Northwest Italy - Piedmont And Lombardy Regions Flashcards
Location/Climate
Border France in Northwestern Italy. It is bordered by the Alps
Continental climate with long hot summers, cool and wet winters with fog, and a cool and misty fall
Grapes
Nebbiolo (60%), Barbera (9%), Muscat Blanc (5%), Dolcetto (3%)
Terroir
Diverse with limestone, sand, or gravel in some of the valleys
Rich in minerals playing a role in the taste
Wine Characteristics
Elegance, balance, complexity
Can be very tannic
Black cherry, anise, dried herbs
Vary’s depending on grape
Nebbiolo Grape
Sometimes called Chiavennasca in Valtellina and is often lighter and more tart.
Known for grippy intense tannins and rich fruits
(Black cherry, rose, leather, anise, clay pot)
Barbera Grape
Spice and sour cherry flavors with an unmistakable aroma of melted licorice. Regions to check out are Barbera d’Alba, Barbera d’Asti, Barbera del Monferrato’
(Sour cherry, licorice, dried herbs, black pepper, espresso)
Dolcetto
Soft blackberry and plum flavors with firm finishing tannins that stimulate dark chocolate.
With lower acidity, it’s usually best to drink it within 5 years.
(Plum, blackberry, dark chocolate, black pepper, dried herbs)
Moscato Bianco Grape
(Muscat Blanc) Highly perfumed grape shows up in a variety of styles and sweetness levels
Regions to check out include Asti, Loazzolo, Strevi, Colli Tortonesi
(Orange blossom, mandarin, ripe pear, lychee, honeysuckle)
Franciacorta Grape
One of Italy’s greatest sparkling wines is made using the traditional Champagne method. Region sits on glacial clay-loam soils and wines are mostly Chardonnay with Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Rich fruits and a creamy mousse feel
(Lemon, peach, white cherry, almond, toast)
Brachetto Grape
Sweet red wines with aromas of strawberry, cherry sauce, milk chocolate, and orange peel
Wines are juicy and often made in a creamy, sparkling style to accent the sweetness
(Black plum, raspberry, olive, red pepper flake, cocoa)
Notable Subregions
Asti, Barolo, Barbaresco, Valsusa
