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CSM Theory Questions > Piedmont (Piemonte) > Flashcards

Piedmont (Piemonte) Flashcards

1
Q

What does “Piedmont” mean, and what geographical features surround it?

A

“The foot of the mountain,” cradled on three sides by the Apennines and the Alps

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2
Q

What major river flows through Piedmont, and what does it create?

A

The Po River, creating a fertile alluvial plain

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3
Q

Why is most of Piedmont’s grape-growing concentrated in the foothills south of the Po Valley?

A

The fertile alluvial plain is too rich for viticulture, so grape-growing occurs in the foothills

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4
Q

In which provinces of Piedmont does most grape-growing occur?

A

Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo

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5
Q

What are the key wine-producing hills in Piedmont?

A

Montferrato Hills and Langhe Hills

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6
Q

What types of soils are found in Piedmont’s grape-growing areas?

A

Thinner, calcareous marl and sandstone soils with varying percentages of clay and sand

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7
Q

What climate does Piedmont experience, and what effect do the Alps have on it?

A

Piedmont experiences a continental climate, and the Alps provide a “rain shadow” effect

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8
Q

What weather phenomenon can be a concern in the Langhe hills, and how did Barbaresco producers historically try to mitigate it?

A

Autumn hail, and producers were fond of firing cannons into the skies to disperse threatening cloudbanks

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9
Q

What are the prized southern exposures in the Langhe and Monferrato hills known as?

A

Sori

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10
Q

Which is the most noble and ageworthy red grape of Piedmont?

A

Nebbiolo

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11
Q

What is the origin of the name Nebbiolo, and what does it reference?

A

Named after the morning fog (la nebbia) that prolongs the grape’s ripening process in the fall

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12
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Nebbiolo?

A

High acid, alcohol, and extreme tannin, with haunting aromatic complexity and great longevity

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13
Q

How was Nebbiolo valued historically in the Langhe region?

A

Quite VALUABLE - a 1431 statute of La Morra in the Langhe prescribed severe punishments for uprooting the vine, ranging from the loss of a right hand to death

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14
Q

What are the three major Piedmontese red grapes?

A

Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera

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15
Q

What is Dolcetto known for, and how is it typically consumed?

A

The “little sweet one,” it ripens early, provides tannic, fruity wines that are lower in acid, and is generally designed for youthful consumption

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16
Q

What distinguishes Barbera, Piedmont’s most planted red grape?

A

It demonstrates high acidity but low tannin and is subject to a range of stylistic interpretations

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17
Q

What effect has the incursion of modern winemaking techniques had on Piedmont’s red grapes?

A

It has diminished some of the obvious varietal differences between Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto in some cases

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18
Q

Name some of the lesser indigenous red grapes of Piedmont

A

Brachetto, Grignolino, Ruchè, Croatina, Vespolina, and Freisa

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19
Q

What is Piedmont’s most planted white grape, and what type of wine is it primarily used to produce?

A

Moscato Bianco (Muscat à Petits Grains), used primarily for the sparkling wines of Asti.

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20
Q

Which other white grape varieties are grown in Piedmont, listed in diminishing order of importance?

A

Cortese, Arneis, Erbaluce, and Favorita (Vermentino)

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21
Q

Since when have international grape varieties been growing in significance in Piedmont?

A

Since the 1980s

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22
Q

In which type of DOCs are non-traditional grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot typically used in Piedmont?

A

Less-specific DOCs

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23
Q

As of 2023, how many DOCGs and DOCs does Piedmont claim?

A

19 DOCGs and 41 DOCs

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24
Q

What percentage of Piedmont’s wine production is of at least DOC quality?

A

Almost half

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25
Q

What are the two most prestigious DOCGs in Piedmont, and where are they located?

A

Barolo and Barbaresco, located along the Tanaro River in the Cuneo Province

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26
Q

What grape is used to produce the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco?

A

Nebbiolo

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27
Q

How do Barolo wines generally compare to Barbaresco wines?

A

Barolo wines are typically more powerful and long-lived, while Barbaresco is slightly softer and regarded as Barolo’s more feminine counterpart

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28
Q
A
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28
Q

What classic aromas are attributed to both Barolo and Barbaresco wines?

A

Tar, truffle, rose petals, and dried fruits

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29
Q

How is the color of Barolo and Barbaresco wines typically described?

A

Moderate in concentration and orange-tinged even in youth

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30
Q

How many communes can produce Barolo wines, and which five represent almost 90% of the DOCG’s demarcated land?

A

Barolo wines can be produced in 11 communes. The five key communes are La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, and Castiglione Falletto

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31
Q

What soil type characterizes the vineyards of La Morra and Barolo, and what style of wine does it produce?

A

Tortonian soils, which contain a higher proportion of calcareous marl, produce a softer style of wine

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32
Q

What soil type is more common in Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba, and Castiglione Falletto, and how does it affect the wine?

A

Serravallian (Helvetian) sandstone soils supply more structure in the wine

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33
Q

What are the minimum aging requirements for Barolo wine before release as of 2010?

A

Barolo must be aged at least 38 months from November 1 of the harvest year, with only 18 months required in wood

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34
Q

How long must Barolo Riserva be aged before release?

A

Barolo Riserva requires a total of 62 months prior to release

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35
Q

What was the traditional method of aging Barolo, and how did it affect the wine?

A

Historically, Barolo was aged in large neutral casks after extended macerations of 30-50 days, requiring long periods of cellaring before the wine became approachable

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36
Q

What are the two main styles of Barolo producers, and how do they differ?

A

“Traditionalists,” who retain older winemaking techniques with extended macerations and aging in large casks, and “Modernists,” who embrace barriques, shorter macerations, and a rounder style of wine

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37
Q
A
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38
Q

Name some notable traditionalist Barolo producers.

A

Giacomo Conterno, Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi

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39
Q

Name some notable modernist Barolo producers.

A

Paolo Scavino, Luciano Sandrone, Elio Altare

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40
Q

How has the distinction between traditionalist and modernist Barolo producers changed in recent times?

A

The distinction has become more fluid, with many producers blending techniques from both camps.

41
Q

How do the Nebbiolo wines of Barbaresco DOCG compare to those of Barolo?

A

They are perfumed, tannic, and ageworthy, yet slightly lighter in body and more elegant

42
Q
A
43
Q

In which towns is Barbaresco wine production primarily concentrated?

A

Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso

44
Q

What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco wines before release?

A

A minimum of 26 months from November 1st of the harvest year, including at least 9 months in cask

45
Q

What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco wines labeled as riserva?

A

A minimum of 50 months prior to release

46
Q

Who is credited with achieving acclaimed cult status for Barbaresco wines through a modernist approach?

A

Angelo Gaja

47
Q

Which traditionalist producer is equally talented in Barbaresco, and what does the local co-operative offer?

A

Bruno Giacosa is a traditionalist producer, and Produttori del Barbaresco offers great value and exemplifies the terroir of the region

48
Q

What similarities do Barolo and Barbaresco have with Burgundy?

A

Similar aromatic richness, climate, the importance of single vineyards, and the emphasis on domaine bottling

49
Q

What sparked the emphasis on domaines and estate-bottling in Barolo and Barbaresco?

A

The trend began in the 1960s, leading to the determination of single vineyards (crus)

50
Q

Name one of the best crus in Barolo and Barbaresco.

A

Cannubi in Barolo and Rabajà in Barbaresco

51
Q

What legal change occurred in 2007 regarding the crus of Barbaresco?

A

They were enshrined as legal menzioni geografiche aggiuntive (geographic areas) of the DOCG

52
Q

When did Barolo follow Barbaresco in enshrining its crus as legal geographic areas?

A

Early 2010

53
Q

What is Barolo Chinato, and what is it flavored with?

A

A DOCG aromatized wine flavored with quinine

54
Q

Which producer is considered the standard bearer for Barolo Chinato?

A

Cappellano

55
Q

When was the Roero DOCG elevated from DOC status?

A

2004

56
Q

Where is the Roero DOCG located in relation to Barolo and Barbaresco?

A

On the northwestern bank of the Tanaro River, opposite Barolo and Barbaresco

57
Q

What is the primary red grape used in Roero DOCG wines, and what percentage is required?

A

Nebbiolo, minimum 95%

58
Q

What white grape is used in Roero DOCG to produce fresh and floral wines?

A

Arneis

59
Q

How do the Nebbiolo wines of Roero compare to those of Barolo and Barbaresco?

A

They are lighter in style due to the sandy soils of Roero

60
Q

Name two other Nebbiolo-based DOCG reds produced in the hills north of the Po River.

A

Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG

61
Q

What grapes are often blended with Nebbiolo (Spanna) in Gattinara and Ghemme?

A

Vespolina and Bonarda

62
Q

What is Uva Rara, and where is it used?

A

Also known as Bonarda Novarese, it is used for blending in Ghemme

63
Q

What is Bonarda di Gattinara, and how does it differ from the Bonarda of Argentina?

A

A clone used in Gattinara, unrelated to the Bonarda of Argentina

64
Q

What are the Lessona and Sizzano DOC zones near Ghemme known for producing?

A

Similiar to Nebbiolo based red-blends

65
Q

Where is the Carema DOC located, and what type of wines does it produce?

A

Near the border of the Valle d’Aosta, producing fragrant Nebbiolo wines, especially in warmer vintages.

66
Q

When did the Barbera grape come into the DOCG fold, and which two appellations were included?

A

In 2008, with the appellations Barbera d’Asti and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore

67
Q

How do Barbera d’Asti and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore differ in aging requirements?

A

Barbera d’Asti may be released as normale after four months of aging, while Barbera del Monferrato must be superiore and aged for 14 months, including six months in cask

68
Q

What is a common characteristic of modern Barbera production?

A

It often sees new wood during aging

69
Q

What third DOCG was granted to the Monferrato hills in late 2010?

A

Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato

70
Q

What is Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato, and what is unique about the Ruchè grape?

A

It is an aromatic red wine produced from the local Ruchè grape, which may be named for its resistance to the viral disease roncet or its introduction to Piedmont by French monks

71
Q

What is the fourth DOCG of the Monferrato hills, and when was it approved?

A

Nizza, approved at the end of 2014 for 100% Barbera varietal wines

72
Q

What significance does the approval of Nizza DOCG have in the context of Italian wine classification?

A

It marked the end of a three-year silence in DOCG elevations, showing that Italy’s top wine category was still active in the post-EU reform era

73
Q

What are the three DOCG wines produced from 100% Dolcetto?

A

Dogliani, Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore (Ovada), and Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba (Diano d’Alba)

74
Q

Which Dolcetto DOCG wine must be superiore to qualify for DOCG status?

A

Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore (Ovada)

75
Q

Can Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba and Dogliani be released as both normale and superiore versions?

A

Yes, both can be released in normale and superiore versions, with superiore requiring a heightened level of alcohol

76
Q

What is the minimum aging requirement for all three superiore styles of Dolcetto DOCG wines?

A

10 months

77
Q

Which DOCG wine may include menzioni geografiche aggiuntive on the label, similar to Barolo and Barbaresco?

A

Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba (Diano d’Alba)

78
Q

What is a sori?

A

A named superior exposure, which may appear on the label.

79
Q

How many sorì are classified as superior exposures for Diano d’Alba DOCG wines?

A

75 sori

80
Q

What is significant about Dogliani’s fame, and who is associated with it?

A

Dogliani’s fame partly rests on the wines of Luigi Einaudi, the second President of the Italian Republic elected in 1948

81
Q
A
82
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Dolcetto wines?

A

Sweet black fruit in a typically rustic frame, though denser and more polished interpretations are available

83
Q

What was the first still white wine in Piedmont to be promoted to DOCG level?

A

Gavi (Cortese di Gavi)

84
Q

Where is the Gavi appellation located, and what grape is used to produce its wines?

A

Located in the extreme southern portion of Alessandria province, Gavi wines are produced from the Cortese grape

85
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Gavi, besides the still (tranquillo) version?

A

Spumante or frizzante versions are sometimes encountered

86
Q

Which appellation transitioned from DOC to DOCG in late 2010, producing wines from the Erbaluce grape?

A

Erbaluce di Caluso

87
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, and which style generally provokes the most praise?

A

Still, spumante, or passito styles are produced, with passito generally provoking the most praise

88
Q

What is the most important DOCG for sparkling wine production in Italy, and how much is produced annually?

A

Asti/Moscato d’Asti DOCG, producing nearly 650,000 hl (or more) each year

89
Q

What change occurred when Asti moved from DOC to DOCG status?

A

It shed the pejorative “Asti Spumante” label, but the wines remain fully sparkling (spumante)

90
Q
A
91
Q

What grape is used in Asti DOCG wines, and how is the wine produced?

A

Moscato Bianco, with the must reserved and chilled for batch fermentation throughout the year using the Charmat (or Martinotti) method

92
Q

How does the Charmat method benefit Asti DOCG wines?

A

It avoids any autolytic character, preserving the wine’s delicate primary fruit and floral aromas

93
Q

What distinguishes Moscato d’Asti from Asti DOCG wines?

A

Moscato d’Asti is slightly sparkling (frizzante) with a maximum pressure of 2.5 atmospheres and an alcohol level between 4.5% and 6.5%

94
Q

What happened in 2023 regarding a subzone of Asti DOCG?

A

A former subzone was promoted to its own separate Canelli DOCG

95
Q

What is Alta Langa DOCG known for, and which grapes are used?

A

Alta Langa DOCG is known for serious traditional method sparkling wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes

96
Q

How long do Alta Langa spumante wines spend en tirage, and how long do riserva versions age?

A

Spumante wines spend 30 months en tirage, and riserva versions age for a full three years

97
Q

When was Alta Langa DOCG awarded, and what is significant about its history?

A

Awarded in early 2011, it represents rapid success for an appellation that earned its DOC in 2002 and had only 20 hectares of experimental plantings in 1994

98
Q

Which notable producers in Piedmont craft Alta Langa sparkling wines?

A

Fontanafredda and Enrico Serafino

99
Q

What is unique about the sparkling reds of Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG?

A

They retain local rustic charm, are usually sweet, and are suitable as a dessert accompaniment

100
Q

What versions of Brachetto exist, and how common are they?

A

Both dry and still versions exist, although they are increasingly rare

CSM Theory Questions (35 decks)

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