Lambrusco DOCs, Asti and Moscato D'Asti DOCGs Flashcards
Sparkling wines
Where are Lambrusco DOCs located?
In Emilia-Romagna in the Emilia section, between Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Where are the Lambrusco vineyards located?
Most vineyards lie on the flat Padan Plain south of the Po River, and some are on the foothills of the northern Appenines to the south of Modena.
How do the Lambrusco wines of the hills and plains differentiate?
Wine from the plains are light and delicate. Hillside vineyards produce wines with more body and structure (by comparison).
What are the three principal Lambrusco varieties?
Lambrusco di Sobara;
Lambrusco Grasparossa;
Lambrusco Salamino (most widely planted).
Most wines are made with more than one family member grape.
How are Lambrusco wines made?
Using the Tank method.
What is the main style of Lambrusco?
Frizzante.
What are the five main Lambrusco DOC appellations?
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC;
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC;
Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC;
Reggiano Lambrusco DOC;
Lambrusco di Modena DOC.
Which is the most widely planted Lambrusco variety?
Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce.
Which is the lightest Lambrusco wine? What does it resemble?
Lambrusco Sorbara - fragrant, light- bodied, very pale like rose.
Which is the most structured Lambrusco wine?
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro.
Where does Salamino di Santa Croce sit in relation to the others?
It is regarded as between the Sorbara and Grosparossa.
Which Lambrusco is exported mostly?
Reggiano Lambrusco.
What makes Lambrusco wine special?
It is the quintessential cheerful fizzy red wine.
What are the structural characteristics of Lambrusco wines?
Body - Light to medium;
Acidity - pronounced;
ABV - moderate;
Tannin - Low to moderate.
What aroma/flavour descriptors are used for Lambrusco wine?
Floral (violet), pink grapefruit, raspberries, strawberries, cherries.
Where are the Asti and Moscato D’Asti DOCG vineyards located?
On the long, rolling hills in the historic region of Monferrato. Mostly in the SW quadrant known as Monferrato Astigiano, around the city of Asti. The heart of production surrounds the town of Canelli.
What is the topography of the Asti and Moscato D’Asti DOCG vineyards? Which harvest method is used?
They are on very steep slopes which necessitates manual harvest.
What are the grapes from the best plots in the Asti vineyards reserved for?
Grapes from the best plots are reserved for making the higher quality Moscato D’Asti
Where is the Moscato grape said to have originated?
In Italy of Greece although its official name is French (Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc)
What is the Italian name for Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc?
Moscato Bianco
How is Asti and Moscato made?
A revised version of the tank method.
Which grape is used in Moscato and Asti wines?
100% Moscato Bianco.
Which of the Asti and Moscato wines has the higher quality recognition? Why is this?
Moscato D’Asti which uses the best grapes and is artisanally crafted.
How do the sparkling, sweetness and acidity levels of Asti and Moscato differ?
Asti:
FULLY SPARKLING, Most are Sweet with balancing acidity;
Moscato:
LIGHTLY FIZZY, ALWAYS sweet with balanced acidity.
Which has the lower ABV level - Asti or Moscato?
Asti has a low level but Moscato is lower.
Is Asti or Moscato vintage or NV?
Moscato is vintage dated however Asti is not usually.
What make Asti and Moscato wine special?
They provide the quintessential expression of the grape, capturing the intense fragrance to create an alluring floral and fruity sweet, sparkling wine.
What are the structural characteristics of the Asti wines?
Body - Light;
Acidity - Moderate;
ABV - Low.
What are the common aroma/flavour descriptors of Asti wines?
Aromatic, orange blossom, sage, peach, apricot, grapey, honey.
What is the red sparkling wine made close to Asti?
Brachetto D’Acqui DOCG which is has generous aromatics and bright, ripe red-berry fruits.
Which type of cork is used to seal Asti wines?
Asti - mushroom because of the pressure;
Moscato - straight as it has less pressure.
What do the vineyards of Asti DOCG and Moscato D’Asti DOCG have in common?
They both share the same vineyard appellation area.
