Italy 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What is Tuscany known for?
A
Italian culture, artistic legacy, and natural beauty
Tuscany features golden and green hills between the Apennine Mountains and the sea.
2
Q
What type of wine is praised by Dante Alighieri?
A
Vernaccia of San Gimignano
This wine is a part of Tuscany’s cultural heritage.
3
Q
When was the legislation delimiting the Chianti zone established?
A
1716
Chianti was one of the first delimited wine zones in Europe.
4
Q
What are the primary agricultural products in Tuscany?
A
Olive trees, vineyards, and wheat
These crops were traditionally planted side by side.
5
Q
What is the significance of the Chianti fiasco bottles?
A
They represented the rustic, cheap nature of Italian wine in the late 20th century
Chianti was historically bottled in these squat, straw-covered bottles due to inferior glass quality.
6
Q
What has changed in Tuscany’s winemaking over the last quarter century?
A
Surge in quality, reduced vineyard yields
Influenced by trailblazers like Marquis Mario Rocchetta.
7
Q
How many DOCGs does Tuscany have?
A
11
Tuscany ranks third in Italy for the number of DOCG zones.
8
Q
What climate variations exist in Tuscany?
A
Dry Mediterranean climate with harsh winters and hot summers
Montalcino is more arid, while Montepulciano has a more continental climate.
9
Q
What is the main red grape of Tuscany?
A
Sangiovese
It is one of the great indigenous red grapes of Italy.
10
Q
What are common flavor notes in Sangiovese wines?
A
Sour cherry notes and herbal undertones
Sangiovese wines are typically light in color and high in acidity.
11
Q
In which DOCGs is Sangiovese the principal grape?
A
Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Montecucco Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the sole red grape for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.
12
Q
What international grapes influence Tuscan wine production?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
These grapes can be added in minor proportions to Chianti.
13
Q
What is the most famous wine region in Tuscany?
A
Chianti DOCG
Chianti was one of the first delimited wine zones in Europe.
14
Q
What defines the classic blend of Chianti?
A
70 to 100% Sangiovese, optional white grapes Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia
This blend was defined by Baron Bettino Ricasoli in 1872.
15
Q
When was Chianti elevated to DOCG status?
A
1984
The modern Chianti zone was established in 1932.
16
Q
What is the minimum alcohol level for Chianti Classico?
A
12%
Chianti DOCG has a minimum of 11.5%.
17
Q
How long must Chianti Classico riserva be aged?
A
Minimum 24 months
This includes at least 3 months in bottle.
18
Q
What grape is used to produce Brunello di Montalcino?
A
100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
The wine is aged for a minimum of two years in cask.
19
Q
What distinguishes Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
A
Minimum 70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile clone)
It is one of the first DOCGs in Italy, awarded in 1980.
20
Q
What is the aging requirement for Morellino di Scansano riserva?
A
Minimum of two years
The region achieved DOCG status in 2006.
21
Q
What is the purpose of Sant’Antimo DOC?
A
Allows for ‘Super-Tuscan’ wines using any authorized grape
This DOC was created in 1996.
22
Q
What is the significance of the ‘Super Tuscan’ style?
A
Revitalized international interest in Tuscan wines
It emerged due to constraints of earlier DOCG regulations.
23
Q
What is the DOCG Rosso della Val di Cornia known for?
A
Higher proportions of Sangiovese
A former subzone, Suvereto, was elevated to DOCG status alongside the red wines of Val di Cornia in 2011.
24
Q
What are ‘Super Tuscan’ wines?
A
Wines that blend Sangiovese with Bordeaux varietals and are often produced outside DOCG regulations
The style emerged in the last 40 years and has significantly increased international interest in Tuscan wines.
25
What was the significance of Sassicaia and Tignanello?
They signaled the beginning of the 'Super Tuscan' movement and were initially released as vino da tavola
## Footnote
Sassicaia was released in 1968 and Tignanello in 1971.
26
What is a key characteristic of Bolgheri wines?
They can be Bordeaux-style blends and include varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese
## Footnote
Bolgheri received DOC status in 1994.
27
What is the leading grape for white Bolgheri wines?
Vermentino
## Footnote
Sauvignon Blanc is also produced in the appellation.
28
What is the only white wine in Tuscany to enjoy DOCG status?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
## Footnote
It is a crisp, pink grapefruit-tinged white wine.
29
What is vin santo?
A high alcohol, almond- and honey-toned dried grape wine produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes
## Footnote
It is a traditional dessert wine in Tuscany.
30
What is the primary grape in Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG?
100% Sagrantino
## Footnote
The wines are naturally high in alcohol and tannin.
31
What does Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG require for its production?
70-100% Sangiovese and a minimum of three years of aging prior to release
## Footnote
This includes six months in bottle.
32
What are the two new DOCG wines added to Marche in 2009?
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG and Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
## Footnote
Verdicchio is the most important grape of the Marches.
33
What is the minimum aging requirement for the riserva versions of Verdicchio wines?
A minimum of eighteen months
## Footnote
The normale versions are released as DOC.
34
What is the primary grape of Abruzzo?
Montepulciano
## Footnote
It is the second most planted red grape in Italy.
35
What distinguishes the Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG?
Requires 90% Montepulciano and stipulates one year of aging, including two months in bottle
## Footnote
Riserva wines must be aged for a minimum of three years.
36
What are the principal grapes of Lazio?
Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia
## Footnote
They are produced in mass quantities as Castelli Romani DOC.
37
What wine style is associated with the Cesanese grape in Lazio?
Spicy, peppery wines with elevated acidity
## Footnote
Cesanese del Piglio is the first zone in Lazio to achieve DOCG status.
38
What is the most prominent DOC in Molise?
Biferno DOC
## Footnote
It produces reds and rosatos from a blend of Montepulciano and Aglianico.
39
What ancient wine from Campania was highly praised in Roman times?
Falernian
## Footnote
It was known for its ageworthiness and was produced from the Aminean grape.
40
What is the dominant red grape variety in Campania?
Aglianico
## Footnote
It is known for producing long-lived and noble red wines.
41
Fill in the blank: The only dessert wine from Elba to reach DOCG status is _______.
Elba Aleatico Passito
## Footnote
It is made from the Aleatico grape.
42
% of the region’s wines are at DOC level in Campania
[key learning term]
## Footnote
The ancient red varieties Aglianico and Piedirosso and the white Falanghina, Greco, and Fiano comprise a majority of the Campanian DOC wines.
43
What grape shares structural similarity with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo?
Aglianico
## Footnote
Aglianico displays a darker fruit profile and has the capacity to produce the longest-lived and noblest red wines of Southern Italy.
44
Aglianico shines as a varietal wine in which DOCGs?
* Taurasi DOCG
* Aglianico del Taburno DOCG
## Footnote
Aglianico del Taburno was promoted to DOCG in 2011.
45
Minimum aging requirement for Taurasi wines before release
Three years
## Footnote
One year must be in wood. Riserva wines require four years with eighteen months in wood.
46
Name two prominent producers of quality wines in Campania
* Mastroberardino
* Terredora
* Feudi di San Gregorio
## Footnote
These producers exemplify the quality of wines in the region.
47
What are the two white DOCG wines of Campania?
* Greco di Tufo
* Fiano di Avellino
## Footnote
Fiano di Avellino wines are produced from a minimum 85% of the Fiano grape.
48
Falanghina is known for producing what types of wines?
* Dry whites
* Sweet passito whites
## Footnote
Falanghina produces these wines in the inland Falanghina del Sannio DOC.
49
What grape varieties are blended in the coastal DOCs of Campi Flegrei and Costa d'Amalfi?
* Falanghina
* Biancolella
## Footnote
This blend produces a mellower and lusher style of wine.
50
What is the primary red grape in Apulia?
Negroamaro
## Footnote
It is encountered as the major component of nearly every rosso and rosato DOC on the Salento peninsula.
51
What is the genetic relationship between Primitivo and Zinfandel?
They are genetically identical
## Footnote
Primitivo shares a softly tannic, syrupy character with its American twin.
52
What is the minimum alcohol content for Aglianico del Vulture DOCG?
13.5%
## Footnote
Aglianico del Vulture must undergo three years of aging, including one in wood.
53
Calabria is known for which chief red grape?
Gaglioppo
## Footnote
This grape is encountered in the reds and rosatos of Cirò DOC.
54
Marsala is primarily produced in which area of Sicily?
Marsala seaport
## Footnote
Marsala was commercialized by John Woodhouse in 1773.
55
What is the predominant white grape in Sardinia?
Vermentino
## Footnote
Vermentino is likely of Spanish origin and dominates white grape plantings in the northern reaches of Sardinia.
56
Which DOCG zone is located in northern Sardinia?
Vermentino di Gallura
## Footnote
This zone is characterized by hot, high-elevation conditions with poor, rocky, granitic soils.
57
What type of wines does Aglianico del Vulture produce?
* Dry
* Off-dry
* Still
* Spumante
## Footnote
Dry, still interpretations represent the DOC’s most serious wines.
58
Which grape is utilized in the production of sweet wines from the Greco grape?
Greco di Bianco DOC
## Footnote
This DOC principally produces sweet wines, often from partially dried grapes.
59
What is the primary red grape used in the wines of Faro DOC?
Nerello Mascalese
## Footnote
This grape dominates the blends produced in Faro DOC.
60
What is the DOC designation for Sicilian wines made from Zibibbo?
Moscato di Pantelleria DOC
## Footnote
Zibibbo is fashioned into sweet wines in this DOC.
61
True or False: Aglianico del Vulture was historically the only DOC in Basilicata.
True
## Footnote
The number of DOCs in the region has recently climbed to four.
62
63
64
What does DOC stand for in Italian wine law?
Denominazione di Origine Controllata
## Footnote
Introduced in 1963 to protect Italian wine appellations.
65
What system acted as a model for the Italian DOC system?
French AOC system
## Footnote
Established maximum yields, approved varieties, and geographical boundaries.
66
What is the more prestigious designation introduced alongside DOC in 1963?
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
## Footnote
Represents the best of Italian wine.
67
When was the first DOCG awarded?
1980
## Footnote
Awarded to Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
68
What are the minimum aging requirements commonly stipulated by DOCGs?
Minimum aging requirements for wines
## Footnote
A notable departure from French appellations.
69
What law represented an attempt at reform for Italian wine laws in 1992?
Goria’s Law
## Footnote
Established the category of Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT).
70
What does IGT stand for?
Indicazione Geografica Tipica
## Footnote
A more relaxed regulation allowing wider freedoms for winemakers.
71
What are the classifications of Italian wines as per the hierarchy?
* Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
* Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
* Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) / Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
* Vino (formerly Vino da Tavola)
## Footnote
Classifications indicate quality and geographical origin.
72
Which region in Italy is known for producing some of the finest wines?
Piedmont
## Footnote
Cited alongside Tuscany as one of Italy’s two most significant wine regions.
73
What is the main grape variety used in Barolo wines?
Nebbiolo
## Footnote
Known for high acid, alcohol, and extreme tannin.
74
What is the minimum aging requirement for Barolo wines?
38 months from November 1 of the harvest year
## Footnote
At least 18 months must be in wood.
75
What are the three major red grape varieties of Piedmont?
* Nebbiolo
* Dolcetto
* Barbera
## Footnote
Each has distinct characteristics and aging potentials.
76
What is Barbaresco known for compared to Barolo?
Slightly lighter in body and more elegant
## Footnote
Due to warmer climate and less time in oak.
77
What is the primary white grape variety in Piedmont?
Moscato Bianco
## Footnote
Generally used for sparkling wines of Asti.
78
True or False: Barolo wines can be produced in any commune in Piedmont.
False
## Footnote
Only specific communes are permitted to produce Barolo.
79
What is Barolo Chinato?
A DOCG aromatized wine flavored with quinine
## Footnote
Has seen a resurgence in popularity among sommeliers.
80
What soil type is common in the vineyards of La Morra and Barolo?
Tortonian soils
## Footnote
Characterized by a higher proportion of calcareous marl.
81
What is the main grape used in Roero DOCG wines?
Nebbiolo
## Footnote
Also produces white wines from the Arneis grape.
82
What is the significance of the term 'sorì' in Piedmont?
Southern exposures of vineyards
## Footnote
Known for producing noble and ageworthy red grapes.
83
What major change occurred in the Italian appellation system from 2008 to 2011?
Jurisdiction over new appellation approvals transferred from Rome to Brussels
## Footnote
Led to a surge in new appellations applying for DOC or DOCG status.
84
What is the maximum alcohol level for DOC wines?
Varies by designation
## Footnote
Set by each specific DOC's regulations.
85
What grape variety is used for blending in Ghemme DOC?
Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese)
## Footnote
Not related to the Bonarda of Argentina.
86
What grape is primarily used in the Carema DOC?
Nebbiolo
87
In what year did Barbera become part of the DOCG?
2008
88
What are the two appellations in the Monferrato hills for Barbera?
* Barbera d’Asti
* Barbera del Monferrato Superiore
89
What is the minimum aging period for Barbera del Monferrato Superiore?
14 months
90
What type of wine is produced from the Ruchè grape?
Aromatic red wine
91
When was the Nizza DOCG approved?
End of 2014
92
What grape is used for Dogliani, Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore, and Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba?
Dolcetto
93
What is the minimum aging for Dolcetto superiore styles?
10 months
94
What is the first still white wine in Piedmont to achieve DOCG status?
Gavi (Cortese di Gavi)
95
What grape is used to produce Gavi wines?
Cortese
96
What is the primary grape used in Asti/Moscato d’Asti DOCG wines?
Moscato Bianco
97
True or False: Moscato d’Asti is fully sparkling.
False
98
What is the maximum pressure for Moscato d’Asti?
2.5 atmospheres
99
What type of wines does Alta Langa DOCG produce?
Traditional method sparkling wines
100
What is the aging requirement for Alta Langa spumante wines?
30 months en tirage
101
What is the main red grape variety used in Valtellina?
Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)
102
How long must Valtellina Superiore wines be aged?
24 months
103
What is Sforzato di Valtellina made from?
Dried Nebbiolo grapes
104
What type of wine is produced in the Moscato di Scanzo DOCG?
Sweet passito red wines
105
What grape is primarily used in Liguria's Pigato wines?
Vermentino
106
What is the first DOCG white wine in Emilia-Romagna?
Romagna Albana
107
What grape is used in Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto?
Grechetto
108
What percentage of Emilia-Romagna's output is DOC level?
Barely 15%
109
What type of wine is Lambrusco?
Frizzante red wines
110
What is the common bottle shape for Moscato di Scanzo?
500 mL futura
111
What has contributed to Lambrusco's image today?
Low expectations despite being one of Italy’s biggest export success stories.
112
What are the two provinces of Trentino-Alto Adige?
Trentino and Alto-Adige (Südtirol).
113
What is the predominant grape variety in Trentino-Alto Adige?
Schiava (Vernatsch).
114
Which grape is heavily utilized in Alto Adige for aromatic wines?
Gewürztraminer.
115
What is the growing area for Lagrein grape in Alto Adige?
The flatter growing area of Gries, just outside of Bolzano.
116
What percentage of Trentino-Alto Adige's production is DOC quality?
99%.
117
What is the most significant wine region in Veneto?
Veneto.
118
What is the primary grape varietal in Amarone della Valpolicella?
Corvina.
119
What process is used to produce Amarone wines?
Appassimento process.
120
What is the main difference between Recioto and Amarone wines?
Recioto is semi-sweet to sweet, while Amarone is fermented to dryness or near-dryness.
121
What is the required aging for Valpolicella Superiore?
One year.
122
What grape is primarily used in Soave DOC wines?
Garganega.
123
True or False: Soave Superiore DOCG wines may be labeled riserva.
True.
124
What type of grape is primarily used in Prosecco production?
Glera.
125
Fill in the blank: The Prosecco wines are produced using the _______ method.
Charmat.
126
What is the DOCG status of Recioto di Soave?
It achieved DOCG status in 2008.
127
What is the main characteristic of Friuli-Venezia Giulia's winemaking?
Crisp, aromatic, fruit-driven varietal white wines designed for quick consumption.
128
Which producer is credited with modernizing white winemaking in Friuli?
Mario Schiopetto.
129
What unique style of wine are some producers in Friuli-Venezia Giulia experimenting with?
Orange white wines with lengthy skin contact.
130
What are the main international grape varieties used in Friuli?
* Pinot Bianco
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Grigio
* Sauvignon Blanc
131
What is the main criticism of modern winemaking in Friuli?
Winemaking has become too clean—even clinical.
132
Which grapes are commonly bottled as varietal wines in Friuli?
* Pinot Bianco
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Grigio
* Sauvignon Blanc (simply called Sauvignon in Friuli)
133
What is unique about the orange wines produced by Josko Gravner?
They are made with lengthy skin contact in ancient Slavic fashion.
134
Name two native grapes that produce sweet passito wines in Friuli.
* Verduzzo Gialla (Ramandolo)
* Picolit
135
What are the two DOCG zones for sweet wines in Friuli?
* Ramandolo DOCG
* Colli Orientali del Friuli-Picolit DOCG
136
What is the sole subzone of Colli Orientali del Friuli-Picolit DOCG?
Cialla
137
Which estate is renowned for shepherding Schioppettino back from extinction?
Ronchi di Cialla
138
What types of wines are the stars of modern Friuli?
* Orange wines of Gravner and Radikon
* Dry and powerful white wines of Miani and Livio Felluga
* Sauvignon Blanc from Venica e Venica and Ronco del Gnemiz
139
What is Friulano formerly known as?
Tocai Friulano (also called Tai)
140
What is Friulano known for in terms of food pairing?
It provides the perfect foil for the famous Prosciutto di San Daniele of Friuli.
141
In which DOCG blend is Friulano the core grape?
Rosazzo DOCG
142
What are the three noteworthy indigenous red grapes in Friuli?
* Refosco
* Schioppettino
* Pignolo
143
What is the most planted indigenous red grape in Friuli?
Refosco
144
What is a notable characteristic of Terrano?
It can provide unexpected value—fruity and meaty, with firm tannins and lively acidity.
145
Which DOCs are the most relevant and quality-minded in Friuli?
* Collio DOC (Collio Goriziano)
* Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC
146
What is Friuli's most prolific DOC?
Grave del Friuli DOC
147
How many geographic DOCs does Friuli have?
Eleven
148
What is the twelfth DOC appellation associated with Friuli?
Veneto’s Prosecco DOC
149
What rank does Friuli hold among Italy’s regions in terms of DOC wine production?
Third
