Northern Italy Paul Flashcards
Due to the wide range of latitudes there are a wide range of climates. However, generally speaking what climate do you find in Italy?
Italy generally has a warm Mediterranean climate.
The most planted grape variety is red, followed by 3 white varieties. Name them.
Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano and Glera
In order of quality from low to high, name the different Italian wine quality categories.
Vino di Tavola, IGT, DOC, DOCG (DOP covers both DOC and DOCG).
DOC and DOCG wines have a variety of labeling terms that can be used on the bottle. What would the term “Classico” “Superiore” and “Riserva” indicate?
The term Classico means that it is from a historical area. Superiore usually indicates higher alcohol, roughly 0.5%. Riserva indicates ageing, a minimum of 2 years for red, 1 year for white.
The average vineyard site is 2ha in Italy with growers selling to cooperatives being a common practice. What is the name of the big cooperative who processes more than 10% of all Italian grapes?
Caviro.
40% of wine in Italy is exported, what are Italy’s most important export markets?
USA, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Canada
Explain the climatic factors in the Piedmont region.
It is continental, with protection from the Alps from northerly winds and heavy rain. Dry summers and wet winters, dry summer helps prevent fungal disease.
Dolcetto, Brachetto, Nebbiolo and Cortese are widely grown in Piedmont, but what are the number 1 planted white and red grape varieties?
Barbera for reds, and Moscato Bianco for whites.
Nebbiolo buds early and ripens late, consequently it often planted in premium South facing sloped vineyards for optimum ripeness. What body, tannin, acid and aromas are typical?
Fully body, high tannin, high acid, violet, rose and red cherry. It is a pronounced variety with pale ruby colour.
What are the ageing requirements for a Barolo DOCG, and a Barolo DOCG Riserva respectively?
A minimum of 3 years and 2 months with at least 18 months in oak. Riserva is 5 years and 2 months.
Can you name the newly formed DOCG for premium Barbera?
Nizza DOCG. Must be aged for at least 18 months, 6 months in oak.
Describe the Dolcetto grape variety characteristics.
Low vigor, susceptible to fungal disease, primary fruit red cherry, med + intensity, med + tannin and deep ruby in colour.
Where is the Dolcetto grape grown?
Dolcetto d’Alba, Dolcetto di Ovada and Dogliani DOCG
What grape variety is used in Gavi wines? And how long must riserva wines be aged for prior to release?
Cortese. 1 year.
What grape variety has characteristics of white flower, chamomile, white peach and lemon?
Arneis. (can also oxidise easily, grown in Roero)
