Northern Italy Flashcards
Where is Piemonte and what is its climate
northwest Italy, moderate continental climate
what are the primary black grapes used in Piemonte
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
what are the 2 most important red DOCGs of Piemonte
Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG
what is the only black grape allowed in Barolo and Barbaresco
Nebbiolo
what is the aging requirement for BAROLO
BAROLO = 38 months, 18 in oak
what is the aging requirement for BARBARESCO
BARBARESCO = 26 months, 9 in oak
is Nebbiolo an early or late ripener
late
what is the first red grape to ripen in Piemonte
Dolcetto
what is the white grape in Gavi DOCG
100% Cortese
which mountains create a rain shadow in Piemonte
Alps
what are the weather threats in Piemonte
summer hail
fog
what are the 2 primary white grapes in Piemonte
- Moscato
- Cortese
are there any IGPs or IGTs in Piemonte
no, only DOCs and DOCGs
what is the altitude range for vineyards in Barolo and which direction do they face
300-500m
–> south facing
what is the altitude range for vineyards in Barbaresco
200-400m
which DOCG can be on a wine if the Cortese grapes only come from the village of Gavi itself
Gavi di Gavi DOCG
which Dolcetto DOC is generally viewed as making the best Dolcetto
Dolcetto d’Alba
Veneto lies on what sea
Adriatic sea
how does Lake Garda influence the winegrowing area
cools down vineyards
what are the soils of Valpolicella DOC
gravel and sand (more fertile)
what are the soils of Valpolicella Classico DOC
limestone, clay and volcanic
when a winemaker knows they’re going to use the passito process, when do they harvest and when do they ferment grapes
harvest early to retain high acidity
fermentation mid-winter
how is Valpolicella Ripasso made
Fresh, just-fermented Valpolicella DOC wine is poured over drained but unpressed skins left over from Amarone or Recioto production; both are racked into a different container where a secondary alcoholic fermentation occurs giving the Valpolicella Ripasso more structure and richness.
Recioto della Valpolicella is made with which kind of grapes
semi-dried grapes
what 2 influences help cool down the warm climate of Veneto
- cool breezes from lake Garda
- diurnal shifts that affect vineyards planted in the foothills of the Alps
describe the 2 distinct areas of Soave
- northern foothills: limestone, clay and volcanic. grapes ripen slowly –> higher acid and can age
- souther flat plain: sandy and alluvial, grapes ripen faster, wines fruitier and drink young
what is the main grape used in Soave
Garganega
what are the main white grapes of Alto Adige
- Pinot Grigio
- Gewurztraminer
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Blanc
what are the main white grapes of Trentino
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
what is the main black grape of Alto Adige
Schiava
what are the main black grapes of Trentino
Merlot and Teroldego
are there any DOCGs in TAA?
no, only DOCs
what is the climate of TAA
moderate climate, cold winters and short summers with low rainfall
Friuli receives airflow from which 2 sources
Alps and Adriatic
what is the climate of northern/southern friuli
north = moderate continental
south = warm maritime
what is the most prevalent white grape in Friuli
Pinot Grigio
what is friuli’s most prevalent red grape
Merlot
besides PG, another important white grape in Friuli
Friulano
what are the 3 most important DOCs in Friuli
- Friuli Grave
- Colli Orientali
- Collio
what are the advantages of a pergola training
- shade, slows ripening and protects from sunburn
- improves airflow
- good for grapes that need high acid and low sugar
- good for grapes that need to be dried after harvest
