North-West Italy

Question 1

List the most planted varieties in Piemonte

Answer 1

• Barbera
• Nebbiolo
• Moscato Bianco
• Brachetto
• Cortese
• Dolcetto

Question 2

Name the two mountain ranges that effect Piemonte and how

Answer 2

The Apennines protect Piemonte from weather systems coming off the Mediterranean sea, whilst the Alps protect the region from cool northerly winds and rain.

Question 3

What is the most common form of vine training for Nebbiolo grapes in North-West Italy. Explain why.

Answer 3

Single Guyot

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 mechanised, making this labour intensive variety easier to manage. Canes are also vertically trained which allows good air to penetrate the canopy and important when vigour is excessive.

Question 4

Barolo DOCG and Barolo Riserva DOCG must both spend substantial amounts of time in oak and bottle, thereby adding to the production costs. List the requirements for both.

Answer 4

• Barolo DOCG must be aged for 3 years and 2 months after harvest, including 18 months in oak.
• Barolo Riserva DOCG has to be aged for 5 years and 2 months with a minimum of 18 months in oak.

Question 5

What is the name of the official geographical indication within Barolo DOCG given for single vineyard status?

Answer 5

Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive

Question 6

What is the maximum yield for both Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG?

Answer 6

56 hL/ha

Question 7

Give a tasting note for Dolcetto

Answer 7

• deep ruby in colour
• medium (+) intensity red cherry fruit with floral notes,
• medium (-) acidity
• medium (+) tannins.

Question 8

Give a tasting note for Barbera

Answer 8

• medium to deep ruby colour
• medium intensity red plum and red cherry fruit sometimes with black pepper aromas
• high acidity
• medium tannins
• medium alcohol.

Question 9

Give a tasting note for Cortese

Answer 9

• grapes are high yielding
• wines have light intensity aromas of lemon, apple/pear and white flowers
• high acidity
• light or medium body.

Question 10

Give a tasting note for Arneis

Answer 10

• light intensity but complex aromas of white flowers, chamomile, white peach and lemon
• medium (-) acidity.

Question 11

True or false?

Piemonte does not have any PGI (IGT) wines.

Answer 11

True
Wines produced either are within the simple ‘wine’ category or are accommodated within the DOCs/DOCGs

Question 12

85% of Barolo and 75% of Barbaresco is exported. What are the top four export markets?

Answer 12

Scandinavia
USA
UK
Germany

Question 13

Explain how sales of Bordeaux and Burgundy wines has had an impact on Italian, Nebbiolo-based wines.

Answer 13

Given the rise in popularity for collectable and age-worthy French wines, some enthusiasts have looked elsewhere to other areas producing top quality wines. Given that Nebbiolo has both high acidity and high tannins, the ageing potential for long periods is high. Therefore, single vineyard wines, particularly from Barolo and Barbaresco have become very fashionable and can now demand very high prices. Given that some of the prices are now so high, some consumers have started looking toward other DOCGs in North-West Italy that can provide outstanding quality Nebbiolo wines, without the high price point.