Italy: Northwest Flashcards
What two mountain ranges protect Piedmont?
Alps to north protect from cold northern winds and excessive rainfall
Apennines to East protect from Mediterranean weather systems
Describe Nebbiolo.
Early budding but very late ripening
Very vigorous
Describe the aspect of most vineyards in Barolo and why this is important.
South to southwest
Combines good sun exposure and cooling influences
What is the yield restriction on all categories of Barolo? Aging restrictions?
56hl/ha
3yrs, 2mos total; 18mos in oak
(Riserva 5yrs 2 mos total)
Discuss the two major soil type differences in Barolo
Blue grey marl in north/west (La Morra, for example) produce lighter, more aromatic wines; more accessible in youth
Yellow grey compacted sand and clay in south/east (Serralunga, for example) produce muscular, tannic wines; need many yrs in btl
Name two producers who helped to make single vineyard Barolo famous.
Angelo Gaja
Bruno Giacosa
Define Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive.
Official geographical indications for single vineyards in Barolo and Barbaresco
Describe the geographical and wine style differences between Barolo and Barbaresco
Barbaresco has slightly lower elevation vyds and is warmer
Shorter aging requirements (2/4yrs)
Subtly riper style of wines
How have Nebbiolo winemaking practices changed from 50 yrs ago to today?
Shorter maceration time
Shorter aging time
Some smaller barrels for aging
Riper grapes picked
Name three other DOCGs that make Nebbiolo in Piedmont.
Roero
Gattinara
Ghemme
How does Langhe Nebbiolo and Nebbiolo d’Alba differ from Barolo/Barbaresco?
Shorter maceration (7-10d) Shorter aging time (up to a yr)
Where does the best quality Barbera come from?
Asti and its sub zones (esp Nizza DOCG)
Why have Dolcetto plantings been reduced in recent years in Piedmont?
Dolcetto is difficult to grow
Higher prices can be obtained for Nebbiolo
What grape must be used in Gavi?
100% Cortese
Where will you most likely find Arneis?
Roero
