Northern Italy

Question 1

What is the growing environment in Piemonte?

Answer 1

Moderate continental climate with cold winters and hot summers.

Protected from harsh northerlies by the alps. And from weather systems coming from the Mediterranean by the Apennines.

Can be subject to thunderstorms, hail, fog and late frosts can be a threat.

Low rainfall in June to September allows grapes to ripen and reduces the threat of fungal diseases.

Question 2

What are the growing characteristics of Nebbiolo?

Answer 2

Early budding and very late ripening.

Vigorous.

Question 3

What are the wines like that are made from Nebbiolo?

Answer 3

Typically pale ruby in colour, turning to pale garnet within 3-5 years.

Pronounced intensity aromas and flavours (violet, rose, red cherry, red plum)

Full body

High tannin

High acidity

Can be high alcohol.

Question 4

What sort of soil produces the best Nebbiolo? And why?

Answer 4

Cancerous marl, said to produce the most perfumed wines

Question 5

What are the pruning methods for Nebbiolo?

Answer 5

Pruned high as the first buds are infertile and therefore more buds are needed further up the shoot that will bear fruit.

Regular canopy management as it is vigorous.

Question 6

What are the soil types in Barolo?

Answer 6

Blue grey marl in the north and west of the denomination.
(Producing lighter more aromatic wines that become drinkable in the bottle after a few years)

Less fertile, predominantly yellow grey compacted sand and clay in the south and east.
(Wines that are closed and tannic in youth and should be cellared for 10-15 years)