L3 - Intro to Italy & Northern Italy - Chap 26 & 27 Flashcards
What are the different geographical indications for Italy?
For PDO wines typically you see:
(1) Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) -wines subject to geographical boundaries and limitations on grape varieties and production methods
(2) Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) - these wines must meet DOC requirements and then even stricter standards, including usually -being required to be bottled in the area of production
PGI wines - Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
Classico – appellation boundaries in Italy have at times expanded to allow for new plantings, however, Classico acknolwedges wines made solely from the original classified lands. Many of the best wines have this label
Riserva- acknowledges wines that age longer than the minimums, higher alcohol levels
What is the climate and geography of northern Italy?
-CLIMATE- Northern Italy overall has a moderate climate with dry, short summers
GEOGRAPHY -located on hillsides in the foothills of the Alps and on plains of riers
-The Alps form a barrier that extends the length of the northern Italian border, shelter the vineyards from rain
-Local rivers and glacial lakes (like Lake Garda) provide moderating influences
-Areas close to the sea can have higher levels of rainfall, which can lead to a risk of fungal diseases
What are common grape growing techniques in Northern Italy?
-Traditionally vineyards in the north of Italy were planted with high yielding vines at low densities (this helps to yield higher concentration in the grapes)
-Pergola systems were historically common in this region -these are complex trellising systems where a vine canopy is trained high with teh fruit hanging down beneath a horizontal canopy of leaves.
This protects the grapes from sunburn and allows the air to circulate minimizing risk of rot
Pergolas are now only really used when grapes need high acidity and low sugar (ie. for sparkling wines) OR when wine is to be made from dry grapes which need to be free from damage and disease
Higher density plantings using Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) is more common.
VSP is the process of training vine shoots vertically into a single, narrow, canopy.
Keeps canopy as open, well-aerated and shade free as possible
What is the Alto Adige DOCG region known for?
GEOGRAPHY -Alto Adige is the most northerly wine region in Italy centered around the town of Bolzano
-vineyards are planted on southeast and southwest facing terraces on either side of the River Adige
CLIMATE - moderate climate with short, dry summers, and low rainfall. Large diurnal range as a result of the altitude which is suitable for aromatic whites and elegant, light bodied reds
Alto Adige DOCG is most notably and famously made from Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Grigio whites tend to be dry, light to medium body, high acid, citrus and green fruit flavors. (Gewurtraminner, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc)
Red wine production dominated by Schiava (low to medium tannins, flavors of raspberries and plums)
Describe the climate, geography and wines of Trentino DOC.
-Located south of Alto Adige, vines are planted on the valley floor and slopes on the sides of the valley
-Trentino has dry summers and low rainfall but a slightly warmer climate than Alto Adige (mountains protect it from the cooling influences of Lake Garda)
Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are the main grapes. Made in a medium body style, medium acid, and ripe stone fruit flavors
Teroldego and Merlot are the two red grapes planted. Teroldego produces wines with a deep color, medium to high tannins, high acidity, and medium to full body with aromas of black fruit. Normally matured in oak.
Describe the climate, geography and wines of Fruili-Venezia Giuilia
-Located in Italy’s eastern corner
-Most northernly vineyards are located in the foothills of the Alps
-Climate is moderate and continental cooled by cold air from the mountains
Vineyards based on a flat plain near the Adriatic Sea and experience a warm maritime climate
Most prevalent grapes are Pinot Grigio and Merlot
Fruili-Venezia Giulia produces the richest Pinot Grigio in Italy, medium to full bodied, displaying juicy peach, tropical flavors
Merlot -medium bodied wines with medium acidity and tannins and ripe red fruit flavors, often with a hint of spice from oak
White Friulano- medium to high acid, medium body and aromas of pear, red apples and herbs
DOCs:
Friuli Grave DOC (tend to be white, fruity style)
Collio DOC
Colli Orientali DOC -known for premium/more concentrated wines
Describe the climate, geography and wines of Veneto
GEOGRAPHY - This is the largest wine producing region and home to some of the most famous wines in Italy:
-Soave
-Valpolicella
Located southeast of Lake Garda
CLIMATE -warm with moderate rainfall, cooling influences from altitude and exposing vineyards in the foothills to a large diurnal temperature range and breezes from Lake Garda cool vineyards
Flat plains are affected by moist air, fog from rivers, increasing number of sprays needed to combat disease and rot
-Flat fertile plain -source for inexpensive high volume brands of Pinot Grigio (as well as Chardonnay, Merlot, Corvina, Gargaganega)
High yields means simple fruity wines typically labeled VEneto IGT
Describe the topography of the Soave region.
Soave has 2 distinct parts: (1) foothills to the north (2) flat plains to the south near Adige
In the northern foothills, soils are naturally cool soils made of limestones and clay with volcanic rocks
The soil slows down the ripening process, allowing grapes to fully ripen while attaining acidity.
Wines are capable of aging many years.
On the southern plans the vines are planted on sandy alluvial soils which result in:
-medium acidity
-fruitier ripening
-meant to be drunk young
What is the main grape of Soave? Describe its characteristics.
Garganega is the main grape in Soave, but can be blende with other whites. Expresses itself:
-med to high acid levels
-med body
-aromas of pear, red apple, stone fruit, & white pepper
-usually no new oak
-can age to have flavors of honey & almonds
Describe the topography of the Valpolicella region.
Located in northwest Verona w/ topography similar to Soave.
In the northern foothills, soils are naturally cool soils made of limestones and clay with volcanic rocks which slows down the ripening process, allowing grapes to fully ripen while attaining acidity.
In the flatter south the soils are sand and gravel which is warmer, leading fruitier wines with less acidity.
What is the main grape of Valpolicella? Describe its characteristics.
Corvina is the main (and native) grape of Valpolicella. It expresses itself as :
-moderate color
-low to medium tannins
-high acidity
-simple, light, fruity
-red cherry flavors
-rarely oaked/ to be drunk young
Local grapes are added to the blend to increase the color and tannins in these wines
Wines from the entire region are Valpolicella DOC.
Wines from the original classified area can be classified as Valpolicella Classico DOC.
What is the passito method and how is it used in the Valpolicella region ?
Passito is a method where grapes are picked early, when acidity is still high and dried indoors, concentrating the sugars and flavors.
Fermentation does not happen until the winter months.
What are the two types of Valpolicella that can be made using the passito method?
(1) Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
- Dry or Off Dry
-Full bodied
-High Alcohol
-Med to High Tannins
-Intensely concentrated red berry and spice flavors
(2) Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
-Sweet
-Grapes are so sweet that fermentation naturally stops
-Intense red fruit
- Medium to high alcohol levels
-Full body
-Medium to high tannins
What is the ripasso method and how is it used in the Valpolicella region ?
This method uses the skins of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG by adding Valpolicella that has already finished its own fermentation to the vat, after Amarone is drained off the skins.
The sugars leftover on the unpressed Amarone skins ferment based on yeasts present on those grapes skins.
This results in giving the Valpolicella wines more color, flavor and tannins. Wine is:
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, which displays:
-stewed red cherries and plums
-medium to high tannins
-medium to full body
Describe the region and climate of Piedmonte.
Piedmonte is a moderate continental climate in the northwest of Italy.
Has long cold winters and summers that are subject to thunderstorms, hail and fog.
Foothills provide different aspects in the region.
