Italy Overview

Question 1

What are Italy’s 2 PDOs and PGIs?

Answer 1

PDO DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta)
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
PGI IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta)
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Question 2

In Italy, Classico and Riserva mean what?

Answer 2

Classico: Wine made solely from the original region (before expansion), often many of the region’s best wines.

Riserva: higher alcohol and longer ageing than minimum requirements.

Question 3

What is the barrier to the north of Italy that shelters vineyards from the rain?

Answer 3

The Alps

Question 4

What moderates the inland areas of Northern Italy?

Answer 4

Glacial lakes (Lake Garda)
Rivers (Po River)

Question 5

Which vineyard risks are more common in Northern Italy by the sea?

Answer 5

Higher rainfall and disease risk.

Question 6

What are the advantages of pergola trellising in Northern Italy?

Answer 6

High trained fruiting zone, hanging below leaves which:
Protects against sunburn
Minimises rot (from circulating air)
Is suitable for grapes that are to be dried, passito, (free from damage and disease)

Question 7

What is the most common form of training used in Northern Italy?

Answer 7

VSP (vertical shoot positioning)

Question 8

Compare the climate in Southern Italy coast to inland, give the key cooling affect.

Answer 8

Inland: Hot, dry, altitude
Coast: Hot, humid, sea breeze

Question 9

Why were vines traditionally bush trained in Southern Italy?

Answer 9

To provide leaf cover, protecting the grapes from sunburn.

Question 10

What is the most common method of vine training in Southern Italy?

Answer 10

Cordon training with trellising

Question 11

Which red grape variety coming from Taurasi DOC & Aglianico del Vulture DOC does this description best fit?
Deep coloured, high tannins, high acidity with black fruit flavours and may develop earthy, forest floor notes.

Answer 11

Aglianico