Piedmont Flashcards
What are the 10 subregions of Piedmont?
- Langhe - incl Barolo and Barbaresco
- Roero
- Monferrato, with 3 subdivisions
A. Asti
B. Casalese
C. Alto Monferrato - Colline Novara
- Colline Vercelli
- Colli Tortonesi - Timorrasso (white) and Cortese (Gavi district)
- Canavese - Nebby and Erbaluce
- Colli Torinesi
- Colli Salluzzesi
- ??
What is the grape variety in the wines of Gavi region in Piemonte?
Cortese, a white grape with intense fragrances of flowers, white fruit, lime and almonds, with mineral hints. Full, crisp, harmonious palate, with assertive fruity notes and a slightly bitter finish. Can over-crop, difficult to ripen outside Gavi. 90% of plantings are in Piedmont.
Where is Dolcetto considered to be the top grape variety?
Dogliani, where it is the dominant grape.
What are the characteristics of Dolcetto
Low acid, fruity, somewhat sweet-tasting as a result. Spicey, bitter almonds, dark fruits with red fruits secondary.
When did Piedmont earn it’s DOCG?
1966
How many townships are in Piemonte?
11 Communes
What are the two soil types in Piemonte (West vs East)?
Western - Tortonian soils, compact calcareous marl. More fertile. More accessible near-term.
Eastern - Helvetican/Serravallian age, less fertile calc marl, sandstone and limestone. More austere, structured and harsher tannin. Stronger, more tannic. Need age.
Aging requirements for Barolo
Barolo: Min of 38 mos, min of 18 in wood. Released 1st of Jan of 4th yr after harvest.
Barolo Riserva: Min of 62 mos, 18 in wood. Released Jan 1st of sixth yr after harvest.
What is an MGA in Piedmont?
Specifically designated place names. Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive. Since 2010, when 181 MGAs were defined in Barolo, 66 in Barbaresco.
When did Roero area of Piemonte get DOCG?
DOC in 1985, promoted to DOCG in 2004
What % of grapes in Roero are Nebby?
95%!!
How many municipalities are within the Roero DOCG?
19
What are min aging requirements for Roero wines?
20 months for Roero Rosso. 32 months for Roero Riserva.
In Roero, descirbe diff in Left bank (Roero) vs Right bank (Langhe) of Tanaro River.
The left bank Tanaro (Roero):
- Looser, sandier soils
- Geologically younger soils more fertile than the Langhe,
Wines
- More intense aromas - floral and fruity with typical earthy and spicy notes, but generally less balsamic than its Langhe counterparts
- Softer tannins, more approachable when young.
What is primary benefit of Dolcetto for Piemonte growers?
Cash flow!
When did Dolcetto di Diano or d’Alba get DOC/DOCG?
1974 DOC
2009 DOCG
When did Dogliani get DOC/DOCG?
1974
2005
Piemonte - Alta Langa. What is its primary wine?
Metodo Classico sparkling wine! And Barolo is Italy’s #1 market for Champagne, - plove those bubbles!
When did Alta Langa get DOC/DOCG designation?
2002
2011
What grape(s) are used in the Alta Langa sparking wines?
Chardonnay and Pinot Nero. At least 90%!
Productoin area of Alta Langa
146 villages in Provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria.
What is min aging req for Alta Langa?
30 months.
What are the volcanic regions of Alta Langa?
Boa, Gattinara and Bramaterra. See map of sub regions
What % Nebby required by Gattinara DOCG?
96%!
Only option is to add 4% Vespolina or Bonarda
When did Erbaluce di Caluso earn its DOCG?
DOC 1967
DOCG 2010
When did Gavi O Cortese di Gavi get DOC/DOCG?
1974
1998
What grapes are are used in making Gavi?
100% Cortese
Describe oak aging for Gavi wines
100% SS
Why is Barbera a global-warming-proof grape?
It maintains good acidity at any ripeness level.
What is the Nizza region known for?
One of the best DOCGs for Barbera
Asti and Moscato d’Asti - when did they earn DOC and DOCG?
1967
1993
