Italy Flashcards
Leading red grape of Piedmont, by acreage
Barbera
Other leading red grapes of Piedmont (in addition to Barbera)
Nebbiolo Dolcetto Freisa Grignolino Brachetto (Also: Bonarda, Vespolina, Ruche)
Leading white grapes of Piedmont
Moscato Bianco
Arneis
Cortese
(Also: Erbaluce)
Grape variety of Barolo and Barbaresco
Nebbiolo
must be 100%
Aging requirements for Barolo
Minimum 38 months
Riserva: min 62 months
(Counted from November 1 of the harvest year)
Aging requirements for Barbaresco
Minimum 26 months
Riserva: min 50 months
(Counted from November 1 of the harvest year)
Grape variety of Gavi
Cortese
Name for Nebbiolo as used in Northern Piedmont
Spanna
Grape variety of Asti DOCG
Muscat (Moscato)
Three styles of wine made in the Asti DOCG
- Asti - sparkling, charmat
- Asti Metodo Classico – sparkling, traditional method
- Moscato d’Asti – slightly sparkling, partial fermentation method
Style of wine approved in 2017 for the Asti DOCG
Asti Secco
Required assemblage for Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Minimum 90% Barbera
Required assemblage for Nizza DOCG
100% Barbera
DOCG approved for red (Nebbiolo) and white (Arneis)
Roero DOCG
2 Nebbiolo-based DOCGs in Northern Piedmont
Ghemme DOCG
Gattinara DOCG
Grape variety of Acqui DOCG
Brachetto
What is one of the main reasons that Italy is such a fruitful place for grape growing?
Climate – its position in southern Europe is well within the temperature zone where summer days are long and hot, there are clearly recognizable springs and falls, and winters are cold
What is Italy’s most notably topographic feature?
Long Mediterranean coastline
How does the Mediterranean affect Italy, generally?
It acts as a moderating influence on the weather, reducing the summer heat by a few degrees and warding off the worst winter cold
Italy is very mountainous, but where are two notable flat areas?
Po River Valley
Puglia (heel of the boot)
What led to a variety of different types of vines and winemaking techniques in Italy?
Rugged terrain, along with continuous political discord, restricted travel in centuries past
Two major mountain chains in Italy
Apennines
Alps
Where are the Apennines in Italy?
They run the length of the peninsula
What elevation do the highest points of the Apennines reach?
10000 ft (3,048 m)
What forms the entire northern border of Italy
Alps
What elevation do the Alps rise above?
15,000 ft (4572m)
What do the Alps provide northern Italy?
A solid wall to hold back most of the Arctic air masses that strike northern Europe in the winter, as well as, high-altitude vineyard sites with wide diurnal temperature ranges
How many regions are in Italy?
20, 18 on the mainland plus the 2 islands
2 islands of Italy
Sicily
Sardinia
Which part of Italy is the most prosperous?
Northern Italy, which contains the majority of Italy’s industrial infrastructure; cities of Milan, Turin, and Venice; and the rich agricultural lands of the Po River Basin
Where is Tuscany?
On the more populated and touristic western coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
What body of water is the eastern coast of Italy along?
Adriatic Sea
What is true of the eastern coast of Italy?
More rural and agricultural and is a major source of wines made from indigenous Italian grapes
Does Italy grow more indigenous or international varieties?
Indigenous, although some French varieties have been well established for over a century
What can cause differences in flavor and quality amongst Italian grape varieties?
They’ve been growing in isolated areas for so long that they have diverged into an array of clones of subvarieties with distinct characteristics, and also are influenced by different terroirs
Two examples of evolved clones in Italy?
Trebbiano Toscano
Sangiovese Grosso
How many grape varieties are allowed in Italian wines?
More than 400, including subvarieties this comes closer to 2000
Which grape varieties are found throughout Italy?
Trebbiano Toscano Chardonnay Moscato Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
What’s Trebbiano Toscano’s name in France?
Ugni Blanc
Most widespread grape variety of Italy
Trebbiano Toscano
Leading Red Grapes of Italy
Sangiovese Montepulciano Merlot Barbera Nero d'Avola Cabernet Sauvignon Primitivo Negroamaro
Leading White Grapes of Italy
Trebbiano Toscano Pinot Grigio Catarratto Chardonnay Glera Garganega Moscato Bianco
How far back do Italy’s efforts to protect the names and origins of wine date to?
Early 1700s when the Grand Duchy of Tuscany delineated areas of production for Chianti
Examples of some of the aspects Italian wine laws regulate
Which grape varieties can be planted
Crop yield
Viticultural practices
Winemaking techniques
What is the modern Italian system of wine laws modeled after?
French appellation controlee structure
What is the major difference between the Italian and French system of wine laws?
Italy has 4 categories to France’s 3
Italian designations from lowest to highest
Vino (basic table wine)
Indicazione geografica tipica (IGT)
Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC)
Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG)
Previous name for Vino category
Vino de Tavola
What is the table wine designation intended for?
Simple wines that were subject to few rules and regulations or whose grapes were grown outside of recognized quality production areas
What was initially not allowed on Vino labels, but has changed?
No vintage date, grape variety, or zone of production
Two names for the lowest level of wines in Italy
Vino Vini Varietali (Varietal wines)
Name for basic varietal wines in Italy
Vini Varietali
How much of Italy’s production is at the Vino level?
40%
When was the IGT category created?
1992
Why was the IGT category created?
In response to winemakers who felt the DOC/DOCG category involved excessive restrictions and that they could make better wines operating outside of them; for example, many wanted to use a grape variety not approved in their area or to modify the percentages of the sanctioned grape varieties.
What was the real reason for the creation of the IGT category?
Some of the wines met with great commercial success and commanded high prices
What’s a colloquial name for IGT wines?
Super Tuscans
Where were the first IGT wines from?
Tuscany
What is the EU equivalent of the IGT category?
PGI (geographical indication)
What is true of the IGT category?
Wines must rise to a higher standard of production than basic wines, but the winemakers have considerably more leeway in their choice of grapes and methods than do those producing wines in a higher classification category.
What is allowed via the labeling of IGT wines?
May carry a vintage date Varietally labelled (as long as 85% variety) Name of IGT region
What is required to label the variety on an IGT label?
At least 85% of the variety in the blend
How many IGT zones are in Italy?
More than 100
How much of Italian production is IGT?
Almost 30%
What two categories are PDO divided into in Italy?
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
What is the difference between DOC and DOCG?
DOCG wines are not only controlled but also guaranteed. They are subject to evaluation
What do DOCG wines have over the cork?
A special, numbered government seal
When was the DOCG category created?
1963
When was the first DOCG awarded?
1980
What three wines were the first DOCGs?
Brunello di Montalcino
Barolo
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
As of December 2019, how many DOCs were in Italy?
334
As of December 2019, how many DOCGs were in Italy?
75
3 terms used in the PDO category
Classico
Superiore
Riserva
Classico designation of PDO wines
Indicates a central or historic subzone within a larger geographic region. Such a territory is often the original center of wine production in the area and is often considered to be superior to the surrounding areas
Superiore designation of PDO wines
Indicates a wine that has a specific higher level of alcohol by volume than required of the corresponding normale wine.
How are Superiore wines usually produced?
Using a lower yield of grapes per acre or riper grapes
Riserva designation of PDO wines
Applied to wines that have been aged for a longer minimum period of time than regular wines. The total aging time varies according to the type and style of wine
Which region produces the largest quantity by volume of DOC/DOCG wines in Italy?
Veneto
Where is Veneto?
Northeastern Italy
What borders Veneto to the north?
Austria and Trentino-Alto Adige
What borders Veneto to the west?
Lombardy
What borders Veneto to the south?
Emilia-Romagna
What borders Veneto to the east?
Adriatic Sea and Friuli-Venezia Giulia
How is Veneto divided topographically?
Two distinct sections – south and east are flat, while the north and east are mountainous
What is Italy’s longest river?
Po River, it forms the southern border of Veneto
What are 3 important rivers of Veneto?
Po
Adige
Piave
Where are most of Veneto’s renowned grapes grown?
In the band of Alpine foothills and valleys between the plains and the rugged mountains
What is the climate of Veneto?
Varied as it is close to both the Alps and the Mediterranean. Broad river delta and flatlands can get quite hot and humid in the summer, while the mountain slopes remain cooler and breezier. In the winter, this is one of the colder parts of Italy, but the Alps keep the coldest continental air at bay. Lake Gardo, on the western side of Veneto, moderates the temperatures in its vicinity.
Leading red grapes of Veneto
Corvina Corvinone Rondinella Molinara Oseleta Negrara Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Leading white grapes of Veneto
Pinot Grigio Glera Garganega Trebbiano Toscano Trebbiano di Soave Pinot Bianco Vespaiola Chardonnay
3 red varieties most associated with Veneto, and which is considered to be the highest quality?
Corvina
Corvinone
Rondinella
Corvina is considered to be the highest quality.
Which grape variety was initially thought to be a clone of Corvina?
Corvinone
What is the primary white grape variety of Veneto?
Garganega
What is the basis of sparkling wines in Veneto?
Glera
Does Veneto produce more white wines or red wines?
White wines
White grape variety of Prosecco
Glera
What was Glera formerly called?
Prosecco
Why is Glera no longer called Prosecco?
Because a new set of restrictions took effect with the 2010 vintage that mandates the usage of Prosecco only within the region
What is the appassimento process?
Process of making wine utilizing dried grapes. Traditionally the grapes are placed carefully in special slatted boxes, laid on open shelves, or hung from ceiling rafters by hooks.
What is the challenge with drying the grapes?
The area must be kept well aerated to prevent mold growth
How long are the grapes left to dry?
Until mid-January or longer, at which time they have lost as much as 60% of the water content through evaporation
How/When is fermentation stopped for the appassimento process?
By chilling the wine; After the alcohol level reaches approximately 12%, which still leaves considerable residual sugar
Recioto
Sweet wine that has undergone the appassimento process but still has considerable residual sugar
Are Recioto wines always still?
No, if carbon dioxide is retained they can be sparkling as well
If appassimento wines are fermented to dryness, what is the average alcohol percentage?
15% to 16%
What is the name of the wine fermented to dryness using the appassimento process?
Amarone della Valpolicella
Ripasso
Traditional production technique that reuses the sediment, or lees, of Amarone or recioto. Young wine is combined with the lees and goes through a short second fermentation
How do Ripasso wines differ from wines not made in the style?
More flavor, tannin, and alcohol
How many DOCGs are in Veneto?
14
What is the most distinguished DOCG in Veneto?
Amarone della Valpolicella
What are the four styles of wine produced in Valpolicella DOC?
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Valpolicella DOC
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Where is Valpolicella?
Hills north of Verona
What is the requirements for Amarone?
Minimum of 2 years aging
Minimum of 14% ABV although most producers achieve alcohol levels of at least 15%
What are the grapes in the blend of Valpolicella?
Corvina
Corvinone
Rondinella
Small percentage of other red grapes
Where are the producers that use the classico designation?
Heart of the region
What are the aging requirement for the Superiore wines of Valpolicella?
At least one year aging
Minimum of 12% abv (compared to 11% for normale)
Which two regions follow a similar blend to that of Valpolicella?
Bardolino DOC
Bardolino DOCG
What else is made in Bardolino?
Chiaretto (rose)
What is the most quality white region in Veneto?
Soave
2 DOCGs in Soave
Soave Superiore DOCG
Recioto di Soave DOCG
What is the main grape of Soave
Garganega
How much of Garganega must be in the blend for Soave?
at least 70%
What grapes are blended with Garganega in Soave?
Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, or both
Another name for Trebbiano di Soave
Verdicchio
How much Glera is required for Prosecco?
At least 85%
Where can Prosecco be produced?
northern and eastern portions of Veneto as well as all of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
What are the DOCGs for Prosecco? And what do they represent?
Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Asolo Prosecco (Colli Asolani) DOCG
Both represent specific areas renowned for the historic quality of their wines and their vineyards (particularly in reference to aspect, soils, and elevation)
What does the Lugana DOC produce?
Pleasant and light white wines made from Trebbiano di Lugana (a variety recently found to be closely related, but not quite identical, to Verdicchio)
What does Piave DOC produce?
Dry and appassimento wines from traditional and international varieties
What is allowed in Piave Malanotte DOCG?
Red wines only from the indigenous Raboso grape variety
What does the Lison-Pramaggiore DOC produce?
Red and white wines from both traditional and international varieties
What does the Lison DOCG produce?
White wines only made using Friulano
What new three-region DOC was created in 2017?
Delle Venezie
What does the Delle Venezie DOC encompass?
Total area of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino
What does the Delle Venezie DOC allow for?
Multi-regional varietal wine (such as Pinot Grigio) to be labeled as a DOC wine
How many IGTs are in Veneto? 2 examples?
10
Veneto IGT
Trevenezie IGT
Where is Trentino-Alto Adige?
Northernmost region in Italy
What occupies most of the northern border of Trentino-Alto Adige?
Austria (Alto Adige used to belong to the region)
Alternate name for Alto Adige
Sudtirol
Why are Alto Adige labels often Germanic?
German is the predominant language so the wine styles and labels reflect that cultural heritage
What town is at the center of Trentino?
Trento
What is the climate of Trentino?
Quite cold in the more mountainous regions and progressively milder closer to Lake Garda in the south.
How are vineyards found throughout the main valley of Trento often planted?
Terraces
How much of Trentino-Alto Adige is DOC status?
More than 80%
What are the primary DOCs of Trentino-Alto Adige?
Alto Adige
Trentino
Valdadige
How are most of the wines of Trentino-Alto Adige labelled?
Varietally
Principal white varieties of Trentino-Alto Adige
Chardonnay Pinot Grigio Pinot Bianco Muller-Thurgau Traminer (Gewurztraminer)
What is another name for Gewurztraminer in Trentino-Alto Adige?
Traminer
Principal red varieties of Trentino-Alto Adige
Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Lagrein Merlot Marzemino Schiava Teroldego
How is Trento DOC locally known?
Trentodoc
What is Trento DOC known for?
Traditional Method sparkling wine
Grape varieties of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) Pinot Grigio Riesling Sauvignon Blanc
Verduzzo
Friulano
Picolit
Former name of Friulano
Tocai Friulano
Two appellations considered to be the best for quality wines in Friuli
Friuli Colli Orientali DOC (and its associated DOCG for sweet white wines made form the Picolit grape, Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit)
Colli Goriziano DOC (simply called Collio)
Where are Friuli Colli Orientali and Colli Goriziano?
eastern part of Friuli near the Slovenian border
What does Collio produce?
Single variety wines
White blends labeled Collio Bianco
Skin-fermented “orange” iwnes from the indigenous Ribolla Gialla grape
Two other outstanding wines of Friuli (besides the Colli)
Ramandolo DOCG
Rosazzo DOCG
What is produced in Ramandolo DOCG?
Sweet white wines from the Verduzzo variety
What is produced in Rosazzo DOCG?
Dry white wines with a minimum of 50% Friulano; with other varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Ribolla Gialla
What is the second largest producer of DOC and DOCG wines behind Veneto?
Piedmont; although while its poduction volume is behind Veneto, it has the highest proportion of PDO wines of any of Italy’s regions
What borders Piedmont to the west?
France
What borders Piedmont to the north?
Valle d’Aosta
Switzerland
What borders Piedmont to the east?
Lombardy
What borders Piedmont to the south?
Liguria
What surrounds Piedmont on three sides?
Alps and Apennine mountains
Where are the ideal regions for growing quality grapes in Piedmont?
low hills and ridges within the central basin are ideal, especially the Langhe and Monferrato hills south of the town of Asti
What is the climate of Piedmont?
Cold winters with abundant snowfall. Summers are warm and dry, with frequent fog in autumn
What is Piedmont’s most famous grape?
Nebbiolo
General profile of Nebbiolo
Tannic, High-acid
Most planted red variety of Piedmont
Barbera
General profile of Barbera
Lighter, but still high-acid, low tannin
How much of Piedmont’s wines are red?
About 2/3rds
What is one common feature of Piedmont red wines?
notable acidity that helps to give the big wines their longevity and makes the lighter styles particularly refreshing
How are sparkling wines produced in Piedmont?
Traditional Method
Tank Method
Partial Fermentation
Range of styles from dry to sweet and from white to red
Style of still white wines from Piedmont
Medium bodied with delicate aromatics
How many DOCGs in Piedmont?
17
How many DOCs in Piedmont?
more than 40
Does Piedmont have an IGT region?
No, Piedmont DOC covers the entire region
What does the Langhe DOC encompass?
Barolo
Barbaresco
Roero
as well as the areas surrounding the towns of Alba and Ovada
What are many of the appellations of Piedmont tied to?
Single grape varieties
How many DOCGs is Nebbiolo the sole or primary variety?
7
Which two subregions produce the two highest-regarded wines of Piedmont from 100% Nebbiolo?
Barolo
Barbaresco
Style of Barolo
Intense, dry, robust, but very velvety red wine, usually quite tannic, and high in alcohol
Minimum aging period of Barolo
38 months
Minimum aging of Barolo Riserva
62 months
Style of Barbaresco
Similar to Barolo but considered slightly more elegant and less powerful – though this is often debated
Minimum aging for Barbaresco
26 months
Minimum aging for Barbaresco Riserva
50 months
Style of wine from Asti
Popular and intensely aromatic wine made from 100% Moscato Bianco that has peach and apricot flavors
Which Muscat clone is Moscato Bianco?
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
Aging requirements for Asti Metodo Classico
Bottle aged on the lees for a minimum of 9 months and is required to have a degree of residual sugar
Frizzante
Lightly sparkling
Asti Method
Winemaking process in which a single fermentation in a pressurized tank is halted by refrigeration, leaving a substantial amount of residual sugar in the wine
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Large region covering over 9700 acres in the area surrounding the town of Asti
When was Barbera d’Asti approved as a DOCG, and for what?
2008; for red wines containing at least 90% Barbera
Nizza
Former subregion of the Barbera d’Asti DOCG
When was Nizza approved as a DOCG, and for what?
December 2014; 100% Barbera red wines with aging restrictions
Minimum aging for Nizza DOCG`
18 months
Minimum aging for Nizza DOCG Riserva
30 months
What is produced in the Roero DOCG?
Red and white wines.
Reds – less concentrated, earlier-drinking Nebbiolos
Whites – highly regarded fragrant wines from Arneis
Where are Roero reds produced?
across the Tanaro River from Barbaresco
What do Gattinara and Ghemme DOCGs produce
Nebbiolo-based blends in the northern part of Piedmont
Alternate name for Nebbiolo in the North of Piedmont?
Spanna
How many DOCs around Gattinara and Ghemme feature Spanna?
5
Where is Gavi DOCG located and what does it produce?
Southeast corner of Piedmont; Crisp, floral white wine made from the Cortese grape
Alternate names for the Gavi DOCG
Cortese di Gavi
Gavi del Comune di Gavi
Alternate name for Brachetto d’Acqui
Acqui
What is produced in the Acqui DOCG?
Range of wines based on the (red) Brachetto grape. Most distributed style is slightly sweet, sparkling, and redolent with red berry and floral aromas
Grape named appellations are typically made from what percentage of the grape? 3 examples
100%
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC
Grignolino d’Asti DOC
Outside of wine, what other product is majorly produced in Piedmont?
Vermouth
What is Vermouth?
Aromatized and fortified wine flavored with herbs, spices, aromatic woods, and other natural ingredients
What is the style of Italy’s vermouth?
Normally Red and Sweet
Four wines produced in the Valpolicella region
Valpolicella DOC
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Primary grape variety of Valpolicella
Corvina
Minor grape varieties of Valpolicella
Corvinone
Rondinella
Sweet wine of Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Term used for Bardonlino rose
Chiaretto
Note: the term is used for other wines as well
Primary grape of Soave
Garganega
Required assemblage of Soave
Min. 70% Garganega; remainder may be Trebbiano di Soave (Verdicchio) and/or Chardonnay
Three wines produced in the Soave region
Soave DOC
Recioto di Soave DOCG
Soave Superiore DOCG
Primary grape of Prosecco
Glera
minimum 85%
Two DOCGs that produce Prosecco
Asolo Prosecco DOCG (Colli Asolani DOCG)
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Style of wine produced in the Lugana DOC
White wine based on Trebbiano di Lugana (related to Verdicchio)
Location of the Lugana DOC
South of Lake Garda, straddles the border between Veneto and Lombardy
Style of wine produced in the Piave Malanotte DOCG
Red wines based on Raboso
Style of wine produced in the Lison DOCG
White wines based on Friulano
Three-region DOC of northern Italy
Delle Venezie DOC
encompasses the total area of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino
The four levels of Italian wine classification
Vino (basic table wine)
Indicazione geographica tipica (IGT)
Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC)
Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG)
Italian label term meaning “the central or historic part of a larger region”
Classico
Italian label term indicating a wine with a higher level of alcohol than required of the normale version
Superiore
Italian label term applied to wines with a longer minimum aging time than required of the normale version
Riserva
Dried-grape process
Appassimento
Process that re-uses the sediment from Amarone (or other wines)
Ripasso
Appellation used for sparkling wines produced in Trentino
Trento DOC
Leading white grapes of Trentino-Alto Adige
Chardonnay Pinot Grigio Pinot Bianco Muller-Thurgau Traminer (Gewurztraminer)
Leading red grapes of Trentino-Alto Adige
Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Lagrein Merlot Marzemino Schiava Teroldego
Sweet wine made in Colli Orientali
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG
Grape variety of the “orange” wines of Collio Bianco DOC
Ribolla Gialla
Style of wine produced in the Ramandolo DOCG
Verduzzo-based sweet white wines
Style of wine made in the Rosazzo DOCG
Dry whit wines made using a minimum of 50% Friulano
other allowed grapes include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Ribolla Gialla
Metodo Classico sparkling wine produced in Lombardy
Franciacorta DOCG
Grape varieties of Franciacorta DOCG
Chardonnay Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc) Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) Erbamat
Minimum lees aging of Franciacorta DOCG
18 months
Minimum lees aging of vintage-dated Franciacorta DOCG
30 months
Minimum lees aging of Franciacorta Riserva DOCG
60 months
A type of brut, blanc de blancs Franciacorta DOCG
Saten
Alternative name for Nebbiolo used in Valtellina
Chiavennasca
Style of wine made in the Valtellina Rosso DOC (and the Valtellina Superiore DOCG)
Red wines
minimum 90% Chiavennasca/Nebbiolo
DOCG red wine made in Lombardy using partially dried (passito) grapes
Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
5 subzones of the Valtellina Superiore DOCG
Grumello Inferno Maroggia Sassella Valgella
DOCG white wine of Emilia-Romagna
Romagna Albana (Albana di Romagna)
3 DOCs for Lambrusco based in Emilia-Romagna
Lambrusco Salamino di Santo Croce DOC
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC
Lambrusco di Sorvara DOC
DOC for Lambrusco based in Lombardy
Lambrusco Mantovano DOC
Two DOCG-level wines based on Verdicchio
Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
Region of origin: Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
Marches
Region of origin: Orvieto DOC
Umbria
Style(s) of wine produced in the Orvieto DOC
White wines based on Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano;
dry to sweet
Terms used for: Dry Semi-dry Semi-sweet Sweet
Dry - Secco
Semi-dry - Abboccato
Semi-sweet - Amabile
Sweet - Dolce
Two DOCG wines of Umbria
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
Required assemblage: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
100% Sagrantino
Required assemblage: Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
Minimum 70% Sangiovese
Region of production: Frascati DOC
Lazio
One of Lazio’s best known wines: Est! Est!! Est!!! di ______
Montefiascone
DOCG of Lazio that produces sweet (late harvest) white wines
Cannelioni di Frascati DOCG
Two red wine DOCGs of Campania
Taurasi DOCG
Aglianico del Taburno DOCG
Main grape of Taurasi DOCG
Aglianico
Two white wine DOCGs of Campania
Greco di Tufo DOCG
Fiano di Avellino DOCG
DOC that produces Lacryma Christi wines
Vesuvio DOC (Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio)
Two DOCGs of Abruzzo
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG
Tullum/Terre Tollesi DOCG
Best-known DOC wines of Abruzzo (one white, one red)
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC
Abruzzo-based DOC for “cherry-colored” wines based on the Montepulciano Grape
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC
Main red grape of Calabria’s Ciro DOC
Gaglioppo
Main white grape of Calabria’s Ciro DOC
Greco Bianco
Style of wine made in the Greco di Bianco DOC
Copper-colored dessert wine; made using partially-dried Greco Bianco grapes
Late-harvest DOCG wine produced in Puglia
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG
Main grape variety of the Salice Salentino DOC
Negroamaro
DOCG wine of Sicily
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Grape varieties used in Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Nero d’Avola
Frappato
3 leading white grapes of Marsala
Catarratto
Grillo
Inzolia
3 leading styles of Marsala
Oro (golden)
Ambra (amber)
Rubino (ruby/red)
3 styles of Marsala (based on sweetness)
Secco (dry = max. 4% RS)
Semisecco (semi-dry = 4% to 10% RS)
Dolce (sweet = more than 10% RS)
Minimum required aging: Marsala Fine
One Year
Minimum required aging: Marsala Superiore
Two Years
Minimum required aging: Marsala Superiore Riserva
Four Years
Minimum required aging: Marsala Vergine and Marsala Solera
Minimum of Five Years in a solera
Minimum required aging: Marsala Vergine Stravecchio Riserva
Minimum of 10 Years cask aging
also: the wine must be dry
Grape variety also known as Cannonau
Grenache/Garnacha
Required assemblage: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
Minimum 85% Cannonau
90% for riserva
DOCG wine of Sardinia
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
Three primary cities of Tuscany
Florence
Pisa
Siena
Portion of the Mediterranean Sea bordering Tuscany
Tyrrhenian Sea
Leading red grapes of Tuscany
3 Italian, 5 International
Sangiovese Canaiolo Nero Colorino Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Pinot Noir Syrah
Leading white grapes of Tuscany
3 Italian, 2 International
Trebbiano Toscano Malvasia Bianca Lunga Vernaccia Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc
Proportion of red wines (versus total production) in Tuscany
Nearly 90% of total production is red
Traditional Tuscan winemaking technique that “extends” fermentation via the use of overripe or dried grapes
Governo
Governo all’uso Toscano
Grapes used in typical (white) Vin Santo
Trebbiano Toscano
Malvasia Bianca Lunga
Label term indicating an amber (or light red) version of Vin Santo
Occhi di Pernice
“eye of the partridge”
Grape(s) used in amber versions of Vin Santo
Sangiovese
What is Sassicaia?
Original Super Tuscan (now produced under the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC)
Producer of Sassicaia
Tenuta San Guido
Town (and DOC) on the Tuscan Coast considered to be the “birth place “ of the Super-Tuscans
Bolgheri,
Bolgheri DOC
(the broader area is also known as the Maremma)
Two “Super Tuscan” wines produced by Marchese Piero Antinoiri
Tignanello
Solaia
Appellation used by most Super Tuscan wines
IGT Toscana
also: Bolgheri DOC, Maremma Toscana DOC
Date of the original designation of the Chianti wine region
1716
Minimum percentage of Sangiovese in Chianti DOCG
70%
Other grape varieties (in addition to Sangiovese) permitted for use in Chianti DOCG
Canaiolo Nero
Trebbiano Toscano
Malvasia
“Other suitable red varieties”
Seven subzones of the Chianti DOCG
Colli Aretini Colli Fiorentini Colli Senesi Colline Pisane Montalbano Montespertoli Rufino
Minimum percentage of Sangiovese in Chianti Classico DOCG
80%
Year that white grapes were excluded from use in Chianti Classico DOCG
2006
Category added in 2014 to represent the “top tier” of Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
DOCG white wine of Tuscany
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Main grape variety of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
(min 70%)
Prugnolo Gentile
(aka Sangiovese)
Local name for Sangiovese in Scansano
Morellino
DOCG wine produced in Scansano
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
DOCG red wine produced in Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Required assemblage for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Brunello
local name [clone] of Sangiovese
Minimum aging required for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Min. 2 years in wood PLUS min. 4 months in bottle;
may not be sold before January 1 of the fifth year following harvest
(total = just over 4 years)
DOC-level red wine produced in Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Required assemblage for Carmignano DOCG
Min. 50% Sangiovese
10% to 20% (combined)
Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc
Four Tuscan DOCs specifically for Vin Santo
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC
Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC
Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC
Where is Lombardy?
The center of the semicircle of the Alps that forms Italy’s northern border
What is Lombardy known for?
Sparkling wines of the Franciacorta DOCG
What is the method of production for Franciacorta?
Metodo Classico or Traditional Method
What are the primary grape varieties of Franciacorta DOCG?
Chardonnay
Pinot Bianco
Pinot Nero
What grape variety was allowed for inclusion in Franciacorta in 2017?
Erbamat
Minimum aging for NV Franciacorta
18 months on the lees
Minimum aging for Vintage dated Franciacorta
30 months on the lees
Minimum aging for Riserva Franciacorta
60 months on the lees
What is Saten?
A style of Franciacorta that is brut blanc de bancs with only 5 atmospheres of pressure
Minimum aging for Saten and Rose Franciacorta
24 months on the lees
Franciacorta aging on the lees cannot begin until when
February 1st of the year following the harvest
Where is Valtellina?
It is a long, narrow, east-west valley in the foothills of the Alps
What is the grape of Valtellina?
Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)
What is Nebbiolo referred to in Valtellina?
Chiavennasca
How much Chiavennasca is required for Valtellina Rosso DOC and Valtellina Superiore DOCG?
minimum 90%
What is Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG?
Dry, high-alcohol wine made with a minimum of 90% Chiavennasca grapes that is partially dried before fermentation. The resulting passito-style wine is rich, dry in character, and has a minimum alcohol content of 14%
Minimum alcohol for Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG?
14%
Subzones of the Valtellina Superiore DOCG
Grumello Inferno Maroggia Sassella Valgella
What grape variety is Chianti based on?
Sangiovese
Why is Tuscany Italy’s most famous wine region?
Party due to its familiarity to tourists and partly due to Chianti, one of Italy’s largest-volume quality wines
Where is Tuscany?
West coast of the Italian Peninsula, north of Rome
Primary cities of Tuscany
Florence
Pisa
Siena
What borders Tuscany to the Northeast?
Emilia-Romagna
What borders Tuscany to the Southeast?
Umbria and Lazio
What is the climate of Tuscany?
Mediterranean, with greater extremes of temperature in the inland valleys can get quite hot
Primary red grapes of Tuscany
Sangiovese Canaiolo Nero Colorino Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc
Primary white grapes of Tuscany
Trebbiano Toscano Malvasia Bianca Lunga Vernaccia Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc
How many clones of Sangiovese are there?
Hundreds
What can the different clones of Sangiovese offer?
More color, more aromatics, more tannin
Why do most producers grow an assortment of clones of Sangiovese?
To give their wine optimal complexity
How many key clones has the Chianti Classico Consortium identified as being best for the region?
7
Most significant blending variety of Sangiovese
Canaiolo Nero
What does Colorino bring to the blend?
It is prized for its deep pigment and tannins, which add color and structure to the blend
What is the only region more focused on red wines than Tuscany?
Calabria
How much of Tuscany’s output is red?
Almost 90% (including a small portion of rosado)
General profile of Sangiovese
Light Colored
High in Acid
Moderate in Tannin
Full of Bright Cherry and Red Berry Aromas and Flavors
How do the upper-end versions that are 100% Sangiovese compare to the blends?
Greater depth of flavor and complexity
Profile of a wine that is Sangiovese blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or other international varieties
Higher levels of tannin
Deeper color
Black fruit character
(without losing much acidity)
Governo
Traditional winemaking technique in Chianti that involves the use of grapes that have become overripe on the vine or dried after harvest that are added to a batch of fermenting wine just as it is finishing fermentation
How does the Governo technique affect the wine?
Extends the fermenation and often initiates malolactic fermentation, resulting in a richer, rounder wine with softer acids and less volatility
How common is the Governo process?
Rare
Does a wine made using the Governo process have to notate it?
Yes, it must be indicated on the label via the term Governo all’uso Toscano
What is generally true of the white wines made in Tuscany?
Simple wines made for local consumption
What is the standout white wine of Tuscany?
Vernaccia
What is the profile of Vernaccia?
White wine with delicate pear and almond aromas
Where is Vernaccia produced in Tuscany?
In and around the hilltop town of San Gimignano
What is Vin Santo?
Dessert wine made in Tuscany
Process of making Vin Santo
Grapes are harvested and hung in attic raters to dry. Grapes are crushed and put into small barrels that contain a bit of the vin santo lees from a previous vintage (Mother), which initiates a new fermentation. Barrels are sealed tight and kept in an attic
Minimum barrel aging of Vin Santo
3 years, although better producers generally exceed that by 2 to 3 years
What is similar to Vin Santo?
Veneto’s Recioto
Is vin santo typically white or red?
White
Typical grape varieties of vin santo
Trebbiano Toscano
Malvasia Bianca Lunga
What is occhio di pernise?
Light red or amber-hued version of vin santo that may be produced based on Sangiovese
(Eye of the partridge)
Is vin santo typically sweet or dry?
Sweet, although dry versions are produced
What is vin santo considered to be the ideal accompaniment to?
Italian cookies such as cantucci or biscotti
Is Super Tuscan an official category of wines?
No, although it is a well-known and highly regarded style of Tuscan wine
When did the term Super Tuscan originate?
1970s
How did Super Tuscans come to be?
As a result of the Chianti DOC regulations in place at the time, which required that Chianti be made from Sangiovese blended with several other indigenous grape varieties, including a small percentage of white grapes. Winemakers began to question the formula, believing that the required blend of grapes was limiting the quality potential of their wine.
What three things did Super Tuscan producers believe would improve the wines?
Stop using white grapes
Use 100% Sangiovese
Add Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/International Varieties
When did producers start releasing wines that would eventually be Super Tuscans?
Late 1960s
What quality level were original Super Tuscans released under?
Vino da Tavola
What is the original Super Tuscan?
Sassicaia
Producer of Sassicaia
Tenuta San Guido
What is Sassicaia a blend of?
Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc
What was the first vintage of Sassicaia?
1968, although the wine had been made for family consumption for decades
Two labels of Marchese Piero Antinori
Tignanello
Solaia
Grape varieties of Tignanello
Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape varieties of Solaia
Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc
How did the rules change for Chianti after Super Tuscans became prominent?
Allowed for 100% Sangiovese wines, and Chianti Classico now allows up to 20% “other local red varieites” which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah
What are Super Tuscans generally labeled as?
One of the small DOCs or IGT Toscana
What is Chianti’s original zone?
Chianti Classico
Where is Chianti Classico?
Hills and valleys between Florence and Siena
When was the Chianti appellation established?
1716
Has the Chianti region stayed the same size?
No, it has grown over time to the areas surrounding what is now called classico and has been divided into smaller zones
Requirements for basic Chianti DOC
Made anywhere in the Chianti zone (except Chianti Classico)
Minimum 70% Sangiovese (can be 100%)
Allows Canaiolo Nero, Trebbiano Toscano, and Malvasia and “other suitable red varieties”
How many subzones are in Chianti?
7
What is not included in the subzones of Chianti?
Chianti Classico – which is an independent appellation
When did Chianti Classico become a separate appellation?
1996
What are the 7 subzones of Chianti?
Colli Aretini Colli Fiorentini Colli Senesi Colline Pisane Montalbano Montespertoli Rufina
What additional parameters may the subzones add to the requirements beyond Chianti DOC?
VIneyard density
Yield
Minimum alcohol level
Aging
Minimum Sangiovese for Colli Senesi
75% vs. Chianti DOCG and the other six sub zones 70%
Minimum Sangiovese for Chianti Classico
80% (up to 100%)
As of 2006 what is no longer allowed in Chianti Classico labelled wines?
White Grapes
Minimum alcohol of Chianti Classico
12%
When can Chianti Classico be released?
Year after Harvest
What does Chianti Classico Riserva require?
2 years of Aging
An additional half degree of alcohol (12.5%)
When did the Chianti Classico Consortium add the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione category?
2014
What is the difference in Gran Selezione?
Considered to be the top wine of the region
Must be estate grown grapes
Longer aging (30 months minimum)
Stricter technical and sensory parameters
Brunello di Montalcino requirements
Must be 100% Brunello (local Sangiovese clone)
Minimum 4 years total aging (min. 2 years in wood, and at least 4 months in bottle)
May not be sold before January 1st of the 5th year following the harvest
Brunello di Montalcino vs. Rosso di Montalcino
Brunello is known as one of the most powerful expressions of Sangiovese while Rosso is lighter, shorter-aged
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG requirements
Minimum 70% Prugnolo Gentile (local Sangiovese Clone)
What is the younger version of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
Rosso di Montepulciano
Is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano made from Montepulciano?
No, that is in Abruzzo – this is from predominately Prugnolo Gentile (a Sangiovese clone)
Carmignano DOCG requirements
Minimum 50% Sangiovese
Minimum 10% to 20% of either Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc or both
What is unique about Carmignano DOCG?
It required the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc long before (over a century ago) the development of Super Tuscans
Morellino di Scansano DOCG requirements
85% Sangiovese (Morellino)
What is Sangiovese known as in the southernmost part of Tuscany?
Morellino
What is the coastal area of Tuscany known as?
the Maremma
How is the climate of Maremma?
Due to the unimpeded access to Mediterranean breezes, this area doesn’t get as hot as the interior valleys and contains terroir for world class vineyards
What was born in Maremma?
The Super Tuscan movement near the town of Bolgheri
Town that is known for its association with Super Tuscans
Bolgheri
What can be made in the Bolgheri DOC?
Red and white blends
What can be made in the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC?
Red wines made form a minimum of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon
When was the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC created?
2013
When was the Maremma Toscana designation elevated from IGT to DOC?
2011
What is Tuscany’s best known white wine?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
How far back does the existence of Vernaccia date back?
To the 13th century – it is even mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy
The Vernaccia grape fell out of favor until when?
World War II
When was Vernaccia di San Gimignano given DOC status? DOCG status?
DOC - 1966
DOCG - 1993
What is the general profile of Vernaccia di San Gimignano?
Almond, mineral, and earth
What are the four DOCs specifically for Vin Santo in Tuscany?
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC
Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC
Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC
Where else can Vin Santo be produced?
Several other Tuscan areas including Pomino and Elba
Where is Emilia-Romagna?
It is a triangular-shaped region that stretches diagonally across the top of the Italian Peninsula almost from one side to the other, and lies in the fertile Po Valley
What was the first white Italian wine to recieve DOCG status? Where?
Romagna Albana DOCG (Albana di Romagna prior to 2011)
Emilia-Romagna
What is the former name of Romagna Albana DOCG
Albana di Romagna
What are the 3 Lambrusco DOCs?
Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOCs
(Also Reggiano and Modena DOCs)
What is the style of Lambrusco?
Slightly frizzante wine produced in both dry and sweet as well as red and rose versions (typically thought to be a slightly sweet simple red wine)
What DOC outside of Emilia-Romagna produces Lambrusco?
Lambrusco Mantovano DOC in Lombardy
Why is Emilia-Romagna well suited to making quality wines?
Ample Sunshine
Moderate Temperatures
Hills and Mountains
What 3 food items is Emilia-Romagna known for?
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Prosciutto di Parma
Balsamic vinegar from Modeno
How many DOCGs/DOCs in Marches?
DOCG - 5
DOC - 15
What is the region of Marches known for?
White wines produced from Verdicchio
Other grape varieties of Marches?
Pecorino
Passerino
Montepulciano
Sangiovese
Two famous DOCGs for Verdicchio in Marches?
Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
Style of the Verdicchio wines
Crisp but neutral
Conero DOCG vs. Rosso Conero DOC
Both blend Montepulciano and Sangiovese
Minimum 85% Montepulciano with up to 15% Sangiovese
DOCG has higher standards for aging and alcohol levels
Rosso Piceno DOC requirements
35% to 85% Montepulciano
15% to 50% Sangiovese
Where is the Abruzzo region?
Just south of Marches
What grape variety is associated with Abruzzo?
Montepulciano
Requirement for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Minimum 85% Montepulciano with Sangiovese permitted
When was the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC created?
2010
Profile of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC
Cherry-colored lighter style of Montepulciano which undergoes a much shorter maceration period, resulting in a lower-tannin wine with bright fruit flavors
What are Abruzzo’s two DOCGs?
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOG
Tullum (Terre Tollesi) DOCG
Both are red wines based on Montepulciano
What is Abruzzo’s leading white wine?
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC from Trebbiano Abruzzese
Where is Umbria?
In the rugged Apennines between the Marches and Tuscany
What is Umbria best known for?
Orvieto DOC – a white wine made predominantly from Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano
Italian for Dry wine
Secco
Italian for Semi-Dry
Abboccato
Italian for Semi-Sweet
Amabile
Italian for Sweet
Dolce
What grape varieties is Orvieto generally made from?
Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano
What styles does Orvieto DOC produce?
Typically Secco, but Abboccato, Amabile, and Dolce are also produced
Two DOCGs of Umbria
Both Red
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
Requirement for Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
100% Sagrantino
Requirement for Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
Minimum 70% Sangiovese
Where is Lazio?
West Coast of the Italian Peninsula surrounding the city of Rome
Alternate name for Lazio
Latium
Most recognizable DOC/DOCGs of Lazio
Frascati DOC
Frascati Superiore DOCG
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC
(All white wines, but not exclusively dry)
What is the sweet wine of Lazio?
Cannellino di Frascati DOCG
What were the harvest dates of Cannellino di Frascati DOCG tied to?
Festival of San Crispino
What are the grape varieties of Lazio?
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Giallo
Malbasia Bianca di Candia
Malvasia del Lazio
Where is Campania?
Around the city of Naples
What is the most populated region of the southern peninsula of Italy?
Campania
What is one of the best known wines of Campania?
Taurasi DOCG
What is produced in Taurasi DOCG?
Red wine with fine aging potential made from the bold, red Aglianico grape
Another region known for Aglianico
Basilicata
Type of Soil of Campania
Volcanic
Two white wine appellations of Campania
Fiano di Avellino DOCG
Greco di Tufo DOCG
White grape varieties of Campania
Fiano
Greco
Falanghina
What is the Vusuvio DOC famous for?
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio
What are the styles of Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio
Red, white, rosato, spumante (sparkling), and liquoroso (fortified) versions
Italian for sparkling
Spumante
Italian for fortified
Liquoroso
What is the most prominent appellation of Calabria?
Ciro DOC (located in the boots toe)
Red grape variety of Ciro DOC
Gaglioppo
White grape variety of Ciro DOC
Greco Bianco (produced in small quantities)
What is produced in Greco di Bianco DOC?
Copper-colored dessert wine made from partially dried grapes from the town of Bianco from the Greco Bianco variety
Alternate name for Puglia
Apulia
Where is Puglia?
Hill of the boot
What does Puglia mainly produce?
Mainly red wines
Well known appellation in Puglia
Salice Salentino DOC
Grape variety of Salice Salentino DOC
Negroamaro
Style of Negroamaro
Robust, dark-colored
mainly found in Puglia
Grape varieties of Puglia
Negroamaro Montepulciano Sangiovese Barbera Aleatico Primitivo
First DOCG of Puglia and what it produces
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale which produces a sweet, late harvest wine
When did Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale become a DOCG?
2011
3 subsequent DOCGs of Puglia created in 2011
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG
Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG
Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG
Why does Sicily typically rival Veneto for total wine volume?
Reliable sunshine, hot temperatures, and strong agricultural emphasis
Main grape varieties of Sicily
Nero d’Avola
Frappato
Carricante
Grecanico
What is Sicily’s only DOCG?
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
What is the DOC of Sicily?
Sicilia DOC
Where are the crisp white wines of Sicily generally produced?
Higher elevations
What is the most famous wine of Southern Italy?
Marsala
Grape varieties of Marsala
Catarratto
Grillo
Inzolia
Produced in both dry and sweet styles
3 types of Marsala
Oro (Golden)
Ambra (Amber)
Rubino (Ruby/Red)
Secco Marsala RS
Maximum 4% (dry)
Semisecco Marsala RS
4% to 10% (semi-dry)
Dolce Marsala RS
More than 10% (sweet)
Aging of Marsala Fine
1 year
Aging of Marsala Superiore
2 years
Aging of Marsala Superiore Riserva
5 years
Aging of Marsala Vergine and Marsala Solera
Minimum of 5 years in Solera
Most highly esteemed version of Marsala
Vergine Stravecchio Riserva
Aging of Vergine Stravecchio Riserva
Minimum 10 years in cask (dry)
Why does Sardinia produce a relatively high proportion of DOC and DOCG wines when compared ot most of the other regions of the south?
Availability of Several DOCs that cover all or most of the island for specific grape varieties
Cannonau di Sardegna production
Red wines
Minimum 85% Cannonau (90% for Riserva)
Grapes can be grown anywhere in Sardegna
What is Cannonau another name for?
Grenache/Garnacha
What is the characteristic white grape of Sardinia?
Vermentino
What is the highly prized DOCG for Vermentino in Sardinia?
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (produced on the island’s northern tip)
