Northern Italy Flashcards
What is Italian for PDO
Denominazione di Origine Protetta
What are the more common traditional Italian terms used instead of PDO
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
What is the Italian for PGI
Indicazione Geografica Protetta
What is the more common traditional term used instead of PGI
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
Apart from DOC and IGT labelling what are 2 other Italian labelling terms and what do they mean
Classico - means the wine is from the original classified center of the appellation
Resirva - means the wine has been produced with a higher level of alcohol and has been aged longer than the minimums stipulated by the appellation
On what plain are the vineyard regions of N Italy located
Plain of the River Po
What is the climate of N Italy
Moderate climate with short dry summers
What effect do the Alps and the large glacial lakes have on grape growing in N Italy
The Alps shelter the vineyards from rain and the lakes provide a moderating effect on the regions temperature
What problems can growers in areas nearer to the sea have
There is more rainfall nearer the sea so fungal disease can be an issue
What is the complex trellising system that was traditionally used in N Italy. Describe it
Pergola. Vine canopy is trained high with the grapes hanging down beneath a horizontal canopy of leaves. This protects the grapes from sun burn and also keeps air moving
What is now a more common canopy management system
VSP
When are pergolas still used
When high acid / low sugar is required ( such as when making sparkling wines ). Also when the grapes are to be dried because they must be totally rot free
Alto Adige is centered around which town. Where are the grapes planted
Bolzano. On terraces on the SE and SW facing slopes of the river Adige
Describe the climate of Alto Adige and what kinds of grapes it is suited to growing
Moderate with short dry summers. High altitude results in a large diurnal range which is ideal for elegant light bodied reds and aromatic high acid whites
What is the main white grape produced in Alto Adige. Name 2 others
Pinot Grigio. Chardonnay & Pinot Blanc
Describe Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige
Dry, light to med body, high acid, citrus and green fruit flavors
What is the main red varietal of Alto Adige. What is its flavor profile
Schiava. Light and fruity, low to med tannin flavors of raspberry and plum
How are all wines from Alto Adige labelled
Alto Adige DOC
Where is Trentino located in relation to Alto Adige. How does the vineyard location and climate compare
Located to the S of AA. Vines are planted on the valley floor as well as on the sides of the valley. Climate is similar to AA but slightly warmer
What geographical feature influences Trentino’s climate. Why is is warmer than AA
Trentino is sheltered from the cooling effect of Lake Garda by the mountains to the West. It is also further south than AA
What are the white grapes of Trentino. Describe them with respect to the different vineyard geographies
Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Wines from the valley floor tend to be med body, med acid with ripe stone fruit. Those on the valley walls are at higher altitude and more similar to AA
What are the black grapes of Trentino…where are they planted
Merlot and Teroldego. On the valley floor and mid slope
Describe wine made from Teroldego
Deeply colored, med to high tannin, med to full body, high acid flavors of dark fruit. Oak aged.
How are the wines of Trentino labelled
Trentino DOC
What is the wine region located in the NE corner of Italy. Describe the climate
Fruili Venezia Giulia. In the N of the region the climate is moderate continental cooled by the Alps. Further south near the Adriatic the climate is warmer Maritime
What is the major white grape of FVG. Name one other. Describe the wines
Pinot Grigio. Med to Full body, juicy peach and tropical fruit
Friulano - med to high acid, pear, red apples and herbs