North Italy Flashcards
1
Q
Which are the Italian Wine Classifications?
A
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) / Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
Vino (formerly Vino da Tavola)
2
Q
How many DOCGs has Italy?
A
77
3
Q
Which was the first DOCG of Italy and when was approved?
A
Brunello di Montalcino in 1963
4
Q
Piedmont—“the foot of the mountain”—is cradled on three sides by the?
A
Apennines and the Alps
5
Q
Which river flows through the region of Piemonte?
A
Po
6
Q
Name the provinces of Piemonte
A
Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo
Within these three provinces, the Monferrato and Langhe hills are peppered with vineyards
7
Q
Southern exposures in Piemonte are known as ?
A
sorì
8
Q
Name the grape varieties of Piemonte
A
Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera
Other lesser indigenous red grapes of Piedmont include Brachetto, Grignolino, Ruchè, Croatina, Vespolina, and Freisa.
Nascetta, Moscato Bianco, Riesling, Chardonnay, Timorasso, Sauvignon Blanc,Cortese, Arneis, Erbaluce and Favorita (Vermentino)
9
Q
Piedmont’s most planted white grape is?
A
Moscato Bianco (Muscat à Petits Grains)
10
Q
The most prestigious DOCGs in Piedmont are Barolo and Barbaresco, located along the?
A
Tanaro River in the Cuneo Province, an area encapsulated by the larger Langhe DOC.
11
Q
Name the communes of Barolo
A
Although Barolo wines may be produced in 11 communes, the five communes of La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, and Castiglione Falletto represent almost 90% of the DOCG’s demarcated land
12
Q
Barolo and Barbaresco ageing requierements?
A
Barolo: 38 months from November 1 of the harvest year, including 18 months in wood.
Barolo Riserva: 62 months from November 1 of the harvest year, including 18 months in wood.
Barbaresco: Minimum 26 months from November 1 of the harvest year (minimum 9 months in wood), may be released after January 1 of the third year following the harvest
Barbaresco Riserva: Minimum 50 months from November 1 of the harvest year (minimum 9 months in wood), may be released after January 1 of the fifth year following the harvest
12
Q
Barolo and Barbaresco became DOCG in?
A
1980
12
Q
Barolo and Barbaresco max yields?
A
Barolo: 54,4hl/ha
Barbaresco: 56hl/ha
7.2 tons/ha for wines labeled with”menzioni geografiche aggiuntive” and “Vigna” (the vineyard must be at least seven years old, or maximum yields decrease)
13
Q
Barolo and Barbaresco min alc?
A
Barolo: 13,5%
Barbaresco: 12,5%
14
Q
Barolo and Barbaresco are located in the province of?
A
Cuneo
15
Q
Name the communes of Barbaresco
A
Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso (a frazione of Barbaresco), San Rocco Seno d’Elvio (part of Alba)
16
Q
Soils of La Morra and Barolo?
A
Tortonian soils, which contain a higher proportion of calcareous marl, characterize the vineyards of La Morra and Barolo and provide a softer style of wine
17
Q
Soils of Serralunga, Monforte and Castiglione?
A
Serravallian (Helvetian) sandstone soils are more common in Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba, and Castiglione Falletto and supply more structure in the wine.
18
Q
Name some modernist producers from Piemonte
A
Paolo Scavino, Luciano Sandrone, Elio Altare
19
Q
Name some traditionalists from Piemonte
A
Giacomo Conterno, Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi, Bruno Giacosa
20
Q
Name the co-op of Barbaresco
A
Produttori del Barbaresco
21
Q
Name the top wines of Angelo Gaja
A
Sperss
Conteisa
Sori Tildin
Sori San Lorenzo
Costa Russi
Gaia y Rey
22
Q
What is Barolo Chinato?
A
DOCG Fortified wine, flavored with quinine, spices and herbs
The bark from the South American cinchona tree is steeped in Barolo and then flavoured with a variety of ingredients, depending on the producer’s unique recipe
The resulting beverage is very aromatic and smooth, bittersweet and perfect post dinner digestif
23
Name the producers that led Barolo Wars in the 1980s
In the 1970s and 1980s, trends in the worldwide market favoured fruitier, less tannic wines that could be consumed at a younger age. A group of Barolo producers, led by the house of Ceretto, Paolo Cordero di Montezemolo, Elio Altare, and Renato Ratti, started making more modern, international styles of Barolos by using shorter periods for maceration (days as opposed to weeks) and fermentation (usually 48–72 hours or at most 8–10 days), less time ageing in new small oak barrels and an extended period of bottle ageing prior to release.[8] By using modern technology, including specialized tanks that allow the wine to be pumped out from underneath the cap of skins and then pumped over, they found ways to maximize colour extraction and minimize harsh tannins.
24
Which was instrumental for establishing the crus of Barolo?
Led by prominent wine critic Luigi Veronelli, there was a push to have the vineyards of Barolo classified according to the quality of their produce. Winemaker Renato Ratti conducted an extensive study of the soils, geography and produce of vineyards throughout the area and mapped out individual plots based on their quality potential. The "Ratti Map" is still widely used by producers and negociants today
25
Name the crus of Barbaresco from north to south
OVELLO
MONTEFICO
MONTESTEFANO
PAJÈ
MUNCAGOTA
ASILI
PORA
RABAJÀ
RIO SORDO
26
Name the crus of Neive
There are only 2 Grand Crus in Neive and that would be Gallina and Cottà with Bordini, Chirrà, Gaja, Balluri
27
Name the best crus of Treiso
Bernardot, Bricco di Treiso, Pajorè, Rombone, Valgrande
28
Name the crus of Barolo
Bricco Viole
Brunate (shared with La Morra)
Cannubi
Cannubi Boschis
Rue
San Lorenzo
Sarmassa
Via Nuova
29
Name the crus of La Morra
Arborina
Brunate
Cerequio (shared with Barolo)
Gattera
Giachini
Marcenasco
Rocche dell'Annunziata
30
Name the crus of Monforte d'Alba
Bussia (Cicala, Colonnello and Romirasco MGA's))
Cicala
Colonnello
Dardi
Ginestra (Gavarini Chiniera, Runcot, and Ginestra Casa Mate sub crus)
Mosconi
Munie
Romirasco
Santo Stefano
31
Name Aldo Contero's top wines in Monforte d'Alba
Gran Bussia, Romirasco, Cicala and Colonnello
32
Name the crus of Serralunga d'Alba
Falletto
Francia
La Serra Marenca
Marenca-Rivette
Margheria
Ornato
Parafada
Vigna Rionda
Lazzarito
33
Name the crus of Castiglione Falleto
Bricco Rocche
Fiasc
Mariondino
Monprivato
Parussi (or Parusso)
Pira
Rivera
Villero
Rocche di CastiglioneNa
34
Name some top producers from La Morra
Roberto Voerzio
Marcarini
Elio Altare
Poderi Oddero
Fratelli Revello
Renato Ratti
Cordero di Montezemolo
Aurelio Settimo
Mauro Molino
Mauro Veglio
35
Which commune of Piemonte has the most plantings of Nebbiolo?
Situated in the north central sector of the zone, La Morra ranks first among all the communes as far as most acreage of Nebbiolo planted for production of Barolo
is the biggest and most productive village in Barolo.
it produces the lightest, most aromatic, floral, most elegant wines
Tortonian with less limestone and more sand than the other villages, and also a good amount of clay
36
Name some top producers from Barolo
Bartolo Mascarello, Marchesi di Barolo, Scarzello, Borgogno, Damilano, Giuseppe Rinaldi, Francesco Rinaldi, Giacamo Brezza, Luciano Sandrone, Vajra
37
Which is the most famous cru of Barolo?
The most famous vineyard here is Cannubi, which contains both Tortonian and Serravalian soils, creating wines of great complexity
38
Name the top crus of Castiglione Falleto
Rocche di Castiglione is arguably the best known site here, along with Villero (the source of Vietti riserva), Bricco Rocche of Ceretto, Pira from Roagna , and Monprivato, this last made famous by Giuseppe Mascarello
39
Name a monopole crus from Castiglione Falleto
bricco boschis from Cavallotto
40
Name some top producers from Castiglione Falleto
Brovia, Vietti, Paolo Scavino, Cavallotto, Monchiero Fratelli, Giovanni Sordo, Livia Fontana, Roagna – I Paglieri
41
Fiasco is home to which producer?
This is home territory for the local producer Scavino, who has produced a single vineyard wine here since 1978 called Bric del Fiasc
42
Villero is famous for producing?
There is more limestone here, and the grapes ripen more because of the western orientation.
The wines are more powerful.
43
Monprivato is a monopole of?
monopole vineyard owned by Giuseppe Mascarello. Together with Francia in Serralunga (owned by Giacomo Conterno), and Brea (owned by Brovia), this is one of the three great monopole Crus of Barolo. The terroir features chalky limestone-rich soils – comparisons with Burgundy’s Cote d’Or are pretty common -- and a southwest orientation.
As with any monopole, it is hard to separate the grower from the terroir. Monprivato produces one of Barolo’s truffleist, most aromatic wines, with a structure that is intense but understated
44
Name some top producers from Monforte d'Alba
Elio Grasso, Domenico Clerico, Poderi Aldo Conterno, Giovanni Manzone, Josetta Saffirio, Giacomo Conterno, Giacomo Fenocchio, Amalia Cascina in Langa
45
Which are the most powerful wines of Piemonte?
Serralunga d'Alba followed by Monforte
46
Who is the top producer of Falleto?
Bruno Giacosa
47
Name some top producers from Serralunga d'Alba
Fontanafredda, Ettore Germano, Paolo Manzone, Giovanni Rosso, Schiavenza, Palladino, Luigi Pira, Massolino, Giacomo Conterno, Luigi Baudana,
Cappellano (Speaking of hard-core traditionalists, this is the most famous in Serralunga! Cappellano, together with Bartolo Mascarello and Giuseppe Rinaldi, were long dubbed the "last of the mohicans" for their fervent defense of traditional wine-making practices in Barolo)
48
Name the monopole vineyards of Serralunga
Brea is a monopole vineyard of (i.e. owned entirely by) Brovia, the great Castiglione Falletto producer (covered here) who happens to own just one Barolo vineyard outside of Castiglione, and it is Brea.
Francia from Monfortino of Giacomo Conterno
Falletto in Serralunga monopole of Bruno Giacosa
49
Name the best vintages for Barolo
1982, 1985, 1989 and 1990
1996 to 2000. Only the 1996s are truly great, however – and many of the best examples have further upside potential
2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010
2013, 2016 and 2019
50
Roero DOCG produces which styles?
Bianco/Roero Arneis
Bianco Riserva / Roero Arneis Riserva
Rosso
Rosso Riserva
Spumante (Bianco) / Roero Arneis Spumante
Rosso: minimum 95% Nebbiolo, Maximum 5% other non-aromatic red grapes of Piemonte
Bianco/Bianco Spumante: minimum 95% Arneis, maximum 5% other non-aromatic white grapes of Piemonte
51
Roero ageing requierements?
Bianco: minimum 4 months
Bianco Riserva: minimum 16 months
Rosso: minimum 20 months including 6 months in wood (may be released from July 1 of the second year following the harvest)
Rosso Riserva: minimum 32 months including 6 months in wood (may be released from July 1 of the third year following the harvest)
52
Roero soil type?
Sandy soils and produce lighter wines
53
Gattinara DOCG produces which styles?
Gattinara
Gattinara Riserva
Varieties: minimum 90% Spanna (Nebbiolo), maximum 10% in total of Bonarda di Gattinara and Vespolina (Vespolina cannot exceed 4%)
54
Gattinara min alc and ageing requierements?
Gattinara: 12.5%
Gattinara Riserva: 13%
Aging Requirements:
Gattinara: minimum 35 months, including 24 months in wood, from November 1 of the harvest year
Gattinara Riserva: 47 months, including 36 months in wood, from November 1 of the harvest year
55
Ghemme DOCG produces which styles?
Rosso
Rosso Riserva
Varieties: minimum 85% Spanna (Nebbiolo), combined maximum 15% Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese)
56
Ghemme min alc and ageing requierements?
Ghemme: 12%
Ghemme Riserva: 12.5%
Aging Requirements:
Ghemme: minimum 34 months, including a minimum 18 months in wood and 6 months in bottle from November 1 of the harvest year
Ghemme Riserva: minimum 46 months, including a minimum 24 months in wood and 6 months in bottle from November 1 of the harvest year
57
Nebbiolo is also known as?
Spanna
58
Bonarda is also known as?
Uva Rara, or Bonarda Novarese, is used for blending in Ghemme, whereas another clone, Bonarda di Gattinara, is used in Gattinara
59
Lessona, Sizzano and Carema DOC produce which styles?
The Lessona and Sizzano DOC zones near Ghemme produce similar Nebbiolo-based red blends, and the more isolated Carema DOC near the border of the Valle d'Aosta produces fragrant Nebbiolo wines, especially in warmer vintages
60
The name for Nebbiolo used in Lombardy’s Valtellina region is?
Chiavennasca
61
Which is the traditional bottle of Barolo?
Albeisa
62
Barolo vineyards must be planted between?
170 and 540 meters (560 and 1,770 feet); there is no minimum altitude for Barbaresco vineyards, but they cannot be higher than 550 meters (1,800 feet)
63
Just east of Roero, extending into the Asti province, is?
Terre Alfieri DOCG, awarded in 2020
64
Terre Alfieri requires a minimum of ?
85% for both Nebbiolo-based reds and Arneis-based whites, with superiore, riserva, and vigna designations
65
Which is the larger denomination covering much of the Roero and Langhe areas?
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Wines must be 100% Nebbiolo and can be made into still red, sparkling red, or sparkling rosato.
66
Name the five denominations dedicated to Barbera
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera del Monferrato DOC
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG
Nizza DOCG
many of them overlapping, throughout the Langhe, Asti, and Monferrato areas
it most likely originated in the Monferrato province of Alessandria.
67
Barbera d'Asti lies within which provinces?
Asti (principally) and Alessandria
68
Name the official subzones of Barbera d'Asti
Tinella, Colli Astiani
69
Barbera d’Asti DOCG requires a minimum of ?
90% Barbera, and the remainder can be Dolcetto, Freisa, and/or Grignolino
70
Barbera d’Asti DOCG min alc?
Barbera d'Asti: 12%
Barbera d'Asti Superiore: 12.5%
Barbera d'Asti Superiore con indicazione della sottozona: 13%
71
Barbera d’Asti ageing requierements?
Barbera d'Asti: 4 months from November 1 of the harvest year
Barbera d'Asti Superiore: 14 months from November 1 of the harvest year, including at least 6 months in oak
Barbera d'Asti Superiore Tinella: 24 months from October 1 of the harvest year, including at least 6 months in wood and 6 months in bottle
Barbera d'Asti Superiore Colli Astiani: 24 months from October 1 of the harvest year, including at least 6 months in wood and 6 months in bottle
72
Nizza DOCG, formerly a subzone of Barbera d’Asti, was elevated to its own denomination in?
2014
73
Nizza requires?
100% Barbera
74
Nizza DOCG min alc?
Rosso: 13%
Rosso with indication of "Vigna": 13.5%
75
Nizza DOCG ageing requierements?
Rosso: Minimum 18 months, including at least 6 months in oak, from January 1 of the year after harvest.
Rosso with indication of "Vigna": Minimum 18 months, including at least 6 months in oak, from January 1 of the year after harvest.
Rosso Riserva: Minimum 30 months, including at least 12 months in oak, from January 1 of the year after harvest.
Rosso Riserva with indication of "Vigna": Minimum 30 months, including at least 12 months in oak, from January 1 of the year after harvest.
76
Is manual harvesting mandatory in Nizza?
True
77
Barbera del Monferrato DOC requires a min of?
85% Barbera and has no aging requirements, generally reserved for lighter, fruitier, youthful Barberas that can even be frizzante
78
Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG requires?
a higher minimum alcohol of 13% as well as a minimum of 14 months total aging, including 6 months in barrel
79
Barbera d'Alba DOC min alc and ageing requirements?
Rosso: 12%
Rosso Superiore: 12.5%
Superiore: wines require a minimum 12 months aging including 4 months in wood from November 1 of the harvest year
80
The Monferrato hills received a third DOCG in late 2010 for?
Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato, an aromatic red wine produced from the local Ruchè grape.
81
Describe Tortonian soils
were formed 7–11 million years ago
The Marne di Sant’Agata Fossili formation is found primarily in the communes of Barolo and La Morra as well as in Barbaresco. This formation consists of bluish-gray marls and is higher in clay content, resulting in wines that are more perfumed, rounder, and more elegant
82
Describe Serravallian soils
were formed 11–13 million years ago
The Formazione di Lequio consists of gray marl and light yellow sandstone and is found primarily in Monforte d’Alba and Serralunga d’Alba. The soils here are higher in calcium carbonate, restraining vigor and yielding wines that are more austere, powerful, and structured.
83
Which are the Dolcetto-Based Denominations?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Dolcetto d’Asti DOC
Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC
Dolcetto di Ovada DOC
Dogliani DOCG
Diano d’Alba DOCG
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore (Ovada) DOCG
all 100% Dolcetto
84
Dogliani DOCG min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol:
Dogliani: 12%
Dogliani Superiore: 13%
Aging Requirements:
Dogliani Superiore: 12 months from October 15 of the harvest year (not released until November 1 of the year following harvest)
85
Diano d' Alba DOCG min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol:
Dolcetto di Diano d' Alba 11.5%
Dolcetto di Diano d' Alba "Vigna" 11.5%
Dolcetto di Diano d' Alba Superiore 12%
Dolcetto di Diano d' Alba Superiore "Vigna" 12.5%
Aging Requirements:
Normale: release January 1st of the year following harvest
Superiore: release September 1st of the year following harvest
86
Dolcetto d'Asti DOC min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol:
Dolcetto: 11.5%
Dolcetto Superiore: 12.5%
Aging Requirements:
Superiore: wines require a minimum 12 months aging from January 1 of the year following the harvest
87
Dolcetto d'Acqui DOC min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol:
Dolcetto: 11.5%
Dolcetto Superiore: 12.5%
Aging Requirements:
Dolcetto Superiore: wines require a minimum of 1 year of aging from January 1 of the year following the harvest.
88
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore DOCG min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol:
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore: 12.5%
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore "Vigna": 13%
Aging Requirements:
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore: 12 months from November 1 of the harvest year
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore "Vigna": 20 months from November 1 of the harvest year
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore Riserva: minimum 24 months
89
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol:
Dolcetto: 11.5%
Dolcetto "Vigna": 12%
Dolcetto Superiore/Dolcetto Superiore "Vigna": 12.5%
Aging Requirements:
Superiore: wines require a minimum 12 months aging from November 1 of the harvest year
90
In Piedmont, sparkling wines are produced in a wide range of styles. The region’s largest denomination in total production volume is ?
Asti DOCG
91
Fully and semi-sparkling wines are called?
Asti spumante, accounted for 65% of production, and the semi-sparkling, or frizzante, Moscato d’Asti accounted for 35%
92
Asti DOCG requires how much Moscato Bianco?
97%
93
Tank method is also known as?
Charmat method or the metodo Martinotti
94
How many atmospheres are Asti and Moscato d'Asti?
Asti spumante is typically between 4.5 and 5 atmospheres of pressure and the traditional muselet wire cage and cork are used for fully sparkling wines.
Moscato d’Asti is typically regarded as higher quality, and the better selection of grapes is reserved for this frizzante version. It cannot exceed 2.5 atmospheres of pressure and is typically topped with a regular cork or Stelvin closure.
95
Asti and Moscato d'Asti min alc?
Asti: 11.5% (6% acquired)
Asti "Metodo Classico": 12% (6% acquired)
Moscato d'Asti: 11% (4.5% acquired with max. 6.5%)
Moscato d'Asti "Vendemmia Tardiva": 14% (11% acquired)
96
Asti ageing requirements?
Asti "Metodo Classico": Min. 9 months on the lees
The process of secondary fermentation for Asti may not last less than a month
Moscato d'Asti "Vendemmia Tardiva" must be aged for at least one year from the date of harvest
97
Asti Spumante is produced at which sweetness?
Prior to 2017, all Asti spumante was required to be dolce, but today all sweetness levels, including secco, are permitted, and there is no maximum alcohol requirement.
Moscato d’Asti it tends to be sweeter, requiring a minimum of 4.5% potential alcohol, or about 80 grams of residual sugar per liter.
98
Is chaptalization forbidden for Asti?
Only for Moscato d'Asti "Vendemmia Tardiva"
99
Name the sub-zones of Asti
Canelli, Strevi, Santa Vittoria d'Alba
100
Which is the most famous sub-zone of Asti?
Canelli, split away from Asti in 2023 to become a DOCG. The wines of Canelli DOCG must be 100% Moscato Bianco, hand-harvested, and in the Moscato d’Asti style only. Vineyard elevation must be between 165 and 500 meters (540 and 1,635 feet) above sea level. A Riserva level with vigna designation requires a minimum 30 months of aging, including at least 20 months in bottle.
101
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG is centered around the town of ?
Acqui Terme, in the Alessandria province
102
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG produces which styles?
The wines can be made in still, sparkling, and passito styles, all of which require a minimum 97% Brachetto
The off-dry sparkling red wines have boosted the variety’s popularity and helped it survive. Brachetto d’Acqui is typically frizzante and light in alcohol, with residual sugar and flavors of candied strawberries and roses. A less sweet rosato version is also authorized, but production is minimal.
103
Alta Langa DOCG produces which styles?
Alta Langa Spumante
Alta Langa Spumante Riserva
Alta Langa Spumante Rosato
Alta Langa Spumante Rosato Riserva
104
Alta Langa DOCG grapes?
Min. 90% combined Pinot Noir and/or Chardonnay
Max. 10% other non-aromatic varieties suitable for cultivation in Piemonte
105
Alta Langa DOCG min alc and ageing requirements?
Minimum Alcohol: 11.5%
Method: Traditional Method (transvasage permitted)
Aging Requirements:
Spumante: 30 months on the lees
Spumante Riserva: 36 months on the lees
All Alta Langa wines must be vintage-dated.
zero dosage to extra dry
All vineyard plantings must be 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level
106
Gavi DOCG is produced in which province?
Alessandria
107
Gavi DOCG, also called Cortese di Gavi DOCG, must be?
100% Cortese and can be still or sparkling.
108
The best quality expressions of Gavi are labeled?
Gavi di Gavi or Gavi di Tassarolo, coming from those two communes, or from the frazione of Rovereto within Gavi, which is known for especially powerful and concentrated wines. The chalky soils around the town of Gavi help produce more structured and ageworthy wines.
109
Describe the style of Timorasso
Many compare its very high acidity, rich and powerful body, and intensely herbal and mineral character to those of a dry German Riesling
110
Name the DOC of Timorasso
Found primarily in Colli Tortonesi DOC, in the Alessandria province, the best examples are those labeled Derthona, the ancient Roman name for the town of Tortona.
111
Best wines of Nascetta come from?
The subzone Nascetta (or Nas-cëtta) del Comune di Novello, the still or passito wines must be 100% Nascetta and exclusively grown in the classic Novello zone
112
Gavi ageing requierements?
Tranquillo wines may display only "slight traces" of wood flavors
Gavi Riserva must be aged a min. 1 year (including 6 months in bottle) from October 15th of the year of harvest
Spumante Metodo Classico must be aged for a min. 2 years (including at least 18 months on the lees) from October 15 of the year of harvest
113
Name the DOCs for Freisa
Freisa di Chieri DOC, in the Torino province, requires a minimum of 90% Freisa, while Freisa d’Asti DOC requires 100% Freisa, both allowing still and sparkling wines in a range of sweetness levels.
114
Describe Grignolino grape and style
Grignolino is a red variety with three or more pips per berry, giving its wines high tannin even by Piedmont standards. Grignolino is typically a very pale red or pink color and light in body and alcohol, but it has powerful acidity and structure, along with delicate fragrance
115
Name the DOCs of Grignolino
Grignolino d’Asti DOC, with sandier soils, and Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC, with more calcareous clay, both require a minimum of 90% Grignolino
116
What is Pelaverga?
Pelaverga is a name used for two distinct Piedmont red grapes. Pelaverga Grosso is found near the towns of Saluzzo and Chieri. It is used in varietal wines and red blends in Colline Saluzzesi DOC and Collina Torinese DOC, as well as rosato wines in the former. The variety receiving more recent attention is Pelaverga Piccolo, which is grown primarily around the communes of Verduno and Roddi. It makes up a minimum of 85% of Verduno Pelaverga DOC. It is a light-colored red with freshness, high acidity, and herbal flavors. Currently 19 hectares (47 acres) are planted
117
Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG produces which styles?
The white wines, produced from the high-acid, herbal-scented Erbaluce grape, may be still, spumante, or passito in style, with the latter type generally provoking the most praise
Caluso’s passito wines are among the few Italian examples to show the character of botrytis
118
Which river flows through Northern Piedmont?
The Sesia River begins in the Alps near the Swiss border and flows south through the region into the Po River. The wine regions to the west of the Sesia, such as Gattinara, have soils that are volcanic in origin, while those east of the Sesia, such as Ghemme, are on gravelly alluvial soils
119
Terre Alfieri DOCG ageing requierements?
Aging Requirements: From November 1 of the harvest year:
Arneis Superiore: min. 6 months
Nebbiolo: min. 4 months
Nebbiolo Superiore: min. 12 months, including 6 months in wood
Nebbiolo Riserva: min. 24 months, including 12 months in wood
120
Colli Tortonesi DOC allows a range of styles and varieties and has two recognized subzones:
Monleale (for Barbera only) and Terre di Libarna.
121
Ageing requierements for Timorasso in Colli Tortonesi DOC?
minimum 95% Timorasso
maximum 5% other non aromatic white grapes suitable of cultivation in Piemonte
Timorasso: wines must be aged a minimum of 10 months from November 1 of the harvest year.
Timorasso Riserva: wines require a minimum of 21 months of aging
122
Much farther west, in the alpine area near the border of Valle d’Aosta, is Carema DOC, which produces which styles?
Rosso
Rosso Riserva
Varieties:
85% - 100% Nebbiolo
maximum 15% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Piemonte
123
Which is the only WHITE grape authorized in the overarching Canavese DOC, Coste della Sesia DOC, and Colline Novaresi DOC.
Erbaluce
124
Name the three unofficial growing areas of Valle d'Aosta DOC
Alta Valle, Media Valle, and Bassa Valle. The vineyards in the Alta Valle are at some of the highest vineyard elevations in Europe, up to 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level, with steep stone terraces. There is also a prevalence of old, ungrafted vines, as phylloxera never reached the high-altitude, cold mountain environment
125
There are seven official subzones. In the Alta Valle, in the northwest, in the high-elevation foothills of Monte Bianco, the subzone of Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle is for?
white wines of 100% Prié Blanc, or simply Prié, made in still, sparkling, and vendemmia tardiva styles. Prié Blanc is the oldest variety and the most planted white in Valle d’Aosta. It is able to tolerate the cold weather of the Alta Valle and yields light-bodied wines with high acidity and delicate floral flavors. Spumante wines must be traditional method, with a minimum of nine months on the lees
126
To the southeast, in the Media Valle, the subzones of Enfer d’Arvier and Torrette are both focused on?
red wines of Petit Rouge, requiring a minimum 85% in the former and 70% in the latter. Petit Rouge is the most planted grape in Valle d’Aosta, with 20% of all plantings, and it tends to be planted at lower elevations because it is sensitive to sunburn. The wines are fruity and easy drinking, with flavors of red berries, alpine herbs, and wildflowers
127
The subzone of Nus in Valle d'Aosta DOC is known for ?
white wines of 100% Malvoisie, the local name for Pinot Grigio. Passito wines of Malvoisie, as well as red blends of Petit Rouge and its offspring, Vien de Nus, are also authorized.
128
What is flétri?
passito wines in Valle d'Aosta
129
In the Bassa Valle (Valle d'Aosta), closest to Carema, in Piedmont, the final two subzones of Arnad-Montjovet and Donnas are focused on?
Nebbiolo called Picotendro
130
Liguria has DOCGs?
No only DOC and IGT
131
Which is the most important grape of Liguria?
White grapes dominate in Liguria, and the most important is Vermentino, a variety that may have been part of the original Vernaccia blend. Vermentino and Pigato collectively make up 42% of the plantings in Liguria. While they are genetically identical grape varieties, they are two different biotypes that are generally planted in different areas.
132
Where Vermentino and Pigato are planted in Liguria?
Pigato is typically planted in the higher hills of the western Ponente, and Vermentino is planted in the eastern Levante, which tends to be lower in elevation and closer to the coast. Some producers insist that they are two distinct grape varieties, despite identical DNA, as they perform differently in the vineyard and in the glass
133
Pigato is most commonly found in which DOC?
Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC, which requires a minimum of 95% for varietally labeled wines
134
Name the DOCs for Vermentino in Liguria
Val Polcèvera, Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino, Colline di Levanto, Cinque Terre, and Colli di Luni
135
Which is the most planted red grape in Liguria?
The most planted red grape of Liguria, with 12% of vineyard area, is Rossese. It is found only in the western part of the region and is known by the name Tibouren across the border in Provence
136
Name the DOCs for Rossese in Liguria
It performs best on steep, mountainous slopes and in the marly-clay soils known locally as sgruttu. Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC requires a minimum of 95% of the grape, and its Superiore version requires a minimum of one year of aging. Rossese can also be found as a varietal wine and in the red blends of Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC. The best examples of Rossese are light to medium bodied but have depth and concentration, with flavors of red currants, violets, and graphite
137
Which is the DOC of Ormeasco?
Also in the western Ponente is Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC (Pornassio DOC), which authorizes red, rosato, and passito wines made of a minimum 95% Ormeasco, the local name for Dolcetto. Pornassio is recognized as a top site for Dolcetto, and the examples in Liguria tend to be more herbal and saline than the fruitier wines of the Piedmont. The rosato version is a local specialty known as sciactrà
138
What is Sciacchetrà?
Sciacchetrà, not to be confused with sciactrà, is a sweet passito wine found in the Cinque Terre DOC of the Levante. It is a specialty of the Spezia province that is made by air-drying a blend of white grapes, including a minimum of 80% Bosco, Albarola, and/or Vermentino. Bosco is a rich, full-bodied, and phenolic variety, while Albarola, also known as Bianchetta Genovese, is lean, with high acidity
139
Which river flows through Lombardy?
Po
140
Which is the most planted grape in Lombardy?
It has a mix of native and international varieties, reflecting its history of cultural exchange, with Croatina the most planted grape at 17% of plantings, while Pinot Nero and Chardonnay come in second and third, respectively. Much of the region’s Pinot Nero and Chardonnay is used for traditional method sparkling wines.
141
In Valtellina Nebbiolo is known as?
Chiavennasca, and it makes up most of the wines of Valtellina’s overlapping denominations
142
Valtellina’s vineyards are planted along the north bank of the?
Adda River, which begins in the Swiss Alps and flows from east to west before emptying into Lake Como
143
Describe Valtellina's topography
The rare east-west valley allows for southern exposures that are important for grape ripening. This is steep, mountainous terrain, and the vineyards are generally planted between 300 and 800 meters (1,000 and 2,600 feet) above sea level, with altitude a key factor in the luminosity and phenolic ripening of the grapes. The slope in some areas is as high as 70%, and Valtellina’s network of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) of walled stone terraces allow for planting and harvesting. The large stones also capture and radiate heat, warming the vineyards and protecting them from frost
144
Soils of Valtellina?
The soils of Valtellina are schist, sandy-loam, alluvial deposits from the Adda River, with good drainage. They are low in nutrients and extremely acidic, with a low pH, compared with the alkaline soils of the Langhe. The topsoil is extremely thin, and, in some cases, soils need to be transported up hillsides by mule, small truck, or even helicopter. The low yields resulting from the content of the soil and the prevalence of old vines, averaging 50 years old, provide depth and complexity for this Nebbiolo of the Alps
145
Which are the denominations of Valtellina?
Valtellina Rosso DOC
Valtellina Superiore DOCG
Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
All three denominations require a minimum of 90% Chiavennasca
146
Valtellina Rosso DOC ageing requierements?
a minimum of six months of aging before release
147
Valtellina Superiore DOCG ageing requierements?
Superiore wines require a minimum of two years of aging, or three years if labeled Riserva, including a minimum of one year in wood.
148
Wines from the Superiore DOCG can be labeled with the name of one of five official subzones
From west to east, they are Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, and Valgella
149
What is Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG ?
Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG (or Sfursat di Valtellina in local dialect) is a dry passito wine in the style of Amarone. It became a DOCG in 2003, before its famous counterpart. The Nebbiolo grapes are dried on straw mats for about two months or more, and vinification cannot begin until December 1. The wine must reach a minimum alcohol of 14% ABV and must be aged for at least 20 months from April 1, with at least 12 months in barrel. Some producers choose to use a portion of partially air-dried grapes in their Valtellina Superiore wines as well, leading to a range of styles in the region.
150
Name the styles of Franciacorta DOCG
Franciacorta
Franciacorta Satèn
Franciacorta Rosé
Franciacorta Millesimato (requires 85% from stated vintage)
Franciacorta Riserva (requires 85% from stated vintage)
151
Still wines from Franciacorta are realeased as?
Curtefranca DOC
Whites must be a minimum of 50% Chardonnay and a maximum of 50% Pinot Bianco and/or Pinot Nero. Reds are blends based on a minimum of 25% Merlot, a minimum of 20% Cabernet Franc and/or Carmenère, and 10%–35% Cabernet Sauvignon.
152
Name the grape varieties for Franciacorta
Pinot Nero and/or Chardonnay
Maximum 50% Pinot Bianco
Maximum 10% Erbamat
153
Name the grape varieties for Franciacorta Satèn
Chardonnay and a maximum 50% Pinot Bianco
154
Name the grape varieties for Franciacorta Rose
Minimum 35% Pinot Nero
Maximum 65% Chardonnay
Maximum 50% Pinot Bianco
Maximum 10% Erbamat
155
Min alc for Franciacorta?
11.5%
156
Ageing Requirements for Franciacorta?
Minimum 18 months on the lees after tirage (not starting before February 1 of the year following the harvest), 25 months total from the date of harvest
157
Ageing Requirements for Franciacorta Saten and Rose?
Minimum 24 months on the lees after tirage (not starting before February 1 of the year following the harvest), 31 months total from the date of harvest. Both styles may also be Millesimato or Riserva.
158
Ageing requierements for Millesimato and Riserva Franciacorta?
Franciacorta Millesimato: Minimum 30 months on the lees after tirage (not starting before February 1 of the year following the harvest), 37 months total from the date of harvest
Franciacorta Riserva: Minimum 60 months on the lees after tirage (not starting before February 1 of the year following the harvest), 67 months total from the date of harvest
159
Sweetness Levels for Franciacorta?
Franciacorta: Dosaggio Zero (non-dosage), Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec, Demi-Sec
Franciacorta Satèn: Brut only
Franciacorta Rosé: Dosaggio Zero (non-dosage), Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec, Demi-Sec
Franciacorta Millesimato: Dosaggio Zero, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry
Franciacorta Riserva: Dosaggio Zero, Extra Brut, Brut
160
Principal Soils of Franciacorta?
Moraine, limestone and volcanic material
161
vintage Franciacorta may be labeled riserva if it ages a minimum?
5 years on the lees
162
Prestige Cuvee of Ca del Bosco?
Annamaria Clementi
which spends eight years on the lees before disgorgement.
163
Name some top producers from Franciacorta
Barone Pizzini (first certified organic Franciacorta producer in the early 2000s)
Bellavista
Ca’ del Bosco
Colline della Stella
Corte Fusia
Ferghettina
Berlucchi Palazza
164
Where is Oltrepò Pavese?
The Pavia province, in the triangle-shaped, southwestern tip of Lombardy, is nestled between Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, nearly reaching Liguria. South of the Po River is a large viticultural area called Oltrepò Pavese. It was part of Piedmont in the 18th and 19th centuries and historically was a source for grapes destined for the sparkling houses in Piedmont and bulk wines in Milan
165
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG requires a minimum?
70% Pinot Nero, with the balance made up of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Grigio, for both white and rosé sparkling wines. Pinot Nero can appear on the label if it makes up at least 85% of the wine.
166
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG ageing requierements?
The wines must be aged on the lees for a minimum of 15 months, or 24 months for vintage-dated wines
167
The additional labeling term Cruasé is a brand trademarked by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese that can be used by association members for?
traditional method sparkling rosé with a minimum of 85% Pinot Nero
168
Lambrusco Mantovano DOC produces?
sparkling red wines just over the border in Emilia-Romagna. The DOC allows all the main Lambrusco varieties as well as several less familiar ones, including Lambrusco Viadanese, also called Lambrusco Mantovano
169
Oltrepò Pavese DOC is an overarching denomination for a wide range of varietal wines and blends, including?
still, sparkling, and sweet styles. The whites include Riesling and Riesling Italico, while the reds and rosatos are based on Croatina and Barbera, along with other grapes, such as Uva Rara, Vespolina, and Pinot Nero.
170
Fernet is a style of amaro that is typically?
higher in alcohol, with less sweetness and more aggressive bitterness, including medicinal flavors, such as aloe, myrrh, and mint. The most iconic brand, Fernet-Branca, was founded in Milan by Bernardino Branca in 1845.
171
On the southern end of Lake Garda, also straddling Lombardy and Veneto, is?
Lugana DOC
172
Lugana DOC produces?
It was the first DOC awarded in Lombardy, in 1967, and is focused on white wines of Turbiana, also known as Trebbiano di Lugana. The grape was long considered genetically identical to Trebbiano di Soave and Verdicchio, and it was recently renamed to avoid confusion with the other Trebbianos.
Dry, still white wines make up more than 95% of production
Minimum 90% Turbiana/Trebbiano di Lugana
Spumante and vendemmia tardiva versions are also allowed, and all styles require a minimum of 90% Turbiana. There are Superiore and Riserva levels, with higher minimum alcohol and longer minimum aging of one and two years, respectively, and some barrel-fermented examples with lees and oak aging are made.
173
Valpolicella’s vineyards are grown on the slopes of the?
pre-alpine Lessini Mountains, generally planted between 150 and 500 meters
174
Soils of Valpolicella?
The soils are composed of red and brown calcareous material and volcanic tuff outcrops, known as toar, on the hillsides, and alluvial deposits from the Adige River and Lessini Mountains in the lower areas
175
Name the five communes of Valpolicella
There is now a Classico subzone in the historic Valpolicella growing area on the western side of the denomination, covering the five communes of Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Fumane, San Pietro in Cariano, Marano, and Negrar. The subzone in the center of the denomination is called Valpantena, and the eastern side of the denomination is known as Valpolicella Est or allargata (meaning “widened” or “expanded”) where it partially overlaps Soave. While the Classico subzone is home to most of the major producers—such as Allegrini, Masi, Quintarelli, and Bussola—Valpolicella Est has become famous largely because of Dal Forno Romano, in the eastern Illasi valley.
176
The Valpolicalla Classico subzone is farthest west and closest to ?
Lake Garda
177
Amarone della Valpolicella, the sweet wine Recioto della Valpolicella, and the extremely popular category of Valpolicella Ripasso became DOCG in?
2010
178
All four of the Valpolicella denominations must include?
45%–95% Corvina and/or Corvinone, along with 5%–30% Rondinella. Up to 25% of other red grapes can be used, with no single variety exceeding 10%. Traditional blending partners, although not required, include Molinara, Oseleta, Croatina, Dindarella, Spigamonti, and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
179
Name the styles of Valpolicella
Valpolicella
Valpolicella Classico
Valpolicella Valpantena
Valpolicella Superiore
180
Valpolicella min alc and ageing requierements?
Minimum Alcohol:11%
Superiore: 12%
Aging Requirements: Superiore must be aged for a minimum of 1 year from January 1 of the year following the harvest.
181
Corvina is sensitive to humidity, botrytis, and sunburn, so it is typically trained in the ?
pergola veronese system, a horizontal canopy that shades the grapes and raises them high off the ground, providing good aeration and sun protection
182
Lofts in Valpolicella are called?
fruttai
183
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG requires that grapes achieve at least?
14% potential alcohol through drying, and the minimum acquired alcohol in the final wine is 12%. At least 2.8% potential alcohol must remain, translating to approximately 50 grams of residual sugar per liter, while some bottlings are considerably sweeter.
184
When did Amarone was first released?
Bertani, Masi, and others released Amarone wines in the late 1950s
185
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG stipulates that dried grapes must achieve a minimum of?
14% ABV with a max of 9g/l sugars
186
Name the styles of Amarone
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena
Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva
187
Ageing requierements for Amarone?
Rosso: Minimum 2 years from January 1 of the year following the harvest
Riserva: Minimum 4 years from November 1 of the harvest year
No barrel aging is specified, but producers use a wide range of vessels, from large Slavonian botti to new French barriques.
188
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC mandates that the used grape skins have a remaining potential alcohol of at least?
0.5% and contribute between 10% and 15% of the volume of the final wine
189
Valpolicella RIpasso DOC min alc?
12.5% for Valpolicella Ripasso wines and 13% for Superiore. All Valpolicella Ripasso wines must be aged for a minimum of one year before release.
190
Name the best vintages for Valpolicella
1983, 1985, 1988
1990, 1993, 1997, 1998
2000, 2004, 2007, 2009
2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021
191
Just west of Valpolicella on the shore of Lake Garda is the?
Bardolino region which sits on glacial morainic soils
192
Name the styles of Bardolino DOC
Chiaretto (rosato)
Rosso
Rosso Novello (carbonic maceration )
Chiaretto Spumante
193
Name the subzones of Bardolino
Classico Zone, La Rocca, Montebaldo, Sommacampagna (the latter three are approved from the 2018 vintage)
194
Name the grape varieties permitted for Bardolino
Chiaretto Rosato / Rosso / Chiaretto Spumante:
40%-95% Corvina Veronese and/or Corvinone (max. 20%)
5-40% Rondinella
maximum 20% other red grapes
maximum 15% Molinara
maximum 10% of any other single variety
195
Wines from Bardolino labeled with one of the three new subzones require a min of?
One year of aging—the same aging requirement as the separate Bardolino Superiore DOCG, which has been all but forgotten by producers.
196
Custoza DOC produces which styles?
Bianco
Bianco Superiore
Bianco Riserva
Bianco Passito
Bianco Spumante
197
Name the grape varieties permitted for Custoza DOC
Minimum 70% Cortese, Friulano, Garganega, and/or Trebbiano Toscano (maximum 45% of any one of these)
Maximum 30% Chardonnay, Malvasia, Manzoni Bianco, Pinot Bianco, Riesling, and/or Welschriesling
198
Soave DOC is comprised of a min?
70% Garganega and a maximum of 30% Trebbiano di Soave and/or Chardonnay (as well as a maximum of 5% other authorized white wine grapes)
199
Name the 2 DOCGs in Soave
Recioto di Soave DOCG and Soave Superiore DOCG
200
Quality-minded producers in Soave are primarily located in the?
Classico subzone, which includes the historic growing area of lower volcanic hillsides around the towns of Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone. A second subzone, Colli Scaligeri, includes hillside areas throughout the DOC but outside the Classico subzone and is hardly used in practice
201
Garganega vines are typically trained in the?
Traditional pergola veronese system, its shaded canopy allowing grapes to ripen more slowly, with lower sugars and higher acids, and to retain the compounds that are important to the aromatic expression of Garganega
202
Soils in Soave?
Soil type is especially important in the Soave Classico subzone. The western part, in the commune of Soave, includes more calcareous marls with higher limestone content, producing wines that are more refined, delicate, and intensely floral. The eastern part, in the commune of Monteforte d’Alpone, contains volcanic soils rich in basalt and tuff, and its wines tend to be more powerful, structured, and spicy
203
Soave DOC produces which styles?
Soave,
Soave Spumante,
Soave Colli Scaligeri,
Soave Classico
204
Soave min alc?
Bianco: 10.5%
Classico/Colli Scaligeri/Spumante: 11%
Soave Superiore: 12%
Riserva: 12.5%
205
Soave ageing requierements?
Bianco may not be released until December 1 of the year of the harvest.
Classico/Colli Scaligeri may not be released until February 1 of the year following the harvest
Soave Superiore: May not be released until April 1 of the year following the harvest.
Riserva: May not be released until November 1 of the year following the harvest.
206
In Recioto di Soave the grapes must be dried to a minimum potential alcohol of?
14% and producers often use grapes infected with noble rot, but Soave has a higher minimum residual sugar of 70 grams per liter
207
Recioto di Soave DOCG produces which styles?
Recioto di Soave
Recioto di Soave Classico
Recioto di Soave Spumante
208
Recioto di Soave DOCG wines may not be released before?
September 1 of the year following the harvest
209
On the eastern border of Soave in the Vicenza province is the smaller region of?
Gambellara
210
Gambellara DOC requires a minimum of?
Bianco/Superiore/Classico/Classico Vin Santo: minimum 80% Garganega, maximum 20% Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Trebbiano di Soave
Spumante: minimum 80% Garganega, maximum 20% Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Trebbiano di Soave, Durella
211
Which is the DOCG of Gambellara?
Recioto di Gambellara DOCG
212
Gambellara DOC produces which styles?
Gambellara Bianco
Gambellara Bianco Superiore
Gambellara Classico
Gambellara Classico Vin Santo
Gambellara Spumante
213
Recioto di Gambellara DOCG produces which styles?
Recioto di Gambellara Classico (passito)
Recioto di Gambellara Classico Spumante
Varieties: 100% Garganega
214
In addition to the many recioto wines, the other famous sweet, dried-grape wine of the Veneto region is?
torcolato, and it can be found primarily in the Vicenza province around the commune of Breganze
215
Breganze DOC torcolato wines must be made of?
100% Vespaiola (locally called Vespaiolo), which has high acidity to balance the sweetness. The wines are delicately floral, with flavors of honey and ripe tropical fruit
216
Name the 2 DOCs for the Durella grape
Lessini Durello DOC takes advantage of that high acidity for sparkling wines, which must be a minimum of 85% Durella and can be made either with the tank method or, if labeled Riserva, with the traditional method.
Monti Lessini DOC allows varietal Durella dry or passito wines, white blends featuring a minimum of 50% Chardonnay, and varietal Pinot Nero
217
Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio DOCG produces?
Moscato Giallo, which can be dry, sweet, sparkling, or passito
218
Colli Euganei DOC produces?
Varietal Moscato wines from Colli Euganei DOC are based not on Moscato Giallo but on its parent, Moscato Bianco.
219
Which is the most planted red grape in Veneto?
Bordeaux varieties were first planted in Veneto in the 1830s, and after phylloxera struck they began to take on more importance, especially in the central and eastern parts of Veneto. Merlot is the top-planted red grape in Veneto, which has more than a third of Italy’s total Merlot plantings.
220
Which is Italy’s second largest producing DOC behind Prosecco?
delle Venezie DOC
221
As in Tuscany, many Veneto producers making premium red wines using international grape varieties choose to bottle them under the IGT banner instead. Some of the most renowned as?
“Super Venetians” bottled as Veneto IGT include Giuseppe Quintarelli’s Alzero, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, aged in a combination of French and Slavonian oak; and Maculan’s Palazzotto Cabernet Sauvignon and Crosara Merlot, both aged in French barriques.
222
Which are the grape varieties of Proseco?
Glera
Two related varieties, Glera Lunga and the more common Glera Tondo are often co-planted and blended together in Prosecco wines.
223
Charmat method, known by Italians as the?
metodo Martinotti (Martinotti method), is the most common one used in Prosecco today.
224
Prosecco DOC requires a minimum of?
85% Glera, and the remaining 15% can be Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Chardonnay, Perera, Glera Lunga, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and/or Pinot Nero
225
Proseco Rose is made of?
Glera and 10%-15% Pinot Nero
226
Proseco min alc?
Prosecco/Prosecco Frizzante: 10.5%
Prosecco Spumante/Prosecco Spumante Rosé: 11%
227
Proseco sweetness levels?
Prosecco Spumante may be labeled Brut Nature (no dosage), Extra Brut (0-6 g/l), Brut (max. 12 g/l), Extra Dry (12-17 g/l), Dry (17-32 g/l), Demisec (32-50 g/l)
Prosecco Rosé may be Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, or Extra Dry
Prosecco Rosé must state the vintage on the label. 85% of the blend must be from that vintage
228
Name the DOCGs of Proseco
Asolo Prosecco DOCG and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. In both, still and frizzante wines are authorized, but the spumante wines—the vast majority of what is produced—all qualify for the Superiore designation
229
The soils in Valdobbiadene are mostly?
marls and conglomerates, with excellent drainage on the steep slopes, while those in Conegliano are mainly morainic or clay
230
Describe the topography of Valdobbiadene
The historic growing area around these two towns is in a series of hills running east-west, ranging from 50 to 550 meters (160 to 1,800 feet) in altitude, in some cases dramatically steep, with a gradation of up to 60%.
The western side of the region, near Valdobbiadene, is cooler and steeper at higher altitudes, where the wines tend to be more floral and perfumed, while the eastern side near Conegliano is warmer and lower, and the wines tend to be fuller bodied and spicier.
231
Whats is rive?
Within the DOCG, there are 43 rive, or geographic designations, that can appear on labels for spumante wines (but not sui lieviti). Rive refers to hillside vineyards or riverbank slopes, but these are larger areas or districts—more like contrade or MGAs.
To qualify for the rive designation, the wine must be hand-harvested and vintage-dated, with lower maximum yields of 13 tons per hectare (5.3 tons per acre) and a higher minimum alcohol of 11.5% ABV.
232
The most famous and exceptional site of the Prosecco area is ?
Cartizze, covering 107-hectare (265-acre) site near the town of Valdobbiadene
The slope here is extremely steep, with an average gradation of 35% and the steepest areas at a gradation of more than 60%. Cartizze faces directly south, with a great amount of warmth and sun exposure. The grapes are typically harvested two weeks later here than in the rest of the appellation to maximize ripeness and sugar accumulation.
233
Cartizze can be divided into three unofficial subzones:
Cartizze Alto, with the highest and steepest vineyards, at about 230 to 320 meters (750 to 1,050 feet) above sea level; and Cartizze Est (east) and Cartizze Ovest (west) below, at between 180 and 230 meters (590 and 750 feet). Cartizze Alto receives more wind exposure and more direct sunlight.
234
Describe the style of Cartizze wines
The Cartizze wines are especially powerful and full bodied, and they are usually in the dry range, with 17 to 32 grams of residual sugar per liter. This sweetness is well balanced by the richness of fruit and perfume. They have the lowest maximum yields of 12 tons per hectare (4.9 tons per acre), and the same minimum alcohol of 11.5% ABV as the rive wines. Superiore di Cartizze must appear on the label.
235
Name some top producers from Cartizze
Bisol owns the largest share of Cartizze, and other key producers are Adami, Col Vetoraz, Le Colture, and Villa Sandi
236
Which are the 2 DOCGs of Emilia Romagna?
Romagna Albana is most notable for being Italy’s first
Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto
237
Romagna Albana DOCG styles and grapes?
Bianco
Bianco Passito
Bianco Passito Riserva
Varieties:
Min. 95% Albana
Max. 5% other white grapes suitable for cultivation in Emilia-Romagna
238
Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG styles and grapes?
Frizzante
Spumante
Bianco Superiore
Bianco Classico Superiore
Varietal Requirements:
Frizzante, Spumante, and Superiore = Min. 85% Pignoletto (Grechetto Gentile, or Alionzina) Max: 15% non-aromatic white grapes, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Nero (must be vinified as white wines).
Classico Superiore =Min. 95% Pignoletto (Grechetto di Todi, or Alionzina)
239
In the central provinces of Modena and Reggio, this production is nearly monopolized by Lambrusco. Several DOCs, including?
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lambrusco di Sorbara, and Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, produce frizzante red wines from over sixty subvarieties of the Lambrusco variety. Sparkling Lambrusco wines, made in a range from dry to dolce
240
Soils of Trentino-Alto Adige?
The soils are extremely diverse, with calcareous chalk and limestone soils near the Dolomites and volcanic porphyry, glacial moraines, quartz, slate, and mica in other sections.
241
Within the northeastern reaches of Alto Adige, the official subzone of Valle Isarco (Eisacktaler in German) is quickly gaining recognition for high-quality wines from?
Silvaner, Veltliner and Kerner (a modern Schiava Grossa x Riesling crossing)
242
Pinot Bianco finds its best expression in the?
Oltradige just south of Bolzano, near the town of Appiano
243
The DOC subzone of Terlano, just west of the capital in the Val d'Adige growing zone, has a long history of white wines blended from ?
Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon Blanc, delivered in both oaked and unoaked styles. It is also the home of one of Italy's most respected cooperatives.
244
Which is the main red of Trentino-Alto Adige?
Schiava (Vernatsch)
245
In which sub-zone do we find Schiava?
Santa Maddelena (St. Magdalener) subzone is the premier geographical appellation for Schiava varietal wines.
the Casteller DOC in Trentino allows Schiava to be blended with Merlot and Lambrusco. Lago di Caldaro DOC (Kalterersee) in the south of Alto Adige is shared by both provinces and is similar in style to Santa Maddelena
246
The finest growing area for Lagrein is centered in the flatter growing area of?
Gries, just outside of Bolzano; the wines here are released under the general DOC but often with an indication of the area on the label.
247
Pinot Nero is becoming increasingly important in the region, and the best examples come from the eastern side of the?
Bassa Atesina, Alto Adige's southernmost growing zone.
248
Name the DOC for Teroldego grape
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC
249
Trentino-Alto Adige does not contain any DOCG zones;
True
250
Which are the grapes of Trentino-Alto Adige?
The top-planted grape variety is Chardonnay, with 22% of plantings, followed by Pinot Grigio (19%) and Schiava (9%). Other varieties that have been planted in the region since at least the 19th century include Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carmenère, Pinot Bianco, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, and others. Kerner is a high-quality cross of Riesling and Schiava Grossa. Grüner Veltliner is known here simply as Veltliner. Gewürztraminer is called Traminer Aromatico, but it is not necessarily from the local town of Tramin (Termeno).
251
There are two large, overarching DOCs for white, rosato, red, sparkling, and sweet wines in Trentino-Alto Adige
Alto Adige DOC and Trentino DOC
252
Name the 3 sub-zones of Alto-Adige
The three subzones of Colli di Bolzano, Meranese, and Santa Maddelena specialize in varietal Schiava, also known locally as Vernatsch, and require a minimum of 85% of the Schiava with Lagrein
253
The additional subzones of Alto Adige DOC are?
Terlano, Valle Isarco, and Valle Venosta
254
Farther south, in Trentino DOC, the subzone Castel Beseno is for varietal ?
Moscato Giallo, which can be made in dry, passito, or vendemmia tardiva styles
255
The subzones of Isera and Ziresi in Trentino are for varietal ?
Marzemino, a medium-bodied, high-acid red with herbal and bitter flavors.
256
Name the multi-regional DOCs of Trentino
delle Venezie DOC, shared with Veneto and Friuli. Valdadige DOC, or Etschtaler DOC, is another wide-ranging, multiregional DOC for white, rosato, red, and frizzante wines; it extends through the Adige valley in Alto Adige, Trentino, and a northwestern section of Veneto.
257
Name a top producer for Teroldego
Elisabetta Foradori is the most well-known specialist in Teroldego, and her powerful Granato bottling, from 70-year-old vines, helped spotlight the variety.
258
The most renowned site for Teroldego is ?
Campo Rotaliano, a flat plain with alluvial deposits of sand, gravel, and pebbles. It is backed by steep, vertical walls of Dolomitic limestone, which absorb and radiate heat from the sun during the day and funnel cool breezes at night
259
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC requires?
100% Teroldego, and the wines can be made in rosé (kretzer) or red (rubino) styles. Superiore wines have a minimum alcohol of 12% ABV, and Riserva wines require a minimum aging of two years.
260
Trentino vino santo (note the vino rather than vin) requires a minimum of?
85% Nosiola and must be aged for a minimum of three years, or four years for Superiore.
261
Name the first traditional method sparkling wine in Trentino
Giulio Ferrari made the first traditional method sparkling wine in Trentino, in 1902, and was the first to plant substantial Chardonnay vineyards in the area. The Trento DOC Institute was formed in 1984, and the DOC was established in 1993. The wine can be made with any proportions of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, and/or Pinot Meunier. It must spend a minimum of 15 months on the lees for spumante and rosato, 24 months for millesimato, and 36 months for Riserva. Except for the Riserva wines, which can be only brut nature or brut, the wines can be at any sweetness level up to dolce. The region is cooler than Franciacorta, and a bit more dosage is typically used to balance the grapes’ high acidity.
262
Friuli’s modern white wine revolution was made by?
In the 1960s, winemaker Mario Schiopetto traveled throughout Europe and brought German innovations in vinification and viticulture back to Friuli. He was at the forefront of Friuli’s modern white wine revolution, employing techniques such as cold fermentation, selected yeasts, stainless-steel tanks, and a focus on cellar hygiene for a style of clean and fruity wines
263
Which region of Italy recieves the most rainfall?
Friuli 1000mm
264
Soils of Friuli?
Viticulture is made possible by the region’s gravelly and well-draining soils. On the hillside slopes, the most prized soil is ponca, a friable sedimentary rock with alternating layers of marl and sandstone.
265
Name the DOCs of Friuli
Friuli (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) DOC
Collio DOC (Goriziano)
Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
Carso (Kras) DOC
Friuli Grave DOC
Friuli Isonzo DOC
Friuli Aquileia DOC
266
Which sub-zone of Friuli Colli Orientali is for Refosco?
The northernmost subzone is Refosco di Faedis, which requires a minimum of 85% Refosco Nostrano, also called Refosco di Faedis
267
At the southern end of Friuli Colli Orientali is the subzone of Rosazzo, featuring two varietal wines:
Ribolla Gialla di Rosazzo and Pignolo di Rosazzo. Ribolla Gialla performs well in the heat and in the well-draining ponca soils, and, with its thick skins, can be harvested later in the season and withstand threats from weather. The red grape Pignolo is closely associated with its “grand cru” of Rosazzo. Pignolo is the most full bodied of the Friuli reds and one of the most tannic reds in all of Italy, often needing years of bottle age.
268
The Rosazzo subzone of Friuli Colli Orientali should not be confused with Rosazzo DOCG, which was elevated to its own denomination in 2011. The DOCG is for?
white blends featuring a mandatory 50%–60% Friulano, 20%–30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 20%–30% Pinot Bianco and/or Chardonnay, along with up to 10% Ribolla Gialla and 5% other white grapes. The wines must be aged a minimum of 18 months. The “Super Whites” are often barrel fermented.
269
The easternmost part of Friuli Colli Orientali is the subzone of Prepotto, which features the varietal red wine from?
Schioppettino di Prepotto
270
The subzone of Cialla is a hamlet within Prepotto and is a monopole of ?
Ronchi di Cialla. It is an east-west valley that is the coolest, windiest, rainiest part of Friuli Colli Orientali, and grapes here are generally harvested about two weeks later than in the rest of the denomination. Ronchi di Cialla is known for not only Schioppettino but also Picolit, Ribolla Gialla, and other native varieties.
271
Picolit is a white grape variety historically associated with the areas of Rosazzo and Cialla, but its passito wines now fall under?
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG, established in 2006
The DOCG wines must be a minimum of 85% Picolit, unless coming from the subzone of Cialla, which requires 100%. They are aged for a minimum of one year, or two years for Cialla and four years for Cialla Riserva.
272
At the northern tip of Friuli Colli Orientali is Ramandolo DOCG, another former subzone for?
sweet white wines elevated to DOCG status in 2001. This is one of the coldest parts of Friuli, but the town of Ramandolo is sheltered by the rocky walls of Mount Bernadia, which radiate heat and reflect sunlight, helping ripen the grapes. The passito wines must be 100% Verduzzo Friulano, known here as Verduzzo Giallo, a tannic white variety suitable for air-drying, producing rich wines with flavors of sweet almond, honey, and tropical fruit.
273
Picolit produce sweet passito wines under ?
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit: Minimum 85% Picolit, maximum 15% other white grapes of Friuli, excluding Gewürztraminer.
Cialla: 100% Picolit
274
Friulano is the core grape in the?
Rosazzo DOCG blend, a white-wine appellation modeled on Felluga's iconic "Terre Alte," and it is produced as a varietal wine in Lison DOCG, a growing region that crosses the Veneto border in western Friuli.
275
Name some noteworthy indigenous red grapes from Friuli
Refosco, Schioppettino, Terrano, and Pignolo
276
Collio Goriziano (Collio) DOC. It allows a wide range of white and red wines from native and international varieties, but three-quarters of its production comes from four white grapes:
Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc (here called Sauvignon), Ribolla Gialla, and Friulano
277
Orange wine movement was born in?
Oslavia, in the far eastern part of Collio bordering Slovenia, is the sunniest part of the denomination, with vineyards at about 150 to 180 meters (490 to 590 feet) above sea level and dry winds from Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. It is a region especially known for Ribolla Gialla, and the higher elevation and large diurnal shift produce wines with strong aromatics and perfume.
278
Synonims of Friulano?
Once known as Tocai Friulano, its name has been shortened because of the protected status of Hungary’s Tokaj region. The grape variety is identical to Sauvignonasse and Sauvignon Vert of South America and is known as Tai elsewhere
279
Which is the largest town in Collio ?
Cormons is the largest town in Collio and sits at the base of Mount Quarin, at a lower altitude where the foothills meet the plains. Although Friulano is grown throughout Friuli and Veneto, it thrives in the wetter, richer soils of the Cormons area
280
Name some top producers of Friuli
Miani
Livio Felluga
Jermann
Josko Gravner
281
Whites include Malvasia Istriana, an intensely aromatic and mineral grape made in a dry style, and Vitovska, a light-bodied, zippy white wine that is grown primarily in?
Carso DOC
282
The signature red grape of Carso is ?
Terrano, and wines from the Classico subzone must include a minimum of 85% of the variety. Terrano is a relative of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and does well on Carso’s iron-rich soils. It is known for searingly high acidity, strong minerality, and flavors of violets and black fruit
283
Which region is responsible for more than half of all Friuli wine production?
Friuli Grave DOC
284
Which grape is Picoutener?
Nebbiolo
285
The Moscato di Scanzo DOCG surrounds the town of Bergamo to the west of Franciacorta, and produces?
sweet passito red wines from a red Moscato grape. The wines must be aged for a minimum two years but may not be aged in wood. Moscato di Scanzo is often bottled in a slender 500 mL futura—a bottle shape familiar to fans of Inniskillin icewine.
286
Proseco atmospheres?
Prosecco DOC Rosé is always spumante. Spumante is the bubbliest of the three, with more than three atmospheres (atm) of pressure inside the bottle, while frizzante has one to 2.5 atm and tranquillo less than one atm.
287
Maroggia, Sassella, and Grumello are subzones of which appellation?
Valtellina Superiore DOCG
288
Dolcetto synonyms?
Its name means “little sweet one” in Italian, but this is something of a misnomer, as most Dolcetto wines are bone dry and moderately tannic. Common synonyms of Dolcetto include Nera Dolce and Ormeasco
