North-West Italy Flashcards
WWhat are the top six grapes varieties widely planted in Piedmont?
Barbera
Moscato Bianco
Dolcetto
Nebbiolo
Cortese
Brachetto
What are the 2 mountain ranges that have an impact on Piedmonte?
The Apennines - protect Piemonte from weather systems coming off the Mediterranean sea
The Alps - protect the region from cool northerly winds and rain
Explain why Single Guyot is the most common form of vine training for Nebbiolo grapes in North-West Italy.
Nebbiolo vines are particularly vigorous when it comes to growing excess foliage. Therefore, it requires significant canopy management. Single Guyot training is therefore appropriate as canopy trimming can be mechanized, making this labor intensive variety easier to manage. Canes are also vertically trained which allows good air to penetrate the canopy and important when vigor is excessive.
What are the aging requirements of Barolo and Barolo Riserva DOCG?
Barolo DOCG must be aged for 3 years and 2 months after harvest, including 18 months in oak.
Barolo Reserva DOCG has be aged for 5 years and 2 months with a minimum of 18 months in oak.
What is the name of the official geographical indication within Barolo DOCG given for single vineyard status?
Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive
What is the name of the official geographical indication within Barolo DOCG given for single vineyard status?
Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive
What is the maximum yield for both Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG?
56 hl/ha
What are the characteristics of Dolcetto?
The wines are typically deep ruby in colour, with medium (+) intensity red cherry fruit with floral notes, medium (-) acidity and medium (+) tannins.
What are the characteristics of Barbera?
The wines are medium to deep ruby colour, medium intensity red plum and red cherry fruit sometimes with black pepper aromas, high acidity, medium tannins and medium alcohol.
What are the characteristics of Cortese?
The grapes are high yielding and the wines have light intensity aromas of lemon, apple/pear and white flowers with high acidity and a light or medium body.
What are the characteristics of Arneis?
The wines have light intensity but complex aromas of white flowers, chamomile, white peach and lemon. They have medium (-) acidity.
85% of Barolo and 75% of Barbaresco is exported. Which of the following are the top four export markets?
USA
Germany
UK
Scandinavia
What are the aspect of Barolo vineyards?
South and South-west facing slopes, typically 200-400m above sea level
What are the soils of Barolo?
North & west: Blur-grey marl
South & east: yellow grey compacted sand & clay
Who is known for blending a number of vineyards?
Bartolo Mascarello
Who is known for wines from single vineyards?
Angelo Gaja
Bruno Giocosa
What are the aging requirements of Barbaresco?
2 years and 2 months from Nov 1st, 9 months in wood
Reserva: 4 yeras and 2 months from Nov 1st, 9 months in wood
What are the Nebbiolo DOCG other than Barolo and Barbaresco in Piedmont?
Roero
Gattinara
Ghemme
What are the Nebbiolo DOC in Piedmont?
Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
What are the Barbera DOCGs in Piedmmont?
Barbera d’Asti
Nizza DOCG
What are the aging requirements of Nizza?
Must be 18 months, 6 months must be in oak
What is Barbera prone to?
Spring frost, early budding
What are the DOC and DOCG of Dolcetto in Piedmont?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Dogliani DOCG
Dolcetto di Ovada DOC
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore DOC
What is Dolcetto susceptible to?
Fungal diseases
What are the typical winemaking process of Dolcetto?
- frequent pump overs and rack-and-return
-mid-range fermentation temperatures - short times on the skins (7-15 days)
- soft extraction methods to avoid extracting its naturally high tannins
- aged in stainless steel tank
What are the max yield of Dolcetto?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC: 63 hl/ha
Dogliani DOCG: 56 hl/ha
Dolcetto di Ovada DOC: 56 hl/ha
Piedmonte DOC: 77 hl/ha
What is the DOCG of Cortese?
Gavi DOCG
What is Cortese susceptible to?
Grey rot
What is the DOCG of Arneis?
Roero Arneis DOCG
What % Arneis is required for Roero Arneis DOCG?
min 95%
Who is the significant producers of Arneis?
Vietti and Bruno Giacosa
Who is the significant producers of Cortese?
Castellari Bergaglio
La Scolca
Who are the young producers started making wines with deeper color, softer tannins and less need to be aged, with new oak flavors?
Elio Altare in Barolo
Angelo Gaja in Barbaresco
What are the traditional winemaking for Nebbiolo?
- very long maceration on the skins ( 3-4 months)
- aging in large old wooden vessels for 5-8 years to soften the tannins
