Nebbiolo Flashcards

1
Q

What is the origin of the name ‘Nebbiolo’?

A

Derived from the Latin word ‘Nubia’ meaning fog, due to fog during harvest or cloudy bloom on grapes.

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2
Q

What notable flavors are associated with Nebbiolo?

A

Sour to ripe red cherries, delicate sweet spices, red rose petals, and notes of tar that develop with age.

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3
Q

What molecule decreases over time, affecting the fruitiness of Barolo and Barbaresco?

A

Beta-damascenone.

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4
Q

What are the most common biotypes of Nebbiolo?

A
  • Bolla
  • Lampia
  • Michet
  • Nebbiolo Rose
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5
Q

True or False: Nebbiolo Rose is a sub-variety of Nebbiolo.

A

False. It is actually a distinct cultivar.

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6
Q

What is the impact of thermotherapy on Nebbiolo Michet?

A

It removes viral presence, resulting in higher vigor, earlier dormancy breaking, and increased yield.

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7
Q

What has caused the decline of Nebbiolo Bolla plantings?

A

Excessive productivity leading to lower wine quality.

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8
Q

What is the typical aroma profile of Albugnano wines?

A

Red cherry, blackberry, mountain herbs, and minerals.

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9
Q

What is the primary goal of the Associazione Vignaioli Albugnano 549?

A

To promote the territory and its wines, producing 100% Nebbiolo wines aged in oak for at least 18 months.

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10
Q

When did Barolo enter the modern age of winemaking?

A

In the 1830s with the arrival of Francesco Staglieno and Louis Oudart.

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11
Q

What are the three main geologic stages associated with Barolo’s soils?

A
  • Tortonian
  • Serravallian
  • Messinian
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12
Q

What type of soils is primarily found in the Serravallian stage?

A

Sandstone based, loosely packed arenaceous and sandy layers alternating with calcareous marl and limestone.

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13
Q

What are the four macro soil areas of Barolo from oldest to youngest?

A
  • Lequio Formation
  • Diano Sandstone
  • Saint Agathe’s Marls
  • Gessoso-Solfifere
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14
Q

What is the significance of the Serralunga Unit in Barolo?

A

It is associated with refined but powerful Barolos, mostly located in Serralunga d’Alba.

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15
Q

What is a key characteristic of the wines from the Messinian soils?

A

They are the softest and fastest-maturing Barolos.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank: The main issue with Nebbiolo Bolla was excessive _______.

A

productivity.

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17
Q

What is a notable aspect of Albugnano’s terroir?

A

Higher and steeper hills compared to other parts of the Monferrato area.

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18
Q

What is the difference in the aging requirements between Albugnano and Albugnano Superiore?

A

Albugnano Superiore requires aging for 12 months or more in oak.

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19
Q

What is the impact of terroir on Nebbiolo wines according to findings?

A

Terroir seems to have a higher effect on the finished wine than the choice of the clone.

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20
Q

What are the primary features of the soils in the Barolo Unit?

A

Saint Agathe’s Marls, which are rich in magnesium and manganese carbonates.

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21
Q

What is the typical aging potential for Barolo wines from Verduno, Barolo, and La Morra?

A

Can be drunk early as 6-8 years or can age 8-25 years.

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22
Q

What is the most famous cru located in Novello?

A

Novello’s Ravera

This cru is known for its rugged and structured style of Barolo.

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23
Q

What are the soils of the Vergne Unit?

A

Saint Agathe’s Marls

Located north of Novello and west of Barolo.

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24
Q

Where is the Berri Unit located?

A

Immediately west of La Morra

Ian believes there are no notable crus here.

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25
What type of soil characterizes the Gallo d’alba Unit?
Alluvial deposits of recent origin
26
What geographical feature significantly influences Barolo's climate?
A horseshoe-shaped basin cut in half by a ridge
27
What is the average daily temperature range in Barolo?
12.5-14.5 degrees
28
True or False: Barolo has a maritime climate.
False ## Footnote Barolo has a continental climate.
29
What are the average annual rainfall amounts in Barolo?
800-900 mm
30
What significant development in Barolo labeling occurred in 2010?
Introduction of menzioni geografiche aggiuntive (MGA)
31
What is the significance of the Cannubi vineyard in Barolo?
It was famous enough to be put on the label as early as 1752.
32
What is a notable characteristic of Barolo production in the 1900s?
Blend of grapes from different townships
33
What does MGA stand for?
Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive
34
How many MGAs are recognized in Barolo?
181 MGAs
35
Fill in the blank: La Morra produces the most Barolo annually and has ________ hectares with 39 MGAs.
829
36
What is the notable cru in La Morra known for its high sand content?
Bricco San Biagio
37
What is the elevation range of the Cannubi vineyard?
220-330 m asl
38
What are the notable crus of Monforte?
* Ginestra * Mosconi * Ravera * Bussia
39
Which commune of Barolo production is associated with Cannubi?
Barolo
40
What is the elevation range of Barolo vineyards?
150 to 400 meters asl
41
What is the primary grape variety used in Barolo production?
Nebbiolo
42
What is a defining feature of Barbaresco wines compared to Barolo?
Barbaresco wines are generally more balanced and softer.
43
What is the elevation range for the Barbaresco production zone?
150-300 meters above sea level
44
List the four communes included in Barbaresco.
* Barbaresco * Neive * Treiso * San Rocco Seno d’Elvio
45
What are the best crus of Neive known for?
More powerful, full-bodied Barbaresco wines
46
What is the most famous cru in Barbaresco?
Asili
47
Fill in the blank: The soils in Barbaresco are mainly compact gray-white marl and limestone formed during the ________ stage.
Tortonian
48
What is the primary soil composition in Treiso?
Lequio formation
49
What is the significance of the Santo Stefano cru?
Greatest of all crus in Neive, solely owned by Castello di Neive.
50
What is the significance of the Lequio formation soils in Neive?
They contribute to a certain firmness of the wines in their youth.
51
Name five famous crus in Neive.
* Cotta * Curra * Gallina * Santo Stefano * Serraboella
52
Which crus are located on the western sector of Neive?
* Cotta * Curra * Gallina * Santo Stefano
53
What is unique about Santo Stefano compared to other crus?
It is the greatest of all crus and is solely owned by Castello di Neive.
54
What is the altitude range of Neive's vineyards?
200-250 m asl.
55
Describe the characteristics of wines from the Albesani cru.
Remarkably deep, complex, and luscious balanced wines.
56
What is the significance of Treiso's mesoclimate?
It has a cooler mesoclimate that contributes to a steely high acid nature in wines.
57
Name a famous cru located in Treiso.
* Pajore * Rombone * Bernadotti * Rizzi * Nervo
58
How does the northern lower-lying sector of Treiso differ from the western sector?
The northern sector has a warmer mesoclimate, while the western sector is cooler with Nebbiolo grown at higher altitude.
59
What is the altitude range of Pajore?
210-340 m asl.
60
What type of wine does the Rombone cru produce?
Wines with a southwest exposure.
61
True or False: San Rocco Seno d'Elvio has its own grand crus.
False.
62
What is the average size of vineyard holdings in Carema?
0.2 hectares.
63
What type of Nebbiolo is characteristic of Carema?
Picotener Nebbiolo biotype.
64
What is unique about the vineyards in Carema?
They are characterized by terraced vineyards hugging steep slopes.
65
What are the two main wines made by Cantina Produttori di Carema?
* Black label (entry level) * White label (Riserva)
66
Fill in the blank: In Valle d’Aosta, the _______ biotype of Nebbiolo is predominant.
Picotener
67
What is the average altitude of vineyards in Donnas?
350-500 meters asl.
68
What is a key characteristic of Donnas Nebbiolo wine?
Pretty, light red color with pristine mouthfeels.
69
What type of soil is predominant in the Roero region?
Sandy soils rich in sea-fossil.
70
What is the significance of the Roero subzones?
They contain different soil types affecting the wine characteristics.
71
Name two main soil types found in Castellinaldo.
* Marl-rich soils * Sandy-loamy soils
72
What is the most important township in Roero?
Canale.
73
What is the main grape variety planted in Canale?
Arneis.
74
Name a famous cru in Valtellina.
* Sassella * Grumello * Inferno * Valgella
75
What is the main Nebbiolo biotype found in Valtellina?
Chiavennasca.
76
What climatic conditions benefit viticulture in Valtellina?
Bright, sunny, and dry climate with large diurnal temperature variations.
77
True or False: Valtellina Superiore wines can be made from grapes grown above 750m.
False.
78
What distinguishes the Valtellina vineyards in terms of soil?
Thin topsoil of sandy/loamy texture, highly-compacted glacial-rock substrate.
79
What is the importance of stone terraces in Valtellina vineyards?
They allow vines to grow and act as heat reservoirs.
80
What are the challenges faced by vineyard owners in Carema?
Part-time ownership and vintage variation issues.
81
What are the characteristics of the western zone?
More protected from winds, deeper soils, rounder wines ## Footnote The western zone has favorable conditions that contribute to the quality of the wines produced.
82
How do the soils in the eastern section compare to those in the western zone?
More mineral ## Footnote The mineral content of the eastern section's soils influences the flavor profile of the wines.
83
What is the harvest time difference between the western and eastern zones?
Two weeks apart
84
What is the size of the Grumello subzone?
78 ha
85
What types of soils are found in Grumello?
Slate and limestone ## Footnote These soil types contribute to the finesse and minerality of the wines.
86
How does Grumello perform in hot years?
Does not perform well; aromas of cooked fruit emerge
87
What is a distinguishing feature of Grumello wines in blind tastings?
Easier to pick out due to lighter structure and different mouthfeel
88
What is the size of the Inferno subzone?
55 ha
89
What is the size of the Valgella subzone?
137 ha
90
What is notable about the Valgella subzone's microclimate?
Freshest microclimate with more rainfall and slightly colder temperatures
91
What type of soils are found in Valgella?
Sandy loam soils with deeper layer of topsoil
92
How do the wines from Valgella compare in aroma and balance?
Less aromatic and mineral but have good balance
93
What primarily defines the areas' wine character according to the text?
Altitude ## Footnote Climate and soil are less significant compared to altitude in determining wine characteristics.
94
What are the characteristics of wines produced below 400m asl?
Deeper colored, medium to full-bodied, good balance, red rose petal and spice aromas
95
What happens to the yield and PAR effect between 400-500m asl?
Less affected by PAR and the yield ## Footnote This altitude band emphasizes the importance of producer decisions.
96
What fruit characteristics are noted in wines from 400-500m asl?
Riper fruit notes, less floral tones, fleshier than the first band
97
What is the defining quality of wines produced above 500m asl?
Noteworthy elegance, high acidity, rigid tannins, strong notes of sour red fruit