Piedmont Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 10 subregions of Piedmont?

A
  1. Langhe - incl Barolo and Barbaresco
  2. Roero
  3. Monferrato, with 3 subdivisions
    A. Asti
    B. Casalese
    C. Alto Monferrato
  4. Colline Novara
  5. Colline Vercelli
  6. Colli Tortonesi - Timorrasso (white) and Cortese (Gavi district)
  7. Canavese - Nebby and Erbaluce
  8. Colli Torinesi
  9. Colli Salluzzesi
  10. ??
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2
Q

What is the grape variety in the wines of Gavi region in Piemonte?

A

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.

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3
Q

Where is Dolcetto considered to be the top grape variety?

A

Dogliani, where it is the dominant grape.

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4
Q

What are the characteristics of Dolcetto

A

Low acid, fruity, somewhat sweet-tasting as a result. Spicey, bitter almonds, dark fruits with red fruits secondary.

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5
Q

When did Piedmont earn it’s DOCG?

A

1966

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6
Q

How many townships are in Piemonte?

A

11 Communes

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7
Q

What are the two soil types in Piemonte (West vs East)?

A

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.

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8
Q

Aging requirements for Barolo

A

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.

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9
Q

What is an MGA in Piedmont?

A

Specifically designated place names. Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive. Since 2010, when 181 MGAs were defined in Barolo, 66 in Barbaresco.

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10
Q

When did Roero area of Piemonte get DOCG?

A

DOC in 1985, promoted to DOCG in 2004

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11
Q

What % of grapes in Roero are Nebby?

A

95%!!

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12
Q

How many municipalities are within the Roero DOCG?

A

19

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13
Q

What are min aging requirements for Roero wines?

A

20 months for Roero Rosso. 32 months for Roero Riserva.

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14
Q

In Roero, descirbe diff in Left bank (Roero) vs Right bank (Langhe) of Tanaro River.

A

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.
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15
Q

What is primary benefit of Dolcetto for Piemonte growers?

A

Cash flow!

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16
Q

When did Dolcetto di Diano or d’Alba get DOC/DOCG?

A

1974 DOC

2009 DOCG

17
Q

When did Dogliani get DOC/DOCG?

A

1974

2005

18
Q

Piemonte - Alta Langa. What is its primary wine?

A

Metodo Classico sparkling wine! And Barolo is Italy’s #1 market for Champagne, - plove those bubbles!

19
Q

When did Alta Langa get DOC/DOCG designation?

A

2002

2011

20
Q

What grape(s) are used in the Alta Langa sparking wines?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Nero. At least 90%!

21
Q

Productoin area of Alta Langa

A

146 villages in Provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria.

22
Q

What is min aging req for Alta Langa?

A

30 months.

23
Q

What are the volcanic regions of Alta Langa?

A

Boa, Gattinara and Bramaterra. See map of sub regions

24
Q

What % Nebby required by Gattinara DOCG?

A

96%!

Only option is to add 4% Vespolina or Bonarda

25
Q

When did Erbaluce di Caluso earn its DOCG?

A

DOC 1967

DOCG 2010

26
Q

When did Gavi O Cortese di Gavi get DOC/DOCG?

A

1974

1998

27
Q

What grapes are are used in making Gavi?

A

100% Cortese

28
Q

Describe oak aging for Gavi wines

A

100% SS

29
Q

Why is Barbera a global-warming-proof grape?

A

It maintains good acidity at any ripeness level.

30
Q

What is the Nizza region known for?

A

One of the best DOCGs for Barbera

31
Q

Asti and Moscato d’Asti - when did they earn DOC and DOCG?

A

1967

1993