Piedmont/Piemonte Flashcards
Which mountain range is considered the “spine” of Italy? Where is it located?
The Apennine Mountains are considered to be the spine of Italy. It runs north to south down the Italian peninsula.
Which mountain range brackets Italy’s spine in the north?
The Alps bracket the Apennine Mountain chain in the north.
True or False:
Like many other European countries, Italy’s formal boundaries were set in the late Middle Ages.
False. The country we know as Italy today was not unified until 1861.
In what year was Italy unified?
1861
To what does the term “Piedmont” translate?
“The Foot of the Mountain”
Where is Piedmont located?
Piedmont is located in northwest Italy in the foothills south of the Po River
What are Piedmonts main provinces of production?
There are three main provinces of production:
Asti
Alessandria
Cuneo
True or False:
Piedmont is cradled on three sides by mountains.
True
What river cuts through the heart of Piedmont?
The Po River
How would one describe the overall climate of Piedmont?
Piedmont’s overall climate is Continental. The Alps provide a rain shadow although Autumn hail can be quite troublesome, especially in the Langhe Hills.
In which three provinces will one encounter the Langhe and Monferrato Hills?
The Langhe and Monferrato Hills are located in the Asti, Alssandria, and Cuneo Provinces.
How would one describe the overall topography of Piedmont?
Piedmont, as the name suggests, is quite mountainous. 43% of the total surface are is covered with mountains with hills making up an additional 30%
True or False:
Piedmont is Italy’s second largest region.
True
True or False:
Piedmont contains 7 IGT zones.
False. Piedmont does not produce IGT wines.
How many DOCs are contained in Piedmont?
Piedmont is home to 42 DOC zones
How many DOCGs are contained in Piedmont?
Piedmont has 17 DOCG zones
What is Piedmont’s most noble red grape?
Nebbiolo
Is Nebbiolo indigenous to Piedmont?
Maybe? It’s definitely from the nor west of Italy but could have originated in either Piedmont of Valtellina in northern Lombardy
Which of Piedmonts rivers exert the most influence on regional viticulture?
The Po and the Tanaro Rivers are Piedmont’s most important.
Geographically speaking, where are the Langhe Hills located?
The Langhe Hills are located in the Cuneo Province east of the Tanaro Tiver
What are Sori?
Sori are vineyard sites with prized southern exposures
How did Nebbiolo get its name?
The grape is supposedly named for the morning fog “la nebbia” that prolongs the grapes ripening process. The grape also produces a powdery veil on the outside of the grape after veraison which look like fog.
When was the grape Nebbiolo first mentioned in Piedmont?
Nebbiolo was first mentioned y name is 1431 in the statue of La Morra
What are Piedmont’s most notable red grapes?
Dolcetto
Barbera
Barbera
What does “Dolcetto” mean?
Little sweet one
How would one generally characterize wines produces from the Dolcetto grape?
Wines are generally tannic and fruity with lower acidity than Barbera and Nebbiolo. Wines are typically designed for earlier consumption although there are certainly exceptions to this rule.
What is Piedmont’s most planted red grape?
Barbera
True or False:
Nebbiolo is Piedmonts most planted red grape.
False. That distinction belongs to Barbera
How would one generally characterize wines produced from the Barbera grape?
Although the grape is subject to stylistic interpretation, wines typically express high acidity and relatively low tannin.
Name Piedmont’s most notable, indigenous red grapes approved for DOC/DOCG production [15]
Nebbiolo Barbera Dolcetto Brachetto Grignolino Ruche Croatina Vespolina Freisa Pelaverga Uva Rara Malvasia di Schierano Malvasia Nera Lunga Malvasia di Casorzo Pelaverga Piccolo
What is another name for the grape Moscato Bianco?
Muscat a Petit Grains
What is Piedmont’s most planted white grape varietal?
Moscato Bianco [aka Muscat a Petit Grains]
True or False:
Piedmont has a long tradition of production dry whites from Moscato Bianco.
False. Most of the Moscato Bianco grapes of Piedmont are made into the sweet-ish sparkling wines of Asti
Name Piedmont’s most notable, indigenous white grapes approved for DOC/DOCG production [4]
Cortese
Arneis
Erbaluce
Favorita [Vermentino]
True or False
Over half of Piedmont’s production is DOC quality
True
What are Piedmont’s most prestigious red DOCGs?
Barolo DOCG
Barbaresco DOCG
Barolo and Barbaresco are located along the _________ river in the _________ province inside the larger _________ DOC
Tanaro River
Cuneo Province
Langhe DOC
Barolo and Barbaresco are both produced from what varietal?
Nebbiolo
How many clones of Nebbiolo are used in winemaking? What are they?
3 out of a total of 40 identified clones are used in winemaking:
Lampia
Michet
Rose Nebbiolo
Rose Nebbiolo, which is actually a distinct varietal from Nebbiolo, has fallen out of favor due to its light color.
What are the pros and cons to Nebbiolo’s Lampia Clone?
Pros:
The Lampia strain adapts best to different soil types.
Cons:
Due to Nebbiolo’s history of inbreeding, the Lampia strain is prone to viral diseases.
How does viral infection effect the Nebbiolo’s Lampia clone?
Viral diseases cause the vine canes to split or fork.
What re the pros and cons to Nebbiolo’s Michet Clone?
Pros:
Less susceptible to viral diseases
Its smaller bunches, coupled with its naturally low yields, produce highly concentrated vines.
Cons:
Adapts poorly to different soil types
True or False:
Most winegrowers prefer to cultivate only 1 clone of Nebbiolo in their vineyards to promote consistence and true varietal expression.
False. Growers typically maintain a variety of Nebbiolo clones to maximize their wine’s complexity.
What aromatics are commonly associated with the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco?
Tar
Truffle
Rose Petals
Dried Fruit
How many communes are approved to produce Barolo DOCG?
11 Communes can produce Barolo DOCG wines
Name all 11 communes of Barolo
Barolo Novello La Morra Castiglione Falletto Serralunga d'Alba Monforte d'Alba Diano d'Alba Grinzane Cavour Verduno Roddi d'Alba Cherasco
90% of Barolo’s production is centered in which 5 communes
Barolo La Morra Castiglione Falletto Serralunga d'Alba Monforte d'Alba
True or False:
All things considered, Nebbiolo is one of the less finicky grape varietals and can be successfully ripen on a variety of soils and exposures.
False!
Nebbiolo, like Pinot Noir, can be a total bitch to ripen! Its super finicky and requires sites with the perfect aspect to ripen.
La Morra is noted for its __________ soils which are characterized by a higher proportion of _________________. This produces a _______ style wine.
Tortonian soils
Calcareous Marl
This produces a softer style of wine
Serralunga d’Alba is noted for its _________ soils which are characterized by a higher proportion of __________. This produces a ________ style of wine.
Serravallian [Helvetian] soils
Sand and Sandstone
This produces a more structured style of wine
Who is Ferdinando Vignolo-Lutati?
in the 1930s, Lutati public the benchmark work on the geological makeup of the Barolo growing zone. He divided the area into three geological ages::
Helvetian [later known as Serravallian]
Tortonian
Messinian
Name the 3 major geological ages represented in the Barolo DOCG growing zone
Serravallian [formerly known as Helvetian]
Tortonian
Messinian
Generally speaking, what is the composition of the soils found in the Langhe hills?
Generally speaking, the Langhe is composed of marine sediments characterized by a substratum of alternating layers of [clay and calcium carbonate] marls and sandstone
What are the Langhe’s 3 principle geological formations?
Lequio Formation
Sant’Agata Fossili Marls
Arenarie di Diano d’Alba
What is the Lequio Formation?
The Lequio Formation is the oldest geological formation found in the Barolo growing zone.
Formed in the Serravallian and Tortonian Ages
Formation consists of silty marls [made up or clay and calcium carbonate] and sandstone
Ranges from light yellowfins, almost white, tending to gray.
The Lequio Formation is predominately found in Serralunga d’Alba and parts of Monforte d’Alba
Where is the Lequio formation likely encountered?
The Lequio formation is commonly associated with Serralunga d’Alba but is also found in parts of Monforte d’Alba
Which of Barolo’s geological formations is the oldest?
The Lequio Formation
Where are you most likely to come across Sant’Agata Fossili Marls?
Sant’Agata Fossili Marls are typically found in the villages of Barolo and La Morra as well as in Barbaresco
What is Sant’Agata Fossili?
Sant’Agata Fossili are marls predominantly from the Tortonian age and part of the Messinian.
It consists mainly of Calcareous clay and marl that are blue-ish gray in color.
These marls are common in the villages of Barolo and La Morra as well as in Barbaresco DOCG
What is Arenarie di Diano d’Alba?
It is a geological formation for primarily in Castiglione Falletto. It is particularly rich in sand – especially in the subsoils.
Where are you likely to encounter Arenarie di Diano d’Alba?
Arenaire di Diano d’Alba is asociale with the Castiglione Falletto region of Barolo
True or False::
Grapes planted on sandy soils perform better in rainy years.
True
True or False::
Serralunga d’Alba produces some of Barolo’s most structure and long-lived wines.
True
True or False::
Barolo and La Morra produce some of the most perfumed wines of the Barolo DOCG.
True
True or False::
Castiglione Falletto produces wines imbued with both structure and elegance.
True
Which of Barolo’s communes tend to perform better in rainy vintages? Why?
Due to the high proportions of sand and sandstone, certain areas of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, and Castigione Falletto perform better in rainy years. Sand and Sandstone drain quickly.
In a year with low precipitation, which of Barolo’s communes fares the best? Why?
La Morra has the highest proportion of clay and ends to fare better in years with low precipitation. The clay has water holding capacity that will aid vines in dry years.
True or False::
The higher the proportion of calcium carbonate found in the soil, the less structure the resulting wine will have.
False. More calcium carbonate = more structure
Which commune’s soils in Barolo contain the most calcium carbonate?
Serralunga d’Alba
True or False::
La Morra’s soils have the least amount of calcium carbonate.
True
What is the main geological formation of Barbaresco?
Sant’Agata Fossili Marls
Match the Barolo Zone to its geological age and dominating geological feature::
Zones:
La Morra Serralunga d'Alba Monforte d'Alba Barolo Castiglione Falletto
Geological Age:
Serravalian [Helvetian]
Tortonian
Messinian
Geological Feature:
Lequio
Sant’Agata Fossili Marls
Arenarie di Diano d’Alba
La Morra = Tortonian/Messinian, Sant’Agata Fossils Marls
Castiglione Falletto = Serravallian, Arenarie di Diano d’Alba
Serralunga d’Alba = Serravallian, Lequio Formation
Monforte d’Alba = Serravallian, Lequio
Barolo = Tortonian, Sant’Agata Fossils Marls
How would one describe the overall climate of Barolo and Barbaresco?
The lower are of the Langhe hills [where Barolo and Barbaresco are located] has a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
True or False::
Barbaresco has a longer growing season than Barolo.
False. Barolo has a longer growing system.
Does diurnal temperature variation play a role in Barolo and Barbaresco?
Yes. Diurnal temperatur variation is crucial to prolonging Nebbiolo’s growing season which in turn generates wines with intense aromas and complexities.
What is the elevation range for Barolo’s best vineyards?
Barolos’s best vineyards lie between 200 and 450 meters above sea level [656 - 1476 feet]
Do Barolo and Barbaresco have the same climate?
No. Barbaresco enjoys a milder climate due to its proximity to the Tanaro River.
True or False::
Barolo soils are low in PH
False
Prior to 2010, what were Barolo’s aging requirements?
Prior to 2010, Barolo DOCG was required to age for a total of 3 years including 2 years in oak or chestnut cask [chestnut casks rarely used]
Today, what are Barolos aging requirements?
Barolo DOCG must rest for a total of 38 months from November 1 of the harvest year.
Wines are required to age in oak for 18 months.
How do the Barolo DOCG and Barolo Reserva DOCG agin requirements differ?
Barolo Reserva requires and minimum 62 months aging in total from November 1 following harvest. There is no additional time in oak required for this designation.
In a nutshell, what are the differences between “Traditionalist” and “Modernist” producers in Barolo?
Traditionalist hold onto the age old process of aging wines in large neutral casks after extended macerations of between 30-50 days. Consumers had to hold onto these wines for years before they became approachable.
Modernization began in the 1980s. Producers began implementing shorter maceration times as well as aging their wines in barriques. This produced a rounder style of wine.
Name 5 producers in Barolo who are considered “traditionalist”.
Giacomo Conterno Bartolo Mascarello Giuseppi Mascarello Giuseppi Rinaldi Bruno Giacosa Giacomo Borgogno Brovia Cappellano Elvio Cogno
Name 5 producers in Barolo who are considered “modernists”.
Paolo Scavino Luciano Sandrone Elio Altare E. Pira Domenico Clerico Renato Ratti
In what province is Barolo located?
Cuneo
Of all of Barolo’s communes of production, how many are entirely located within the DOCG boundaries? What are they?
There are 3 communes of production entirely located within Barolo DOCG::
Barolo
Castiglione Falletto
Serralunga d’Alba
What are “menzioni grafiche aggiuntive”?
“Menzioni Grafiche Aggiuntive” are geographical designati or crus that were legally defined for collective use in 2010 under DOCG regulations. This also includes Barolo’s subzones
What is a “Vigna”?
“Vigna” is the term for single vineyard in Barolo and Barbaresco. To use a “Vigna” on a label, 100% of grapes much come from a named vineyard in conjunction to a “cru” name. Only registered Vigna names may appear on a label.
What is Barolo Chinato?
Barolo Chinato is an aromatized, unfortified wine, flavored with quinine.
Are there any particular vineyard elevation/orientation specifications for Barolo DOCG?
Yes. Barolo vineyards must be located between 170-540 meters above sea level. Vineyards with complete northern exposure are prohibited from producing Barolo DOCG.
When was Barolo established as a DOC?
Barolo DOC was established in 1966
When was Barolo upgraded to DOCG status?
1980
What river divided Roero from the Langhe?
The Tanaro River
In what province is Barbaresco located?
Cuneo province
How many communes of production are located within Barbaresco DOCG? What are they?
There are 4 communes of production associated with Barbaresco:
Barbaresco
Nieve
Trieso
San Rocco Senodelvio [part of Alba]
When were “menzioni grafiche aggiuntive” approved for use in Barbaresco DOCG?
Geographic mentions, subzones, or crus, were legally defined for collective use in 2007 under DOCG regulations
True of False:
Although a “Vigna” name may be applied to Barolo DOCG only if 100% of the grapes come from the named vineyard, this is not the case with Barbaresco. Here only 85% of grapes are required to come from the site.
False. Barolo and Barbaresco have the same requirements for the use of single vineyards names.
True or False:
In Barbaresco, the use of Nebbiolo Clones – specifically Michet, Rose Nebbiolo, and Lampia – is explicitly required for DOCG wines.
False. Although this was the case at one point, these clones are no longer required.
What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco DOCG?
Barbaresco DOCG must age for a minimum of 26 months beginning November 1 following harvest including aging in wood for a minimum of 9 months
Wines may not be released until January 1 of the 3rd year following harvest.
What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco Riserva DOCG?
Barbaresco Riserva DOCG must age for a minimum of 50 months beginning November 1 following harvest including aging in wood for a minimum of 9 months
Wines may not be released until January 1 of the 5th year following harvest
When was Barbaresco established as a DOC?
1966, same as Barolo
When was Barbaresco upgraded to DOCG status?
1980, same as Barolo
Why are Barolo and Barbaresco frequently compared with Burgundy?
Wines from these three regions show a similar aromatic richness. Furthermore, the Langhe’s climate, the importance of single vineyards, and a modern emphasis on domaine bottlings parallel the structure of Burgundy.
When did estate/domaine bottling begin in Barolo and Barbaresco?
Estate and domaine bottling began I the 1960s
Have single vineyard wines always been produced in Barolo and Barbaresco?
No, this is a modern phenomenon that began with the transition toward estate/domaine bottling. Historically, wines from these two regions were produced by blending various vineyard sites.
Name two producers of Barolo Chinato
Cocchi Cappellano Barale Ceretto Cordero di Montezemolo Marchesi di Barolo Vajra
In what province is Roero DOCG?
Roero is located in the Cuneo Province
Where is Roero located?
Roero is located on the northwest bank of the Tanaro river, opposite Barolo and Barbaresco
True or False::
Like Barolo and Barbaresco, Roero DOCG is a still red wine only appellation producing wines from the Nebbiolo grape.
False. Roero DOCG produces both Red, White, and Sparkling wines
What grape[s] are approved for Roero DOCG? What percentages?
Roero, which is the red wine produced in the region, must be composed of a minimum 95% Nebbiolo with a maximum 5% other non-aromatic red grapes of Piedmont
What is the major white grape of Piedmont?
Arneis
To produce Roero Arneis DOCG, what are the allowable grapes and percentages?
To produces Roero Arneis, the wine must be composed of a minimum 95% Arneis with a maximum 5% non-aromatic white grapes of Piedmont
True or False::
Roero Spumante is a delicious sparkling red produces from Nebbiolo.
False. Spumante wines may be produced in Roero but may only be produced from Arneis. Allowable grapes and percentages is the same for Roero Arneis and Roero Arneis Spumante [min 95% Arneis, max 5% non-aromatic whites]
Ho would one generally characterize the soils of Roero DOCG?
The principal soil types in Roero are sand [mainly], clay, and limestone.
Compared to Barolo and Barbaresco, how would one describe the reds coming out of Roero?
Due to the predominately sandy soils, Nebbiolo from Roero is lighter than those produced in Barolo and Barbaresco
What are the aging requirements for Roero DOCG?
Roero DOCG wines must age for a minimum of 20 months from November 1 of the harvest year including a minimum 6 months in wood.
These wines may not be released until July 1 of the second year following harvest.
What are the aging requirements for Roero Riserva DOCG?
Roero Riserva DOCG wines must age for a minimum of 32 months from November 1 of the harvest year including a minimum 6 months in wood.
These wines may not be released until July 1 of the third year following harvest.
When was Roero DOCG established?
2004
List all Piedmont’s Nebbiolo producing DOCs/DOCGs located north of the Po river. Specify which are DOC and which are DOCG.
Boca DOC Bramaterra DOC Sizzano DOC Fara DOC Lessona DOC Coste della Sesia DOC Carema DOC Canavese DOC Colline Novaresi DOC
Gattinara DOCG
Ghemme DOCG
In what province[s] is Gattinara located?
Gattinara is located in the Vercelli province
True or False:
Although Gattinara wines have historically been created by blending Nebbiolo with Uva Rara and Vespolina, in practice, most DOCGS wines are produces from 100% Nebbiolo.
True.
When was Gattinara upgraded to DOCG status?
1990
Where is Gattinara located?
Gattinara is located in the Alto Piemonte in the winegrowing Vercelli hills between the towns of Novara and Vercelli.
What grapes are allow to be used int he production of Gattinara DOCG? What percentages?
Minimum 90% Spanna [aka Nebbiolo]
Maximum 10% in total of Bonarda di Gattinara and Vespolina
Vespolina may not exceed 4%
What type[s] of wine is produced in Gattinara?
Gattinara produces red DOCG wine passed on the Spanna grape [the local name for Nebbiolo]. The region also released Gattinara Riserva.
What are the aging requirements for Gattinara DOCG?
Gattinara DOCG must age for minimum of 35 months including 24 months in wood, from November 1 of the year of harvest
What are the agin requirements for Gattinara Riserva DOCG?
Gattinara Riserva DOCG is required to age a minimum of 47 months including 36 months in wood, from November 1 of the year of harvest
True or False:
Like Barolo, Gattinara also has limitations as to what elevation vineyards might be planted.
True. Vineyards in Gattinara much be planted between 250-550 meters above sea level.
Where is Ghemme DOCG located?
Ghemme is tiny red wine zone high up in the subalpine Novara Hills in the north of Piedmont.
When was Ghemme upgraded to DOCG status?
1997
What grapes are authorized for the production of Ghemme DOCG? What percentages?
Ghemme DOCG is produced from:
minimum 85% Spanna [local name for Nebbiolo]
combined maximum 15% Vespolina and Uva Rara [aka Bonarda Novarese]
Uva Rara is sometimes called _________ in Ghemme.
Bonarda Novarese
Bonarda di Gattinara is a synonym for _________.
Uva Rara
What are the aging requirements for Ghemme DOCG
Ghemme DOCG must age for a minimum of 34 months, including 18 months in wood and 6 months in bottle from November 1 of the harvest year.
True or False:
Both Ghemme and Gattinara specify a minimum period of bottle aging prior to wines being released to market.
False. Only Ghemme requires wines to rest in bottle for a certain period of time prior to release.
What types of wines can be produced in Ghemme?
Ghemme produces Nebbiolo and Nebbiolo-based dry reds. Ghemme also produces Riserva wines which are subject to longer aging requirements.
What are the aging requirements for Ghemme Riserva DOCG?
Ghemme Riserva must age for a minimum of 46 months, including 24 months in wood and 6 months in bottle from November 1 of the harvest year.
True or False:
Planting vineyards on north facing slopes in Ghemme is strictly prohibited.
True
What is the elevation range for Ghemme’s vineyards?
Vineyards in Ghemme are planted between 220 and 440 meters above sea level
What are the principal soils found in Ghemme?
Clay
Sand
Loam
Stony Soils
Ghemme and Gattinara straddle the _______ river
Sesia River
_______ is the name given to Nebbiolo in the hills north of the Po river.
Spanna
What grapes are commonly blended with Nebbiolo?
Vespolina
Uva Rara [aka Bondarda Novarese + Bonarda di Gattinara]
Bonarda Piemontese
True or False:
Ghemme and Gattinara require the same amount of time aging prior to release for both regular and riserva DOCG wines.
False.
Gattinara is aged longer than Ghemme.
Gattinara must age for a minimum of 35 months with 24 months in wood
Ghemme must age for 34 months with 18 months in wood and 6 months in bottle.
What DOCs and DOCGs are located on the Vercelli Hills:
Coste della Sesia DOC
Lessona DOC
Bramaterra DOC
Gattinara DOCG
What are the DOCs and DOCS of the Novara Hills:
Boca DOC Colline Novaresi DOC Ghemme DOCG Sizzano DOC Fara DOC
How many DOC/DOCG zone specialize in Barbera and Barbera based blends?
Piedmont has 8 DOCs and DOCGs that specialize in Barbera:
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera di Monferrato DOC
Gabiano DOC
Rubino di Cantavenna DOC
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Barbera di Monferrato Superiore DOCG
Nizza DOCG
List the DOCs that produce Barbera and Barbera based blends:
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera di Monferrato DOC
Gabiano DOC
Rubino di Cantavenna DOC
List the DOCGs that specialize in Barbera:
Barbera di Asti DOCG
Barbera di Monferrato Superiore DOCG
Nizza DOCG
Where is Lessona?
Lessona is a tiny wine growing region in the Vercelli Hills in the Piedmont region of Italy north of the Po river.
What style of wine does Lessona DOC produce?
Lessona DOC produces dry reds Nebbiolo sometimes softened with some Uva Rara and/or Vespolina
What are the grapes and percentages approved for Lessona DOC?
Minimum 85% Nebbiolo
Maximum 15% Vespolina and/or Uva Rara
Where is Sizzano DOC locates?
Sizzano is a wine region in the Novara Hills in the subalpine north of the Piemonte region.
What style of wine is produced in Sizzano?
Seriously age-worthy reds made from Nebbiolo-blends.
What grapes are allowed to produce Sizzano? What percentages?
50-70% Nebbiolo
30-50% Vespolina and/or Uva Rara
Maximum 10% other non-aromatic red grapes suitable for cultivation in Piedmont
When was Sizzano upgraded to DOC status?
1969
When did Lessona achieve DOC status?
1976
What is Piedmont’s most northern wine growing zone?
Carema
In what province is Carema located?
Carema DOC is located in the Torino province
What grapes are allowed in the production of Carema DOC? What percentages?
85-100% Nebbiolo
maximum 15% other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Piemonte
What style of wine is produced in Carema?
Carema produced dry red wines made from Nebbiolo.
Where is Carema located?
Carema is located in north-west Piedmont on the brother with the Valle d’Aosta
When did the Barbera grape get its first DOCG?
2008
Where are Barbera’s DOCGs located?
Barbera’s DOCGs are located in the Monferrato Hills in the Eastern Langhe
How many DOCs and DOCGs exist for Dolcetto?
Dolcetto claims 4 DOCs and 3 DOCGs:
Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Dolcetto d’Asti DOC
Dolcetto di Ovada DOC
Dogliani DOCG
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore DOCG (Ovada)
Dolcetto di Diana d’Alba DOCG/ Diano d’Alba DOCG
What are Dolcetto’s DOCGs?
Dogliani
Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore (Ovada)
Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba/ Diano di’Alba
What are Dolcetto’s DOCs?
Dolcetto d’Acqui
Dolcetto d’Alba
Dolcetto d’Asti
Dolcetto di Ovada
What was Piedmont’s first still white wine to achieve DOCG status?
Gavi [Cortese di Gavi]
Where is Gavi located?
Gavi is located in the south-east of Piedmont in the province of Alessandria
True or False:
Gavi exclusively produces still white wines.
False. Gavi also produces sparkling and frizzante expressions
When did Piedmonts get its first white wine DOCG? what was it?
1998; Gavi
What grape is used to produce Gavi?
Cortese
Where is Caluso located?
Caluso is a town in northern, pre-alpine Piedmont, near the border with the Valle d’Aosta
What grape is the speciality of Caluso?
Caluso specializes in the old, manor white grape, Erbaluce.
What is the largest DOCG producer in Piedmont?
Asti/Moscato d’Asti DOCG
True or False:
Asti is Italy’s largest DOCG producer.
True.
Asti shed “_______” from it’s label designation as it transitioned from DOC to DOCG
“Spumante”
True or False:
Although sparking wines are common in Asti, wines are not required to be fully sparkling.
False. Winer are always sparkling when produced under the Asti DOCG
Asti is produced exclusively from the __________ grape.
Moscato Bianco
How does Asti get its bubbles?
More often than not, Asti wines go through the charmat method. Metodo Classico wines are also produced.
What is the Charmat Method?
Charmat is the name of a bulk sparkling winemaking process which involves provoking a secondary fermentation in a pressure tank.
Other names for the Chamat method include ________ and ___________.
Cuve Close
Tank Method
True or False:
Asti wines are legally require to undergo the Charmat Method.
False. Although not not as common as Charmat produced wines, Metodo Classico wines are also produced.
What styles of wine may be produced under the Asti DOCG?
Asti Spumante
Asti Spumante “Metodo Classico”
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti “Vendemmia Tardiva”
True or False:
Chaptalization is forbidden for Asti wines.
False. Chaptalization is only prohibited in the production of Moscato d’Asti “Vendemmia Tardivia”
Are all of Asti’s wines subject to a secondary fermentation?
No! Mostcato d’asa is not subject to a secondary fermentation.
What is the maximum amount of bars of pressure allowed for Moscato d’Asti wines.
Moscato d’Asti can have a maximum of 2.5 bars of pressure
When was the DOCG for Asti established?
1993
What are the aging requirements for Asti “Metodo Classico”?
Metodo Classico wines must undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle and rest for a minimum of 9 months on the lees.
How long must a Moscato d’Asti “Vendemmia Tardiva” age prior to release?
Moscato d’Asti “Vendemmia Tardiva” wines must be aged for at least one year from the date of harvest.
Are any traditional method sparkling wines produced in Piedmont?
Yes, both Asti and Alta Longa produce traditional method sparkling wines.
What grapes are used in the production of Alta Longa?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
True or False:
Alta Longa wines user the same method of production as Champagne and Franciacorta.
True
When did Alta Longa achieve DOC status?
2002
When was Alta Longa elevated to DOCG status?
2011
What are the aging requirements for Alta Longa Spumante?
For Alta Longa Spumante, the total proaction process must not be less than 30 months
True or False:
Alta Longa wines must be vintage dated.
True.
What are the aging requirements for Alta Long Riserva?
For Spumante Riserva, total production process must not be less than 36 months
Name 2 producers of Alta Longa:
Fontanafredda
Enrico Serafino
