Gamay, Pinot Noir, Merlot.
What styles of wine are made in Valle d’Aosta?
Still white, rosé, red, and some late-harvest wines.
Describe Lombardy’s climate and geography.
Continental with Alpine influence, moderated by Lakes Garda and Iseo in northern Italy.
Which DOCG in Lombardy produces traditional-method sparkling wines?
Franciacorta DOCG (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco).
List the minimum lees-aging requirements for Franciacorta.
Franciacorta: 18 months, Satèn/Rosé: 24 months, Millesimato: 30 months, Riserva: 60 months.
What is Scanzo (Moscato di Scanzo) DOCG known for?
A sweet red wine from 100% Moscato di Scanzo, dried at least 21 days.
Which Lombardy DOCG focuses on Pinot Noir–based sparkling wines?
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG (white or rosé).
What grape is used in Valtellina Superiore and Sforzato di Valtellina DOCGs?
Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca). Sforzato uses dried Nebbiolo, reaching 14%+ ABV.
Does Liguria have any DOCGs?
No. It has DOCs such as Cinque Terre, Colli di Luni, and Riviera Ligure di Ponente.
Name a key Ligurian DOC famous for dry/sweet whites from Bosco and Vermentino.
Cinque Terre DOC.
Which Ligurian DOC is known for Vermentino, Pigato whites, and Rossese reds?
Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC.
Name the two DOCGs in Emilia-Romagna.
Albana di Romagna (dry to sweet whites) and Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto (whites, still or sparkling).
Which sparkling red wines are a hallmark of Emilia-Romagna?
Lambrusco DOC wines (Grasparossa di Castelvetro, di Sorbara, Salamino di Santa Croce), in dry to slightly sweet styles.
Are there any DOCGs in Trentino–Alto Adige?
No, only DOCs (Trentino DOC, Alto Adige/Südtirol DOC, etc.).
Name two important grapes in Trentino–Alto Adige.
Schiava (red) and Teroldego (red). International whites like Pinot Grigio are also key.
What styles are made under Teroldego Rotaliano DOC?
Red and rosé wines from Teroldego.
Name the key dry red DOCG in Veneto made from semi-dried Corvina/Rondinella.
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, usually 14%+ ABV, aged at least 2 years (4 for Riserva).
What is Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG?
A sweet red wine (still or sparkling) from dried Corvina/Rondinella grapes; shares the same zone as Amarone.
What is Valpolicella Ripasso DOC?
A wine re-passed on Amarone or Recioto skins, adding body and complexity.
Which DOCG in Veneto is made from Glera using the Charmat method?
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. Includes still, frizzante, spumante, and “Rive” (single vineyard).
Define “Colli Asolani” or “Asolo Prosecco” DOCG.
Glera-based sparkling wines, including “Sui Lieviti” (undisgorged on the lees), min 90 days on lees.
Name the DOCG in Veneto producing traditional-method and Charmat sparkling from Moscato Giallo.
Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio DOCG (still, sparkling, passito).
What does “Soave Superiore DOCG” require?
At least 70% Garganega (often 100%), from hillside vineyards in the Soave zone, with possible Riserva.
What is Recioto di Soave DOCG?
A sweet (passito) wine from Garganega; can be sparkling and labeled “Classico.”
Which two DOCGs in Veneto focus on Garganega?
Soave Superiore DOCG and Recioto di Soave DOCG.
Name the DOCG in Veneto for dry reds based on Bordeaux varieties.
Montello Rosso DOCG (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc).
Name the major white grapes of Friuli known for high acidity.
Pinot Grigio, Friulano (Tai), Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, Traminer.
Which DOCG makes sweet passito wines from the Picolit grape?
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG (sometimes with Riserva or Cialla subzone).
What is Ramandolo DOCG?
A sweet passito from Verduzzo Friulano near Nimis.
Which DOCG produces a dry blend often including Tai (Friulano) and Sauvignon Blanc?
Rosazzo DOCG.
What is Lison DOCG known for?
Dry whites from Tai (Friulano), labeled “Classico” in the core area.
What is Tuscany’s most important red grape?
Sangiovese, known by various clones (Brunello, Prugnolo Gentile, etc.).
Name three other key Tuscan red grapes besides Sangiovese.
Canaiolo, Colorino, and international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah).
Describe Tuscany’s overall geography and soils.
Rolling hills between Apennines and Tyrrhenian Sea; soils include marl, clay-limestone, sandstone, sandy-clay, and gravelly clay near the coast.
What is “Galestro,” and where is it found?
A crumbly marl soil common in Chianti Classico, vital to Sangiovese’s complexity.
Mnemonic for Tuscan sub-regions.
Use “F-S-L-P” for Florence, Siena, Livorno, Pisa—major reference points.
Which 1968 wine kicked off the “Super Tuscan” trend?
Sassicaia, a Cabernet-based wine from Bolgheri.
How does “governo” winemaking technique affect Chianti?
Governo involves a secondary fermentation with dried grapes or must, raising alcohol, body, and rounding acidity.
What are the aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino?
Min 5 years total; at least 2 in wood and 4 months in bottle. Riserva: 6 years total, 2 in wood, 6 months in bottle.
What is the base grape for Brunello di Montalcino?
100% Sangiovese (the Brunello clone).
What are the general blending rules for Chianti DOCG?
Min 70% Sangiovese (75% in some subzones), plus other red varieties. White grapes are no longer required.
Name the 8 subzones of Chianti DOCG.
Rufina, Colli Fiorentini, Montespertoli, Montalbano, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Colline Pisane, plus a generic Chianti area.
What is unique about Chianti Classico DOCG vs. Chianti DOCG?
Chianti Classico requires min 80% Sangiovese, no white grapes, from the “Classico” zone. Gran Selezione is estate-grown, with stricter rules.
Name two other Sangiovese-focused DOCGs in Tuscany besides Chianti and Brunello.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (min 70% Sangiovese) and Morellino di Scansano (min 85% Sangiovese).
Which DOCG requires 100% Sangiovese and is near Montalcino?
Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (min 90%, though often 100%).
Which DOCG is known for Carmignano wines?
Carmignano DOCG (min 50% Sangiovese plus up to 20% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc).
Which Tuscan DOCG is for Vernaccia-based whites?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, which can also have a Riserva version.
Name the sweet passito DOCG made from the Aleatico grape.
Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG, with at least 10 days of drying.
List two DOCGs that allow Bordeaux varieties outside of Chianti.
Rosso della Val di Cornia (Val di Cornia Rosso) and Suvereto DOCG.
What is Rosso di Montalcino often called?
“Baby Brunello,” made from 100% Sangiovese with less aging than Brunello.
Which DOC is home to “Super Tuscan” wines like Sassicaia and Ornellaia?
Bolgheri DOC (and Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC specifically for Sassicaia).
What is Vin Santo del Chianti made from?
Trebbiano and Malvasia (white) or Sangiovese for “Occhio di Pernice,” aged in small barrels for several years.
Name two iconic Brunello di Montalcino producers.
Biondi Santi (original Brunello) and Case Basse (Soldera), plus Altesino, Ciacci Piccolomini, others.
Give an example of a famous Chianti Classico producer.
Antinori, Barone Ricasoli, Isole e Olena, Fontodi, Felsina, etc.
Mnemonic for remembering Super Tuscans from Bolgheri.
“SOLA G(u)IDes MAC” → Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Le Macchiole, Guado al Tasso, Ca’ Marcanda.
Which white DOC in Umbria is known for Trebbiano Toscano and Grechetto?
Orvieto DOC (mainly dry whites, can be off-dry or sweet).
Name two DOCGs of Umbria.
Torgiano Rosso Riserva (Sangiovese-based) and Sagrantino di Montefalco (100% Sagrantino).
Which DOCGs in Lazio focus on Malvasia Bianca di Candia?
Frascati Superiore (dry) and Cannellino di Frascati (late harvest).
Which DOCG in Lazio focuses on Cesanese reds?
Cesanese del Piglio (Piglio DOCG), producing Superiore and Riserva.
What are the four main DOCGs in Campania?
Aglianico del Taburno, Taurasi (85% Aglianico), Fiano di Avellino (85% Fiano), Greco di Tufo (85% Greco).
Describe Taurasi DOCG.
Known as “Barolo of the South,” requires at least 85% Aglianico. Aged min 3 years (1 in wood), or 4 years (18 months wood) for Riserva.
Which volcanic white grapes produce top wines in Campania?
Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina, thriving in volcanic soils.
Name two key red grapes of Apulia (Puglia).
Primitivo (related to Zinfandel) and Negroamaro. Nero di Troia is also important for certain DOCGs.
Which Apulian DOCG produces sweet, dried Primitivo wines?
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG.
What is Salice Salentino DOC known for?
Negroamaro-based reds and rosato, plus some Chardonnay and sweet Aleatico.
What is the only DOCG in Basilicata?
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG (100% Aglianico, aged 3 years or 5 for Riserva).
Does Calabria have any DOCGs?
No, only DOCs like Cirò DOC (Greco whites, Gaglioppo reds).
Name Sicily’s only DOCG.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG (blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato).
What grapes define Etna DOC reds?
Nerello Mascalese (dominant) and Nerello Cappuccio.
Which DOC in Sicily is famous for fortified wines using a solera system?
Marsala DOC (Oro/Ambra from white grapes; Rubino from red grapes) with Fine, Superiore, Vergine, etc. aging categories.
Which sweet, aromatic dessert DOC is on the island of Pantelleria?
Moscato di Pantelleria (Zibibbo-based), made as sweet, passito, or fortified styles.
What is the only DOCG in Sardinia?
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, known for crisp, high-acid coastal Vermentino.
Name a key Sardinian DOC for Garnacha (Cannonau).
Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, producing dry, rosato, and sweet wines.
Which Sardinian DOC is known for oxidatively aged Vernaccia wines?
Vernaccia di Oristano DOC, producing dry to sweet, flor-influenced wines.
