Nebbiolo Flashcards
What is the origin of the name ‘Nebbiolo’?
Derived from the Latin word ‘Nubia’ meaning fog, due to fog during harvest or cloudy bloom on grapes.
What notable flavors are associated with Nebbiolo?
Sour to ripe red cherries, delicate sweet spices, red rose petals, and notes of tar that develop with age.
What molecule decreases over time, affecting the fruitiness of Barolo and Barbaresco?
Beta-damascenone.
What are the most common biotypes of Nebbiolo?
- Bolla
- Lampia
- Michet
- Nebbiolo Rose
True or False: Nebbiolo Rose is a sub-variety of Nebbiolo.
False. It is actually a distinct cultivar.
What is the impact of thermotherapy on Nebbiolo Michet?
It removes viral presence, resulting in higher vigor, earlier dormancy breaking, and increased yield.
What has caused the decline of Nebbiolo Bolla plantings?
Excessive productivity leading to lower wine quality.
What is the typical aroma profile of Albugnano wines?
Red cherry, blackberry, mountain herbs, and minerals.
What is the primary goal of the Associazione Vignaioli Albugnano 549?
To promote the territory and its wines, producing 100% Nebbiolo wines aged in oak for at least 18 months.
When did Barolo enter the modern age of winemaking?
In the 1830s with the arrival of Francesco Staglieno and Louis Oudart.
What are the three main geologic stages associated with Barolo’s soils?
- Tortonian
- Serravallian
- Messinian
What type of soils is primarily found in the Serravallian stage?
Sandstone based, loosely packed arenaceous and sandy layers alternating with calcareous marl and limestone.
What are the four macro soil areas of Barolo from oldest to youngest?
- Lequio Formation
- Diano Sandstone
- Saint Agathe’s Marls
- Gessoso-Solfifere
What is the significance of the Serralunga Unit in Barolo?
It is associated with refined but powerful Barolos, mostly located in Serralunga d’Alba.
What is a key characteristic of the wines from the Messinian soils?
They are the softest and fastest-maturing Barolos.
Fill in the blank: The main issue with Nebbiolo Bolla was excessive _______.
productivity.
What is a notable aspect of Albugnano’s terroir?
Higher and steeper hills compared to other parts of the Monferrato area.
What is the difference in the aging requirements between Albugnano and Albugnano Superiore?
Albugnano Superiore requires aging for 12 months or more in oak.
What is the impact of terroir on Nebbiolo wines according to findings?
Terroir seems to have a higher effect on the finished wine than the choice of the clone.
What are the primary features of the soils in the Barolo Unit?
Saint Agathe’s Marls, which are rich in magnesium and manganese carbonates.
What is the typical aging potential for Barolo wines from Verduno, Barolo, and La Morra?
Can be drunk early as 6-8 years or can age 8-25 years.
What is the most famous cru located in Novello?
Novello’s Ravera
This cru is known for its rugged and structured style of Barolo.
What are the soils of the Vergne Unit?
Saint Agathe’s Marls
Located north of Novello and west of Barolo.
Where is the Berri Unit located?
Immediately west of La Morra
Ian believes there are no notable crus here.