Italy - Northern Flashcards
How many DOCs are there in Italy?
300
What does a DOC specify?
Geographic Area Permitted varietals Minimum ABV Production Method Minimum Aging
How many DOCGs are there in Italy?
How many Red/White?
30
Red: 17
White: 13
What does a DOCG specify?
Must meed all DOC req’s
Subject to a Ministry of Agriculture tasting
Label has a number seal of approval
How are the DOCG models organized?
LOCALE: App. derived by place. ie.- Barolo, Taurasi, Collio
GRAPE + LOCALE: Brunello di Montalcino, Barbera d’Asti
HISTORICAL: origins from Romans/Greeks. ie.- Chianti, Valpolicella
What is the French equivalent of IGT
Vin de Pays
What, generally, does Classico mean?
Began in the 1950’s and 60’s when demand and plantings starting to grow. Indicates wine from original, better, and generally more hilly part of the appellation near center.
What does Riserva indicate?
Requires higher alcohol and longer aging.
How does Passito differ in the North and South?
North: Fruttai
South: Straw Mats
What does Passito mean?
Wine made from dried grapes. Red and White grapes used, and harvested early in order to retain acidity.
White = Sweet
Red = Dry to Sweet
What are the two most well-known DOCGs which use the passion method?
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (high alc./body DRY)
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG (light alc./body)
Which region has the largest area under vine in Italy for DOCG/DOC wines?
Piedmont
How many appellations are in Piedmont?
50
T/F: Piedmont recognizes IGT status.
False
What are common viticultural concerns with Nebbiolo?
Yield management
Prone to disease (thin-skinned)
Acid/Tannin management
What are the aging requirements for Barolo DOCG; Riserva?
Min. of 38 months for normale (18 months in oak)
Min. of 62 months for riserva (18 months in oak)
List the communes/villages of Barolo.
Verduno La Morra Barolo Novello Grinzane Cavour Monforte d'Alba Diano d'Alba Serralunga d'Alba Castiglione Falletto Roddi Cherasco
List the 5 Principal Communes/Villages of Barolo.
La Morra Barolo Monforte d'Alba Serralunga d'Alba Castiglione Falletto
What are the two main soils in Barolo DOCG and how do they differ?
Tortonian: Softer, fruitier, earlier maturation (La Morra, Barolo)
Helvetian: more structured, longer maturation (Monforte, Serralunga)
Castigliano has elements of both as it sits between the divide.
List the three communes/villages of Barbaresco.
Neive
Treiso
Barbaresco