Northern Italy

Question 1

How may regions are in Northern Italy (West and East)?

Answer 1

There are 8 regions in Northern Italy (West and East).

Question 2

What part of Italy are Alto Adige and Trentino located?

Answer 2

Northeastern Italy

Question 3

What is the climate of Alto Adige?

Answer 3

Alto Adige is centered around the town of Bolzano in the foothills of the Alps. The region has a moderate climate with short, dry summers and low rainfall during the growing season.

Question 4

What impact does the diurnal range have on Alto Adige?

Answer 4

The diurnal range is large due to the altitude of Alto Adige, making it ideal for production of aromatic whites and elegant, light bodied reds.

Question 5

What primary grapes are grown in Alto Adige and what is their description?

Answer 5

Alto Adige is known for Pinot Grigio and Schiava. Pinot Grigio is made dry in a light to medium body, high acidity, and citrus and green fruit flavors. Schiava is a black grape used in red wine production with a style of light fruity wine with low to medium tannins and flavors of raspberries and plums.

Question 6

What is the labeling of Alto Adige premium wine?

Answer 6

Almost all wines are labelled under the region name Alto Adige DOC.

Question 7

Describe the location of Trentino.

Answer 7

Trentino is located to the south of Alto Adige and the valley is wider here with slopes on the sides of the valley.

Question 8

What is the climate of Trentino?

Answer 8

Trentino’s climate has dry summers and low rainfall during the growing season, but overall the vineyards experience a slightly warmer climate than Alto Adige. This is because of (1) more southerly latitude and (2) lower altitude, and (3) the mountains to the wet protecting the region from cooling effects of Lake Garda.

Question 9

What grapes are primary for Trentino?

Answer 9

Trentino grows Pinot Grigio which is grown on the valley floor creating a medium bodied with full acidity and ripe stone flavors grape. Grapes at higher altitudes have more of a citrus/green apple flavor profile. Teroldego is the primary black grape grown on mid slopes and the valley floor with deep color, medium to high tannins, high acidity and a medium to full body. Teroldego is normally matured in oak and have an ability to age.

Question 10

What is the labelling in Trentino?

Answer 10

Trentino labeling reflects the region naming wines Trentino DOC.

Question 11

Where is the region Fruili-Venezia-Giulia located in Italy?

Answer 11

Fruili-Venezia-Giulia is located in the Northeastern corner of Italy.

Question 12

What is the typography of Fruili-Venezia-Giulia?

Answer 12

The typography of Fruili-Venezia-Giulia is that of the foothills of the Alps. The vineyards in the south are based on the flat plain near the Adriatic Sea.

Question 13

What is the climate of Friulu-Venezia-Giulia?

Answer 13

The climate of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia is moderate continental cooled by cold air from the mountains. The southern areas experience a warm maritime climate due to the Adriatic Sea.

Question 14

What are the primary grapes and wine styles of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia?

Answer 14

Friuli-Venezia-Giulia produces some of the richest Pinot Grigio in Italy with medium to full bodied wines displaying preach and tropical fruit flavors. Merlot is the most planted black grape and makes medium bodied wines with medium acidity and tanning and ripe red flavors, often with a bit of spice from oak.

Question 15

What is the labelling in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia?

Answer 15

The labelling in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region is (1) Friuli Grave DOC producing white, simple wines from Pinot Grigio. (2) Collio DOC and Colli Orientali DO are known for premium, concentrated whites and Colli Orientali for its reds that are Merlot based.

Question 16

Where is Veneto located within Northern Italy?

Answer 16

Veneto is in Northeastern Italy and extends from the southern end of Lake Garda to Venice in the east.

Question 17

What is the typography of Veneto?

Answer 17

The typography of Veneto is ranges from the foothills in the Alps in the north to the flat plains fo the Po River in the south.

Question 18

What are the regions located within Veneto?

Answer 18

The regions located within Veneto are (1) Soave east of Verona, and Valpolicella north west of Verona.

Question 19

What are the soils of Soave and what do they provide in the vineyard?

Answer 19

The soils of the foothills are made of limestone and clay with some volcanic rocks. The soils, along with altitude, provide a cooling effect that slows ripening and leads to full flavor ripeness with high acidity. The vines on the plains are planted in sandy, alluvial soils that aid.

Question 20

What is the aging potential for Soave wines?

Answer 20

Soave wines are capable of maturing for a number of years with no presence of oak.

Question 21

What are the primary grapes grown in Soave and what are their styles?

Answer 21

Soave has a good environment for growing fruitier grapes with medium acidity, producing wines to drink while young. (1) Garganega (white) adds to blends and has a medium to high acid level displaying flavors of pear, red apple, stone fruit and some white pepper without oak aging, but developing almond and honey flavors from oxidation.

Question 22

What is the labelling in Soave?

Answer 22

The Soave labelling system has 2 labels (1) Soave DOC and (2) Soave Classico DOC.

Question 23

Where is the location of Valpolicella in Nothern Italy?

Answer 23

Valpolicella is north wet of Verona.

Question 24

What is the typography of Valpolicella?

Answer 24

The typography of Valpolicella has both foothills and plains.

Question 25

What are the soils of Valpolicella?

Answer 25

The (1) northern soils of Valpolicella are limestone, clay, and volcanic soils, which slow down ripening so the grapes have more acidity. The soils in the flatter areas of the (2) south have gravel and sand, which is warmer so the grapes are fruitier with less acid.

Question 26

What is the primary grape of Valpolicella and what styles come from it?

Answer 26

The primary grape of Valpolicella is Corvina native to the region with thin skins, moderate color, low to medium tannins.

Question 27

What is the labelling in Valpolicella?

Answer 27

Valpolicella has (1) Valpolicella DOC and (2) Valpolicella DOCG with simple, fruity and light tannin wins flavoring red cherry and they are rarely oaked, which makes them ready to drink young.

Question 28

What are the other 2 methods of winemaking in Valpolicella?

Answer 28

The Valpolicella makes light and fruity red wine, but also uses different wine making for fuller and sometimes sweeter styles. (1) Passito Method and (2) Ripasso Method.

Question 29

Describe the passito method of wine making in Valpolicella.

Answer 29

The passito method is used to concentrate structure and flavor. Grapes are picked early and when high in acidity are dried indoors, concentrating sugars and flavors. There are 2 types of full bodied, high alcohol, medium to high tannins and intensely concentrated red berry and spice flavors aged in large casks. (1) Amarone della Valpolicella and (2) Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG.

Question 30

Describe the ripasso method of winemaking used in Valpolicella.

Answer 30

The ripasso method of winemaking used in Valpolicella uses grape skins from a fermenting Amarone della Valpolicella by draining the Amarone off the skins and add them to a vat that has finished fermentation. Yeast ferment the remaining sugar of the Amarone grape skins where the grape skins give off color, flavor and tannins to the wine. The wines are medium to full bodied with medium to high tannins and flavors of stewed cherries and plums.

Question 31

What is the labelling of wine using the ripasso method in Valpolicella?

Answer 31

The labelling for ripasso wines in Valpolicella is Valpolicella Ripasso DOC.

Question 32

What part of Italy is Piedmont?

Answer 32

Piedmont is located in the northwestern part of Italy with the Alps acting as a natural border and rainshadow effect protecting the region from winds and precipitation.

Question 33

What is the climate in Piedmont?

Answer 33

The climate of Piedmont is moderate continental with long, cold winters and summers with thunderstorms, hail, and fog.

Question 34

What are the moderating influences of Piedmont?

Answer 34

Some of the moderating influences of Piedmont are (1) Po River from the southern part of the region, and (2) Lake Maggiore in the northern part of the region. The foothills are 150-600m which provide different aspects and altitudes for viticulture.

Question 35

What are the main grapes of Piedmont?

Answer 35

The primary grapes of Piedmont are (1) Muscat (white), (2) Barolo, and (3) Barbaresco, and (4) Dolcetto, (5) Gavi (white).

Question 36

In Piedmont, what towns are between Barolo and Barbaresco?

Answer 36

The towns between Barolo and Barbaresco are Alba and Asti.

Question 37

Describe the typography of Barolo.

Answer 37

Barolo is a horse-shoe shaped valley that spans several villages with south facing slopes for excellent sunshine.

Question 38

Describe the topography of Barbaresco.

Answer 38

Barbaresco is smaller than Barolo with south facing slopes at lower altitude 200-400m, than Barolo.

Question 39

What are the grapes of Piedmont/Barolo/Barbaresco?

Answer 39

The primary grapes of Piedmont/Barolo/Barbaresco are (1) Nebbiolo, (2) Barbara, and (3) Dolcetto, and (4) Cotese (white) and (5) Muscat (white).

Question 40

What is the labelling in Barolo?

Answer 40

The labeling of Barolo is Barolo DOCG. Wines are often made from grapes sourced from different villages and if sourced from one village the name of the village may appear on the label as well. Examples: Barolo Cannubi DOCG.

Question 41

What is the labelling of Barbaresco?

Answer 41

The labelling of Barbaresco states Barbaresco DOCG.

Question 42

Name the grape and describe the characteristics of Barolo.

Answer 42

Barolo is a black grape with high levels of acidity and tannin, but little color. The grape ripens slowly in Barolo at its altitude 300-500m and develops perfumed aromas of sour cherries and herbs with some flowers. This wine is full bodied with high acidity and tannins and they have the ability to develop in the bottle.

Question 43

What is the aging requirement of Barolo DOCG wines?

Answer 43

Barolo DOCG wines must age for 36 months with a minimum of 18 months in oak. Due to better color extraction in the vineyard the wines have smoother, riper tannins so less time in oak is employed. Oak is barrique or large casks depending on the intended style. All Barolo wines tend to benefit from bottle aging as it continues to soften tannins and add further complexity, giving the wine aromas of tar and leather.

Question 44

Name the primary grape in Barbaresco DOCG wines and describe this style of wine.

Answer 44

Barbaresco DOCG wines are made with Nebbiolo as are Barolo wines. Barbaresco is influenced by the local river which contributes to earlier ripening and fruiter and less perfumed wines. The acidity and tannin levels are similar to Barolo, but the aging requirements are less so that 2 years before release with 9 months in oak. Higher quality will be from a single cru.

Question 45

What is the location of Asti/Alba in relation to Piedmont?

Answer 45

Between Asti and Piedmont lies Barbara d’ Asti.

Question 46

What primary grapes are produced in Asti/Alba? Describe these grape characteristics.

Answer 46

Asti/Alba produce (1) Barbara and (2) Dolcetto, (3) Moscato (1) Barbara from this region produce a late ripening grape with medium to deep color, low to medium tannins, and high acidity displaying aromas of red cherry and plums with a little black pepper. The wines are made young and fresh and in oak for complexity and age. (2) Dolcetto is early ripening and therefore can be planted in cooler sites. The wines have a deep, often purple color with medium to high tannins and medium acidity. Fruit is black plums and red cherries with dried herbs. (3) Moscato is grown in Asti and produces a sweet wine with moderate alcohol and best consumed young. These wines are produced using the Charmant method (see sparkling wine making). Peach, apricot, strawberry, bright citrus. Fruit punch in style.

Question 47

Where is Gavi located in relation to Piedmont?

Answer 47

Gavi is located in the south east Piedmont area. The vines are grown in hills with altitude and sea breezes, resulting in long, slow ripening of Cortese (white).

Question 48

Describe the wines and labeling in Gavi.

Answer 48

Gavi DOCG has white wines made from Cortese. If the grapes come from the town of Gavi, the labelling will be Gavi di Gavi DOCG. The wines are pale and light bodied with high acidity and flavors of citrus and green apples and pears. Gavi or Cortese di Cavi, is one of Piedmont’s most prestigious whites grown in Piedmont’s southeast corner, just north of the border with Liguria, specifically in a hilly area around the town of Gavi, which includes 10 municipalities in the province of Alessandria.

Question 49

Describe the winemaking in Gavi.

Answer 49

Winemaking in Gavi is done with cool fermentation in stainless steel, with quality producers using some oak for fermentation and lees aging to add complexity to the wine. Most of the wine is ready to drink young.

Question 50

Where is Emilia-Romagna located in Italy?

Answer 50

Emilia-Romagna is located in Northeastern Italy to the south of Veneto on the Adriatic Sea.

Question 51

What is the labelling in Emilia-Romagna and what primary grape is grown there?

Answer 51

The labeling in Emilia-Romagna is Albana di Romagna DOCG. The primary grape is Lambrusco which is made into a red, sparking wine. The wine can be dry or sweet.

Question 52

Where in Italy is Lombardy located?

Answer 52

Lombardy is located between Piedmont and Alto-Adige and Trentino in Northwestern Italy.

Question 53

What are the primary grapes grown in Lombardy?

Answer 53

The primary grapes grown in Lombardy are (1) Pinot Noir, (2) Chiavenneasca, (3) Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, and (4) Chardonnay.

Question 54

What are the DOCGs in Lombardy?

Answer 54

Lombardy ((1) Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, (2) Valtellina DOCG, (3) Franciacorta DOCG

Question 55

Describe the wines of Acqui and the labelling.

Answer 55

The labelling of Acqui is Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. Brachetto is the sole grape variety permitted for the semi-sparkling (frizzante) or spumante red wine, a rare passito, and for Acqui DOCG Rosé. The frizzante style, with a soft mousse andmouthfeel, is most typical. It is characterized by its perfumed bouquet reminiscent of rose petals, strawberries and raspberries.

Question 56

Describe the labelling of Ovada, the wine style(s) and labelling.

Answer 56

Wines of Ovada are labelled Dolcetto di Ovado DOCG and are grown around the town of Dogliani.

Question 57

Where is Gattinara located in Italy and what wine produced there.

Answer 57

Gattinara DOCG, is an appellation for red wine inItaly’s northwesternPiedmont. The wine must contain at least 90 percent of Spanna – the local name forNebbiolo. It may include up to 10 percent of theUva Raragrape variety (also known – confusingly – as Bonarda di Gattinara), and/or 4 percent ofVespolina.

Question 58

Where is the Ghemme DOCG located in Italy?

Answer 58

The Ghemme municipality is the center of a powerful red wine, which bears its name. The town lies on the river Sesia, in the Novarra province, just across Gattinara . In fact, the highway A26 separates the two districts. In this zone there is produced a wine that is often compared with the neighbor across the street, although production is somewhat smaller.

Question 59

What style of wine is produced in Roero and where is it located?

Answer 59

Roero was classified as DOC in 1985, but the efforts put into offering better quality were repaid in 2004, when the zone finally got its DOCG and It also meant a break with the rather disputed, local rule that required red grapes to be mixed with the white Arneis grape The variety can be traced back to ancient times, and there are indications that, despite the somewhat limited production, it is currently undergoing a renaissance and Roero Arneis is now the leading white wine in Piedmont.

Question 60

What are the terms you should know for Italian wines?

Answer 60

VINO ROSSO: Red wine. VINO BIANCO: White wine. VINO ROSATO:Rosé wine. SPUMANTE: Frothy/Carbonated. SECCO: Dry. DOLCE: Sweet. PASSITO; A type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been dried out before crushing to concentrate their sugar content. RISERVA: Aged for a specified period longer than the minimum regional standards. CLASSICO: Typically a wine that comes from a traditional or more restrictive region. SUPERIORE: Represents a higher level of alcohol, longer aging, or a more specific appellation depending on the region.