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Italy 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 prodn and subject to Min Ag tasting

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2
Q

What are Italian Classico wines?

Give an example

A

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

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3
Q

What does ‘Riserva’ on an Italian wine mean?

A

Wine with both higher alc and longer ageing than the minimum for the appelation

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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, min 3 in bottle
Chianti Gran Selezione 30 months, oak optional but usual

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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

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6
Q

What are the ageing conditions for:
Barolo
Barbaresco

A

Barolo. 3yrs, 18 mo in oak

Barbaresco. 2 yrs, 9 mo in oak

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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 give a moderating influence to hotter inland areas
Nearer the sea, higher rainfall increasing the risk of fungal disease = more spraying

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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

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9
Q

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

A

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

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10
Q

Pinot Grigio is key in which regions? 6

A

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

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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
@ altitude - Full flavour ripeness with high acidity - Soave Classico
On the plains - Fruitier with medium acidity - Soave

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12
Q

What is Trebbiano like and what is it used for?

A

High yield grape, usually simple and fruity for IGT wines

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13
Q

What are IGT wines?

A

PGI wines of Italy

IGT = Indicazione Geographica Tipica

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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

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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
Usually temp control S. Steel but can be barrel ferment with lees stirring

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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 and Barbaresco

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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

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18
Q

What is Dolcetto like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, likes cooler sites. Deep colour, 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

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19
Q

What is Corvina like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, thin skin, moderate colour, low~med tannin with hi acidity (more at altitude) giving red cherry flavour.
Mainly used in Valpolicella

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20
Q

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

A

Alto Adige

Aromatic whites mainly from Pinot Grigio but also Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc

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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

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22
Q

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

A

Just south of Alto Adige
Vines on both slopes and valley floor
Mainly Pinot Grigio plus some Chardonnay

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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

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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

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25
What are the WSET regions of Northern Italy? 5
``` Alto Adige Trentino Friuli-Venezia Giulia Veneto Piemonte ```
26
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?
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 W cooled by breezes from Lake Garda Flat plain - warm air and for from R. Po = RISK disease and rot = more spraying
27
What is the soil like in Soave? What is the main grape grown there? How is the wine labelled What is sweet Soave called?
Foothills - Limestone and clay = Cool + altitude = slow ripen = higher acidity On the plain - Sandy alluvial = warmer = fruitier and med acidity Gargenega Hills - Soave Classico / Plain - Soave Recioto di Soave DOCG
28
What is the soil like in Valpolicella? What is the main grape grown there? How is the wine labelled What is sweet Valpolicella called?
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
29
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 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
30
What is the style of Amarone Della Valpolicella?
Dry or off dry, full body, hi alc, med~hi tannin Intense with concentrated red berry and spice. Aged in large oak
31
What's this Ripasso all about then?
Literally meaning 're-passed' 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 to hi tannin with flavours of stewed cherries and plums and is labelled Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
32
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?
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
33
Where are Nebbiolo grapes for Barolo grown? | Some Barbera and Dolcetto is also grown in Barolo, how is it labelled?
Villages having steep 300~500 metre south facing slopes from a horseshoe shaped valley. Labelled as generic Alba DOC
34
What grape is used to make Barbaresco?
Nebbiolo
35
What grapes are mainly grown in Asti and Alba and what are the wines produced?
Barbera and Dolcetto Barbera d'Alba DOC and the higher quality Barbera d'Asti DOCG Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
36
Where is Gavi, what is made there and what grape is used?
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
What are the WSET regions of Central Italy? 5
Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Marche and Abruzzo
38
Where is 'Central Italy' and what is the climate?
Centre of Italy, either side of the Apennines with plantings in hills and valleys of mountain ranges, cooled by altitude and sea breezes
39
Tuscany is roughly divided into 3 parts, what are they?
Mountainous Chianti in the north Hills and valleys in the south Flat coastal plain
40
What is the primary grape of Tuscany? | What are its characteristics?
Sangiovese Late ripening, needs warmth, high acidity and tannin, red cherries and plums. Usually oak aged to soften tannins and add spicy flavours
41
Where is Chianti located and specifically in a triangle of which 3 cities?
In the foothills of the Apennines between the cities of Pisa and Florence in the north and Sienna in the south.
42
There are 7 sub zones in Chianti, where do the best wines come from? Name two
Most are blended with grapes from the 7 sub zones but the best come from specific sub zones such as Chianti Ruffina DOCG and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
43
Which sub zone does Chianti Classico come from? | Where is it? Hong long must the wines be aged for?
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
What is Chianti Gran Selezione? | Labelling conditions?
The highest designation of Chianti Classico. Grapes must from a single estate and aged 30 months. Oak optional but usually used
45
What is the climate like in Southern Tuscany and what are the two prime wines produced?
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
What are declassified Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | And Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG called and why might they be declassified?
Rosso di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano De classified in poor years or if young vines
47
Where were 'Super Tuscan' wines born, what is the climate, what is the main DOC and what grapes can be used?
Tuscany coast Flat but cooled by sea breezes Bolgheri DOC Bolgheri permits many non Italian grapes but most are based on Sangiovese
48
What is the climate in Umbria, what is the main wine produced and from what grapes?
More continental than Tuscany with no sea breeze so Continental. Mainly Orvieto DOC - light white, med~hi acid, flavours of ripe grapefruit and peach A blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano, better wine have more Greschetto
49
Where is Lazio, what is the climate and what is the main wine produced there and what grapes are used to make it?
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
Where is Marche, what is produced there and what is the best known DOC?
East side of Apennines Verdicchio grape - Hi acid, green apples, lemons and sometimes fennel and almonds Verdicchio die Castelli di Jesi DOC
51
Where is Abruzzo, what grape is predominant, what's it like and what is the best known DOC?
South of Marche Montepulciano grape - Hi colour and tannin, med acid, black plum and cherry. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
52
What is the climate of Southern Italy, where are vines planted and how were / are vines trained?
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
What is the topography of Campania?
Mountains, valleys and a coastal plain
54
What are the predominant white grapes of Campania, what are they like and what are the DOCGs?
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
What is the predominant black grape of Campania, what is it like and what is the main DOCG?
Aglianico, deep colour, hi acid and tannin. Black fruit and oak Taurasi DOCG
56
Where are most DOCGs in Southern Italy?
Campania
57
What is the topography of Basilicata What is the name of the local volcano Predominant grape? Local DOC?
Very mountainous to 900 metres Monte Vulture Aglianico Aglianico del Vulture DOC
58
What is the climate like in Puglia?
Hot but with sea breeze cooling on the Puglia peninsula
59
What are the key black grapes of Puglia, what are they like and what is produced with them?
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
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?
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
What are the black grapes used in Etna DOC and what are they like?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucio - Fragrant, hi acid and tannin, sour red cherries, cranberries, raspberries and dried herbs. Mushroom aromas with bottle age
62
Grapes used in Orvieto?
Greschetto and Trebbiano. | Best use more Greschetto
63
Grapes used in Frascati?
Malvasia and Trebbiano
64
White grape of Marche?
Verdicchio
65
The black grape of Abruzzo?
Montepulciano
66
XXXXX di Avellino DOCG XXXXX di Tufo DOCG From which region?
Fiano di Avelino DOCG Greco di Tufo DOCG Campania
67
Taurasi DOCG is made from which grape?
Aglianico
68
What is the DOCG of Campania made with Aglianico?
Taurasi DOCG
69
XXXXXX del Vulture | Which region?
Aglianico del Vulture DOC
70
Two leading black grapes of Puglia?
``` Negroamaro Primitivo (Zinfandel) ```
71
Best DOC from Puglia made from Negroamaro?
Salice Salentino DOC
72
What are the two black grapes of Etna DOC?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucio
73
Best red wine DOCG of Umbria?
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
74
XXXXX di Montefalco?
Sagrantino di Montefalco
75
List the 4 Natural factors of wine
Grapes Climate Weather Soil / Aspect
76
Which red grape dominates in Alto Adige?
Shiava - Produces light fruity wines, low ~ med tannin, flavours raspberries and plums
77
Which Italian black grape is mainly used in Trentino?
Teroldego - Trentino DOC - Deep colour, med~hi tannin, hi acid, aromas of black fruit, normally matured in oak.
78
In which Italian region is the white grape Friulano found?
Fruilli - Venezia Giulia

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