Italy Flashcards
When were the first DOCGs awarded in Italy? What were they?
1980: Brunello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Barolo
When was the Italian DOC/G system introduced?
1963
What did Goria’s Law do? When?
1992: Established the IGT and attempted to reform wine laws, giving producers more freedom.
How long much a DOC wait before applying for DOCG status?
5 years
What is the EU equivalent of IGT
PDI (Protected Geographical Indication
What mountains run down the center of Italy?
Apennine Mountains
What does Piedmont mean?
“foot of the mountain”
Piedmont is surrounded on three sides by what?
Apennines and Alps
What river runs east-to-west through Piedmont?
Po River
Why are most of Piedmont’s vineyards located on the hillsides?
The alluvial valleys are too fertile for viticulture
Describe the climate of Piedmont
Continental climate - rain shadow provided by the Alps. Autumn hail is an issue
On what Piedmontese hills are most vineyards located?
Monferrato and Langhe hills
What are sorì?
Prized southern Piedmontese exposures suitable for Nebbiolo
Describe the Nebbiolo grape and the wine it typically produces
Thin-skinned, late-ripening black grape producing high acid, high alcohol, high tannin red wines capable of very long aging.
From where does Nebbiolo get its name?
“La Nebbia” the morning fog that extends the grapes’ ripening time in the fall
Which ripens earliest: Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera?
Dolcetto
What is the most widely planted red grape in Piedmont?
Barbera
Name any other red grapes of Piedmont (Not Barbera, Nebbiolo, Docletto)
Brachetto, Grignolino, Ruchè, Croatina, Bespolina, Freisa
What is the most widely planted white grape in Piedmont? What type of wine is typically made with it and where?
Moscato Bianco / Muscat à Petits Grains
Sparkling wines in Asti
Name four white Piedmontese grapes, not Moscato Bianco
Cortese, Arneis, Erbaluce, Favorita/Vermentino
What is Vermentino called in Piedmont?
Favorita
Barolo and Barbaresco both border which river?
Tanaro
How many DOCGs are in Piedmont?
Name as many Piedmontese as possible
17 Alta Langa Asti Barbaresco Barbera d'Asti Barbera del Monferrato Superiore Barolo Brachetto d'Acqui Dogliani Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore Erbaluce di Caluso/Caluso Gattinara Gavi/Coretse di Gavi Ghemme Nizza Roero Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato
Which five communes produce the most Barolo?
La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto
Name and describe the two most common soil types in Barolo, and locate them
Tortonian (calcareous marl): La Morra, Barolo
Helvetian sandstone: Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba
What are the aging requirements for Barolo and Barolo Riserva?
Barolo: 38 months aging from November 1 following harvest, including 18 months in oak
Barolo Riserva: 62 months from November 1 following harvest, including 18 in oak
How many communes may produce Barolo? Name as many as possible
12: Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, La Morra, Diano d’Alba, Novello, Verduno, Grinzane, Cavour, Cherasco, Roddi
What is the minimum alcohol % for Barolo?
13%
What is the meaning of “menzioni geografiche aggiuntive” on a Barolo or Barbaresco label?
That the wine comes from a “geographical designation” or cru, legally established in 2010/2007 respectively.