Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET 3 2017 DallasWine > Italy > Flashcards

Italy Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
WSET ® Level 1 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 1 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Spirits flashcards WSET® Level 4 Wine flashcards
1
Q

What are the acronyms for Italian PDO wines, what do they mean and what conditions are attached?

A

DOC - Denominazione di Origine Controllata
Subject to: Geographical boundaries, Limits on grape varieties and rules on production methods.

DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita
As above PLUS: must be bottled in area of production and subject to Ministry of Agri tasting.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are Italian Classico wines?

Give examples.

A

Wines made solely from the ORIGINAL, not expanded, land.
Soave from the plains
Soave Classico from the hillsides
Valpolicella Classico from the hills

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What does ‘Riserva’ on an Italian wine mean?

A

Wines with BOTH higher alcohol and longer aging than the minimum for the appellation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the ageing conditions for:
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Gran Selezione

A

Chianti Classico 12 months
Chianti Classico Riserva 24 months, with min 3 months in bottle
Chianti Gran Selezione Sourced from single estate, 30 months, oak optional but usual

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the ageing conditions for
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Brunello di Montalcino

A

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Min 2 years

Brunello di Montalcino 5 years, 2 in oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the ageing conditions for:
Barolo
Barbaresco

A

Barolo 3 yrs, 18 mo in oak

Barbaresco 2 yrs, 9 mo in oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Generally, what is the climate of Northern Italy?
What role do the Alps play?
What is the influence of rivers e.g. River Po and lakes e.g. Lake Garda?
What happens in areas nearer the sea and name one risk

A

Moderate climate with dry, short, summers
The Alps provide a Northern barrier providing shelter from Northerly rain
Rivers and glacial lakes (Lake Garda) give a moderating influence to inland areas
Nearer the sea, higher rainfall increasing the risk of fungal disease = more spraying

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

In Northern Italy how were grapes traditionally trained and, increasingly, how are they trained now?
What is a major benefit of this change?

A

Traditionally - high yield vines planted with low density.
Pergola, vine canopy with grapes hanging down = good airflow = less rot and shade against grape sunburn. Still used for high acid, low sugar grapes e.g. For sparkling wine.
Modern - VSP training allows higher density but fewer grapes per vine = better quality grapes. Overall increased prodn per hectare

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the characteristics of Pinot Grigio
At altitude?
On the plains?

A

At Altitude - dry, light to med body, hi acid, citrus and green fruit
On the plains - Med body, med acid with ripe stone fruit flavours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Pinot Grigio is key in which 6 regions?

A

Alto Adige, Trentino, Friulli-Venezia Giulia, Collio, Colli Oriental and Veneto.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Where is Gargenega, primarily, grown?
What are it’s characteristics
At altitude?
On the plain?

A

Gargenega = Soave - Pear, red apple, stone fruit, sometimes pepper
At altitude, in the foothills - Full flavor ripeness with high acidity - Soave Classico DOC
On the plains - Fruitier with medium acidity - Soave DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is Verdicchio like and what is it used for?

A

Primary grape in the Marche region’s Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC.
Green apples, lemons, fennel.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are IGT wines?

A

PGI wines of Italy

IGT = Indicazione Geographica Tipica

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Where is Chardonnay largely grown in Northern Italy, and what is it used for?

A

Largely grown on Veneto plains and used in IGT wines, but also in Sicily, and Trentino.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is Cortese, what does it taste like and where is it, predominantly used?

A

White grape, high acidity, floral, pale, light, body with aromas citrus, green apple and pear.
Mainly used in Gavi (Gavi DOCG, Cortese de Gavi DOCG, Gavi di Gavi DOCG).
Usually temp controlled stainless steel but can be barrel ferment with lees stirring.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is Nebbiolo, what does it taste like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, high acidity and tannin but light colour.
At altitude it has aromas of sour cherries, roses, herbs and dried flowers. With age develops tar, truffle and leather.
Used in Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG, and found in Asti and Alba

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is Barbera, what’s it like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, similar to Nebbiolo but lower tannin and higher acidity (2 x a’s in its name stand for acid and acid!), med to deep colour. Aromas of red cherries, plums and sometimes black pepper. Can be youthful and fruity or barrel aged for spicy flavours.
Mainly Barbera d’Alba DOC and the higher quality Barbera d’Asti DOCG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is Dolcetto like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, earlier-ripening, likes cooler sites. Deep purple color, med-high tannin (double t in its name), med acidity. Aromas black plums, red cherries and dried herbs. Drunk young or aged
Mainly used Dolcetta d’Alba DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is Corvina like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, thin skin, moderate color, low-med tannin with high acidity (more at altitude) giving red cherry flavor.
Mainly used in Valpolicella, can be blended.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Which is Italy’s most northerly wine region and what is mainly produced there?

A

Alto Adige
Aromatic whites due to large diurnal range, largely Pinot Grigio but also Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Red wines from Schiava.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Where are the vineyards of Alto Adige situated and what is the climate like?

A

NE Italy in foothills of Alps. Vineyards on SE and SW facing terraces on valley sides of River Adige.
Climate - Moderate with short summers and little rain thru growing season. Large diurnal range due to altitude

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Where is Trentino DOC, where are vines planted and what is mainly grown there?

A

Just south of Alto Adige, slightly warmer climate, mountains protect from Lake Garda.
Vines on both slopes and valley floor
Mainly Pinot Grigio plus some Chardonnay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Where is Friuli - Venezia Giulia, what is the climate like and what grapes are mainly grown there and what is the style like?

A

NE corner of Italy, stretches from foothills of Alps to near the Adriatic coast.
Near the Alps - Moderate continental, cooled by mountain air
Nearer the coast - Warm Maritime
Mainly Pinot Grigio - med to full body, juicy peach and tropical fruit
Also some Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the DOCs of Friuli - Venezia Giulia and what is the style of wine from each?

A

Friuli Grave DOC - wines from the plain, white, simple, fruity
Collio DOC and Colli Orientali DOC - Hills, more concentrated whites, Orientali also reds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are the 4 WSET regions of Northern Italy?

A

Trentino-Alto Adige
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Veneto
Piemonte

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where is Veneto?
What are its two most famous appellations?
What else does it produce
What is the climate like and are there any risks?

A

NE Italy, from S end of Lake Garda to Venice in the east
Soave and Valpolicella
Also produces bulk wines from Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Corvina, Gargenega and Trebbiano labelled as Veneto IGT
Climate - Warm with moderate rain, cooler at altitude with diurnal diff, also western areas cooled by breezes from Lake Garda
Flat plain - moist air and fog from River Po = RISK disease and rot = more spraying

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the soil like in Soave vs Soave Classico?
What is the main grape grown there?
What is sweet Soave called?

A

Gargenega
Foothills - Limestone and clay = Cool + altitude = slow ripen = higher acidity
On the plain - Sandy alluvial = warmer = fruitier and med acidity
Hills - Soave Classico DOC / Plain - Soave DOC
Recioto di Soave DOCG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the soil like in Valpolicella?
What is the main grape grown there?
How is the wine labelled
What is sweet Valpolicella called?

A

Foothills - Limestone and clay = Cool + altitude = slow ripen = higher acidity
On the plain - Sandy alluvial = warmer = fruitier and med acidity
Corvina
Hills - Valpolicella Classico / Plain - Valpolicella
Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is Passito and what is the most famous wine made from it in Valpolicella?
There’s also a sweet wine made using the same method, what’s that called?

A

A process whereby grapes picked early when still have high acidity, dried indoors to concentrate colour, sugars and flavour
Most famous - Amarone Della Valpolicella
Sweet - Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the style of Amarone Della Valpolicella?

A

Dry or off-dry, Full body, Hi ABV, Med-Hi Tannins
Intense with concentrated red berry and spice.
Aged in large oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What’s this Ripasso all about then?

A

Literally meaning ‘re-passed’, after wine is racked off almost-fermented Amarone leaving the skins. The skins are added to a vat of Valpolicella that’s already finished fermenting. The traces of yeast on the Amarone skins re-start fermentation and the skins give off more colour, flavour and tannin.
The finished wine has a med-full body, med-hi tannin with flavors of stewed cherries and plums and is labelled Valpolicella Ripasso DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Where is Piemont, what is the climate like and what are potential climatic risks?
What are the predominant grapes and at what altitude are the grapes grown?

A

NW Italy with mountains to the north providing a ‘shadow’ giving protection from northerly rain and winds.
Climate is moderate continental with long cold winters and summers with a risk of thunderstorms, hail and fog.

Grapes are Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto and grown from 150-500 metres hills

33
Q

Where are Nebbiolo grapes for Barolo grown?

Some Barbera and Dolcetto is also grown in Barolo, how is it labelled?

A

Villages having steep 300~500 metre south facing slopes from a horseshoe shaped valley.
Labelled as generic Alba DOC

34
Q

What grape is used to make Barbaresco?

A

Nebbiolo

35
Q

What grapes are mainly grown in Asti and Alba and what are the wines produced?

A

Barbera and Dolcetto
Barbera d’Alba DOC and the higher quality Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC

36
Q

Where is Gavi, what is made there and what grape is used?

A

Located SE Piemont
White wine region with wines made from Cortese grape
Normally fermented protectively in S. Steel but some ferment old oak vessels with lees stirring

37
Q

What are the WSET regions of Central Italy? 5

A

Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche and Abruzzo

38
Q

Where is ‘Central Italy’ and what is the climate?

A

Centre of Italy, either side of the Apennines with plantings in hills and valleys of mountain ranges, cooled by altitude and sea breezes

39
Q

Tuscany is roughly divided into 3 parts, what are they?

A

Mountainous Chianti in the north
Hills and valleys in the south
Flat coastal plain

40
Q

What is the primary grape of Tuscany?

What are its characteristics?

A

Sangiovese
Late ripening, needs warmth, high acidity and tannin, red cherries and plums.
Usually oak aged to soften tannins and add spicy flavours

41
Q

Where is Chianti located and specifically in a triangle of which 3 cities?

A

In the foothills of the Apennines between the cities of Pisa and Florence in the north and Sienna in the south.

42
Q

Name 2 examples of sub zones in the Chianti DOCG.

A

Most are blended with other black grapes from the 7 sub zones but the best come from specific sub zones such as:
Chianti Rufina DOCG
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG

43
Q

Which sub zone does Chianti Classico come from?

Where is it? Hong long must the wines be aged for?

A

Chianti Classico is its own specific zone so does not come from the other sub zones.
The vineyards are at higher altitude so = slower ripening giving wines with greater acidity.
Min 12 mo ageing
Chianti Classico Riserva must be aged min 24 mo of which at least 3 in oak.

44
Q

What is Chianti Gran Selezione?

Labelling conditions?

A

The highest designation of Chianti Classico.
Grapes must from a single estate and aged 30 months.
Oak optional but usually used

45
Q

What is the climate like in Southern Tuscany and what are the two prime wines produced?

A

Lower altitude so warmer but with cool maritime breezes
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - 100% Sangiovese
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG - Blend Sangiovese and others

46
Q

What are declassified Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

And Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG called and why might they be declassified?

A

Rosso di Montalcino and
Rosso di Montepulciano
De classified in poor years or if young vines

47
Q

Where were ‘Super Tuscan’ wines born, what is the climate, what is the main DOC and what grapes can be used?

A

Tuscany coast
Flat but cooled by sea breezes
Bolgheri DOC
Bolgheri permits many non Italian grapes but most are based on Sangiovese

48
Q

What is the climate in Umbria, what is the main wine produced and from what grapes?

A

More continental than Tuscany with no sea breeze so Continental.
Mainly Orvieto DOC - light white, med-hi acid, flavors of ripe grapefruit and peach
A blend of Grechetto & Trebbiano, better wines have more Grechetto

49
Q

Where is Lazio, what is the climate and what is the main wine produced there and what grapes are used to make it?

A

Hills south of Rome
Cooled by altitude and small lakes
Frascati DOC - fresh unoaked, med body, med~hi acid, citrus fruit and blossom.
Blend Malvasia (Orange blossom) and Trebbiano

50
Q

Where is Marche, what is produced there and what is the best known DOC?

A

East side of Apennines
Verdicchio grape - Hi acid, green apples, lemons and sometimes fennel and almonds
Verdicchio die Castelli di Jesi DOC

51
Q

Where is Abruzzo, what grape is predominant, what’s it like and what is the best known DOC?

A

South of Marche
Montepulciano grape - Hi colour and tannin, med acid, black plum and cherry.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

52
Q

What is the climate of Southern Italy, where are vines planted and how were / are vines trained?

A

Hot and dry inland and humid by the coast.
Many vineyards on slopes of Apennines giving some altitude cooling, there are also sea breezes on the Puglia peninsula
Vines were Bush trained but newer vines have cordon training and trellising to aid mechanisation

53
Q

What is the topography of Campania?

A

Mountains, valleys and a coastal plain

54
Q

What are the predominant white grapes of Campania, what are they like and what are the DOCGs?

A

Fiano - Med acid, med~full body, stone fruit, melon and mango
Greco - High acidity, lean, green apple, stone fruit and passion fruit
Fiano di Avelino DOCG
Greco di Tufo DOCG

55
Q

What is the predominant black grape of Campania, what is it like and what is the main DOCG?

A

Aglianico, deep colour, hi acid and tannin. Black fruit and oak
Taurasi DOCG

56
Q

Where are most DOCGs in Southern Italy?

A

Campania

57
Q

What is the topography of Basilicata
What is the name of the local volcano
Predominant grape?
Local DOC?

A

Very mountainous to 900 metres
Monte Vulture
Aglianico
Aglianico del Vulture DOC

58
Q

What is the climate like in Puglia?

A

Hot but with sea breeze cooling on the Puglia peninsula

59
Q

What are the key black grapes of Puglia, what are they like and what is produced with them?

A

Negroamaro - med tannin and acidity, hi alc, baked red and black fruit.
Primitivo (Zinfandel) - med tannin and acidity, hi alc, very ripe berry fruit.
Puglia IGT
Salice Salentino DOC

60
Q

What is the main Italian grape grown in Sicily, what is it like and what is made from it?
Also what are the leading International black and white grapes grown?

A

Nero d’Avola - med to full body, med acid and tannin, plum and black cherry. Fruity for early drinking but can be more complex.
IGT Terre di Sicilia / Terre Siciliane
If lower yields = Sicilia DOC
Syrah and Chardonnay

61
Q

What are the black grapes used in Etna DOC and what are they like?

A

Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Cappuccio - Fragrant, Hi acid and tannin, sour red cherries, cranberries, raspberries and dried herbs.
Mushroom aromas with bottle age

62
Q

Grapes used in Orvieto?

A

Greschetto and Trebbiano.

Best use more Greschetto

63
Q

Grapes used in Frascati?

A

Malvasia and Trebbiano

64
Q

White grape of Marche?

A

Verdicchio

65
Q

The black grape of Abruzzo?

A

Montepulciano

66
Q

XXXXX di Avellino DOCG
XXXXX di Tufo DOCG
From which region?

A

Fiano di Avelino DOCG
Greco di Tufo DOCG
Campania

67
Q

Taurasi DOCG is made from which grape?

A

Aglianico

68
Q

What is the DOCG of Campania made with Aglianico?

A

Taurasi DOCG

69
Q

XXXXXX del Vulture

Which region?

A

Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Basilicata

70
Q

Two leading black grapes of Puglia?

A 
Negroamaro
Primitivo (Zinfandel)
71
Q

Best DOC from Puglia made from Negroamaro?

A

Salice Salentino DOC

72
Q

What are the two black grapes of Etna DOC?

A

Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucio

73
Q

Best red wine DOCG of Umbria?

A

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG

74
Q

XXXXX di Montefalco?

A

Sagrantino di Montefalco

75
Q

List the 4 Natural factors of wine

A

Grapes
Climate
Weather
Soil / Aspect

76
Q

Which red grape dominates in Alto Adige?

A

Schiava - Produces light fruity wines, low-med tannin, raspberries and plums

77
Q

Which Italian black grape is mainly used in Trentino?

A

Teroldego - Trentino DOC - Deep colour, med~hi tannin, hi acid, aromas of black fruit, normally matured in oak.

78
Q

In which Italian region is the white grape Friulano found?

A

Fruilli - Venezia Giulia

79
Q

What is Trebbiano like and where is it used?

A 
Used as a light high-volume blending grape in:
Orvieto DOC (with Grechetto)
Frascati DOC (with Malvasia)

WSET 3 2017 DallasWine (33 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions