Italy Regions Flashcards
Italian wine law levels
PDO wines in Italian are DOP (Denominazione di Orgine Protetta). More commonly these are labeled either DOC or DOCG.
PGI wines in italian are IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) but are more commonly called IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is a higher level classification that includes geographic, grape varietal, and production method restrictions for an area.
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is a higher level classification than DOC with even more restrictions than DOC.
Classico - Some appellations have expanded over time, this indicates the wine is from the original boundaries of the appellation.
Riserva - wines with higher alcohol and longer aging than is required for the appellation.
Alto Adige General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Vineyards are on steep terraces facing south east and south west. Moderate Mediterranean? climate.
Pinot Grigio is the main wine here. It’s dry with light to medium body, high acidity, and aromas of citrus and green fruits.
In Italy in the north east. Not far from Venice, but up in the mountains. Most northerly wine region in Italy
Trentino General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Moderate Mediterranean? climate. Lake Garda provides some cooling.
Main grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Some red wines of Merlot and Teroldego
In Italy in the north east. Just south of Alto Adige.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Moderate continental climate in the foothills of the Alps. Cooling from the Alps. Southern areas are near the Adriatic and have warm maritime climate.
Main grapes are Pinot Grigio and Merlot. Richest Pinot Grigio in Italy are Medium to full bodied with peach and tropical flavors.
In Italy in the north east. North-east most wine growing region.
Key sub-regions:
* Friuli Grave DOC for simple white wines
* Collio DOC for more concentrated whites
* Colli Orientali DOC for more concentrated whites and reds
Soave General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Hillside vineyards provide some cooling for full ripeness and still having acidity. Most grapes are Garganega white wine, but some other white grapes can be blended. Wines are labeled as Soave DOC or Soave Classico DOC.
In Italy in the north east. Part of Veneto region.
Valpolicella General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Special wine styles here
Warm with moderate rainfall.
Main grape is Corvina which is moderate color, low to medium tannins, and high acidity. Sometimes blended for more color and tannins. Labeled as Valpolicella DOC or Valpolicella Classico DOC. Generally simple, fruity, with light tannins and red cherry flavors.
In Italy in the north east. Part of Veneto region.
Specialty styles:
* Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG - passito method (drying off-vine) to concentrate flavors. Usually dry, but can be off-dry. Full bodied, high alcohol, medium to high tannins, intensely concentrated red berry and spice flavors.
* Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG - passito method, extra high sugar, fermentation can’t complete, medium to high alcohol levels and still sweet.
* Valpolicella Ripasso DOC - Second fermentation of regular Valpolicella wine with skins of Amarone. Stewed red cherries and plums.
Piemonte General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Mostly red wines from Nebbiolo. Also has Asti for light sparkling whites and Gavi for other whites. Moderate continental climate. Lots of foothills.
In Italy in the north west.
Key sub-areas:
* Barolo, red wines from Nebbiolo, some vineyards are Cru.
* Barbaresco - More reds from Nebbiolo, some vineyards are Cru.
* Asti - reds from Barbera and Dolcetto and sparkling from Moscato.
* Gavi - whites from Cortese
Tuscany General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Apennine Mountains split the Italian peninsula. Plantings on the foothills for moderation from the heat. Cool sea breezes also help. Sangiovese is the main grape in the region.
In Italy in the central area of “the boot” on the west side of the mountains.
Chianti General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
In the foothills of rht Apennines. Mostly Sangiovese, but with a little blending of other black grapes.
In Italy, in the central part, on the west coast, part of Tuscany
- Chianti DOCG mostly used by high volume producers
- Chianti Classico DOCG - Smaller area at higher altitude. More acidity and herbal aromas.
- Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - longer aging requirements
- Gran Selezione - highest Chianti Classico designation. Single estate
- Chianti Rufina DOCG and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG - high quality wine areas
Southern Tuscany General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Lower altitude and warmer than Chianti, but has cool maritime breezes. More intense and fuller bodied wines than Chianti.
In Italy, in the central part, on the west coast, part of Tuscany
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG are best regions and are all Sangiovese
- Rosso di Montalcino DOC and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC are declassified versions of the DOCG wines for poorer vintages.
Tuscany Coast General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Flat coastal area cooled by sea breezes. Bordeaux grapes grown here as “super tuscans”. Most are labeled as Toscana IGT.
In Italy, in the central part, on the west coast, part of Tuscany
- Bolgheri DOC and Maremma Toscana DOC are allowed to use international varieties including Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah.
Umbria General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Continental climate similar to Tuscany, but lacking Mediterranean influence. Mostly known for white wines, but does have some red.
In Central Italy inland quite a bit.
- Orvieto DOC is the main white wine. A blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and other local varieties. Light bodied, medium to high acid, flavors of ripe grapefruit and peaches.
- Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG - red wine from Sagrantino.
Marche General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Known for white wine from Verdicchio, with high acidity, green apple, lemon, fennel flavors. Mostly simple wines.
In central Italy on the east of the Apennines.
Abruzzo General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Known for black grape Montepulciano (not related to the area in Tuscany). High color, high tannin, medium acidity with black plum and cherry flavors. Many are simple and fruity, but concentrated ones may have some oak.
In central Italy on the east of the Apennines.
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Campania General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Varied landscape with mountains, valleys, and coastal plains. Range of red and white varietals grown.
In southern Italy on the mainland on the western side.
- Fiano di Avellino DOCG - white wines, medium acidity, medium to full body, stone fruit, melon, mango flavors. Mostly for drinking young.
- Greco di Tufo DOCG - whites with more acidity and leaner than Fiano.
- Taurasi DOCG - grows Aglianico, deep color, high acidity and tannins, black fruit flavors.
