Piemonte Flashcards
What 2 mountain ranges shape Italy?
the Apennine Mountains serve as the spine of Italy and the Alps bracket the northern regions
The Po River creates what in Piemonte?
cuts through the heart of the region as it flows eastward from its headwaters in the Western Alps, creating a fertile alluvial plain well-suited for standard agriculture but too rich for viticulture
Where does most of Piedmont’s grape-growing occur?
in the foothills south of the Po Valley, in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo
Within the 3 provinces of Piemonte, what hills hold most vineyards?
the Monferrato and Langhe hills
What is the climate in Piedmont?
Continental climate and the Alps provide a “rain shadow” effect, autumn hail can be a worry in the Langhe hills
What are “sorì” in the Piedmontese dialect?
many of the prized southern exposures
Name Piedmont native red varieties aside from Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto
Brachetto, Grignolino, Ruchè, Croatina, Vespolina, and Freisa.
What is Piedmont’s most planted white grape?
Moscato Bianco (Muscat à Petits Grains)
Name native Piedmont white varieties
Cortese, Arneis, Erbaluce and Favorita (Vermentino)
What DOCGs are located along the Tanaro River in the Cuneo Province?
Barolo and Barbaresco (encapsulated by Langhe DOC)
Although Barolo wines may be produced in 11 communes, what 5 communes make up most of the output?
- La Morra
- Barolo
- Serralunga d’Alba
- Monforte d’Alba
- Castiglione Falletto
What soils are more present in Barolo and La Morra?
Tortonian soils, which contain a higher proportion of calcareous marl, provide a softer style of wine.
What soils are more present in Monforte d’Alba and Serralunga d’Alba?
Serravallian (Helvetian) sandstone soils, supply more structure in the wine
What are the current aging requirements for Barolo?
must be aged at least 38 months from November 1 of the harvest year, but only 18 months need be in oak
What are the current aging requirements for Riserva?
a total 62 months prior to release
Name some “traditionalists” in Barolo
Giacomo Conterno, Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi
Name some “modernists” in Barolo
Paolo Scavino, Luciano Sandrone, Elio Altare
Although a portion of Alba is permitted to make Barbaresco, production is concentrated in what three towns?
Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso
What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco?
aged for a minimum of two years (at least 9 months in cask) prior to release
What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco Riserva?
minimum of four years
Who is responsible for Barbaresco’s fame?
Angelo Gaja, whose Nebbiolo-based wines are often no longer released as Barbaresco DOCG but rather as the regional Langhe DOC
The less iconic but equally talented ____ espouses the traditionalist approach in Barbaresco
Bruno Giacosa
The local co-operative, _____ , offers great value and exemplifies the terroir of the Barbaresco region.
Produttori del Barbaresco
An emphasis on domaines and estate-bottling sparked when in Barolo/Barbaresco?
in the 1960s, leading to an unofficial yet critical determination of the single vineyards (crus)
In 2007, the Barolo/Barbaresco/Langhe Consorzio finally voted to do what?
enshrine the crus of Barbaresco as legal menzioni geografiche aggiuntive (geographic areas) of the DOCG; in early 2010 Barolo followed suit.
What is Barolo Chinato?
a DOCG aromatized wine that is flavored with quinine
What is the standard bearer for Barolo Chinato?
Cappellano
What River flows through Piedmont, dividing the Roero from the Langhe and providing a moderating influence?
The Tanaro
What are some producers in Brunate, Barolo?
Ceretto, Marcarini, Francesco Rinaldi
Describe the Brunate vineyard in Barolo
shared between Barolo and La Morra (9ha,19ha). Albeit small in size, it has a highly regarded reputation with southern exposures and excellent soils
What are some producers in Le Coste, Barolo?
Giacomo Grimaldi, Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate-Le Coste
Describe the Le Coste vineyard in Barolo
6ha, has sandy soils similar to those of Cannubi. The central part of the cru faces due south.
Name some producers in Bricco delle Viole in Barolo
46ha! Vajra, Marengo, Giovanni Viberti
Describe the famous Cannubi vineyard in Barolo
20ha, This is the most prestigious cru in Barolo! It covers a hill, and the vineyards face in all directions
Name some producers in Cannubi
Michele Chiarlo, Damilano, Paolo Scavino, Marchesi di Barolo, Ceretto, E. Pira, Luigi Einaudi
Describe the vineyard of Cannubi Boschis in Barolo
12ha, Boschis has been singled out for high quality on account of Luciano Sandrone’s production from this site. Producers may label wines from this geographical designation as “Cannubi.” [Luciano Sandrone, Francesco Rinaldi]
Describe the large vineyard of Bussia
Monforte d’Alba (292ha), Barolo (7ha)
contains the vineyards “Sottana,” “Rocche,” “Sporana,” “Dardi,” “Pianpolvere,” “Visette,” “Arnulfo,” and “Munie”; “Rocche” is a natural extension of the Rocche de Castiglione Falletto and once the source of Parruso’s “Barolo Rocche.”
What are some producers in Bussia?
Prunotto, Parusso, Silvano Bolmida, Monti, Conterno Fantino, Aldo Conterno
Describe the vineyard of Ginestra in Monforte d’Alba
114ha, has a famous (if recent) reputation, gained through the success of Elio Grasso’s Gavarini Vigna Chiniera and Casa Maté, as well as Domenico Clerico’s Ciabot Mentin and Pajana.
Name some producers in Ginestra
Clerico, Elio Grasso, Conterno Fantino
Monprivato is a monopole of whom?
In Castiglione Falletto, 7ha,Guiseppe Mascarello (monopole), famed vineyard, but there have been historical disputes over the vineyard’s boundaries.
What cru has been given grand reputation due to its famed producers?
Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, 8ha, producers- Azelia, Paolo Scavino (The lowest part of the hillside is planted to Dolcetto and Barbera)
Describe the cru of Cerretta in Serralunga d’Alba
40ha, This was formerly divided into three different crus: Bricco Cerretta, Cerretta Piani, and Cerretta. They are now collectively referred to as Cerretta.
Name some producers in Cerretta in Serralunga d’Alba
Elio Altare, Giacomo Conterno, Azelia, Luigi Baudana, Ca’Rome, Schiavenza
Describe the cru of Serra in Serralunga d’Alba
10ha , located on a ridge line, and the vineyards extend over opposing sides of the hill. The best sites face west. Producers- Bruno Giacosa, Pio Cesare, Giovanni Rosso
Falletto in Serralunga d’Alba is a monopole of whom?
9ha, Bruno Giacosa, noted for its higher altitude vineyards, exceeding 400 meters, and is the source of the producer’s Le Rocche del Falletto Riserva.
Francia in Serralunga d’Alba is a monopole of whom?
16ha, Giacomo Conterno, has owned this west-facing site since 1974, and produces Barolo Cascina Francia, Barolo Riserva Monfortino, and Barbera from the site.
What is the largest cru in all of Barbaresco at 78ha?
Ovello
Name some producers in Ovello
Produttori del Barbaresco, Cascina Morassino, Valfieri. It contains the historic sites of Canova, Casot, and Loreto.
Name some producers in the highly regarded Montestefano in Barbaresco
10ha, Produttori del Barbaresco, Serafino Rivella, La Ca’Nova (similar to Montefico in its southern exposure and optimal altitude)
What cru in Barbaresco is home to Gaja’s San Lorenzo vineyard?
Secondine, 15ha
Name some producers in the highly regarded Barbaresco cru of Pajè
8ha, Produttori del Barbaresco, Roagna
Name some producers in the famous Barbaresco cru of Asili
14ha, Ceretto, Michele Chiarlo, Bruno Giacosa, Produttori del Barbaresco, This cru covers a full 360° area, though the most famous portion of it faces south and borders Martinenga.
What excellent cru in Barbaresco is a monopole of Marchesi di Gresy?
Martinenga, 17ha The subzones (and subsequent individual bottlings) of Gaiun and Camp Gros are considered the best part of the cru.
The Rabajà cru in Barbaresco can be divided into what 2 sections?
one faces due south and the other consists of a southwestern-facing amphitheater. Bruno Giacosa made a bottling from this site prior to 2005, when this portion of the cru was annexed into Asili.
Name some producers in the Rabajà cru in Barbaresco
15ha, Castello di Verduno, Bruno Rocca, Produttori del Barbaresco
What is the cepage of wines from Roero
min 95% Nebbiolo, Max 5% other non-aromatic red grapes of Piemonte
What lies on the northwestern bank of the Tanaro River, opposite Barolo and Barbaresco?
The Roero DOCG
When was The Roero DOCG elevated from DOC?
in 2004
What is the cepage of wines from Roero Arneis
min 95% Arneis, max 5% other non-aromatic white grapes of Piemonte
Describe the wines of Roero and soil influence
sandy soils, north of the commune of Alba, a lighter style of Nebbiolo than Barolo/Barbaresco, many producers are experimenting with modern approaches
What other Two other Nebbiolo-based DOCG reds are produced in the hills north of the Po River?
Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG
Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG straddle what river?
the Sesia River
What is the cepage in Gattinara DOCG?
min 90% Spanna, max 10% in total of Bonarda di Gattinara and Vespolina (Vespolina cannot exceed 4%)
What is Nebbiolo called in Gattinara/Ghemme?
Spanna
What is the cepage in Ghemme DOCG?
min 85% Spanna, combined max 15% Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese)
What DOC zones near Ghemme produce similar Nebbiolo-based red blends?
The Lessona and Sizzano DOC zones
What grapes in Gattinara/Ghemme are usually blended with Spanna?
Vespolina and Bonarda
How does the Bonarda used in blending differ in Ghemme and Gattinara?
Ghemme- Uva Rara/Bonarda Novarese clone
Gattinara- Bonarda di Gattinara clone
(Neither grape is related to the Bonarda of Argentina)
What isolated DOC zone near the border of Valle d’Aosta produces fragrant Nebbiolo wines, especially in warmer vintages?
Carema DOC
What 2 DOCGs exist for Barbera in the Monferrato hills east of the Langhe?
Barbera d’Asti and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore
When were Barbera d’Asti and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore upgraded from DOC?
2008
Barbera d’Asti and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore both require what in the blend?
minimum 85% Barbera
What are the aging requirements for Barbera d’Asti?
normale- a short four-month aging period
Superiore- 14 mos from Nov 1 of the harvest year, including at least 6 months in oak
What are the aging requirements for Barbera del Monferrato?
must be superiore and spends 14 months aging prior to release, including 6 months in cask
Barbera d’Asti Superiore con indicazione della sottozona (with indication of subzone) may include what 3 subzones on its label?
The 3: Tinella, Colli Astiani (Astiano), Nizza
Barbera del Monferrato is released as a rosso or what?
Frizzante
Modern Barbera often sees ___ ____
new wood
The Monferrato hills received what third DOCG in late 2010?
Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato
Describe Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG
An aromatic red wine produced from the local Ruchè grape
What does the name of the Ruchè grape suggest?
either a strong resistance to the viral disease roncet, which plagues other varieties of the region, or its arrival in Piedmont alongside French monks, who dedicated a medieval monastery to Saint Rocco in the region.
What Three DOCG wines are produced from 100% Dolcetto?
- Dogliani
- Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore (Ovada)
- Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba (Diano d’Alba)
How do the wines of Ovada differ from those of Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba and Dogliani?
Ovada wines must be superiore to qualify for DOCG status, whereas Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba and Dogliani may be released in both normale and superiore versions
What is the minimum aging for all 3 Dolcetto DOCGs in superiore styles?
1 year
Like Barolo and Barbaresco, Diano d’Alba DOCG wines may include what on the label?
menzioni geografiche aggiuntive on the label—77 sorì are classified as superior exposures
What does Dogliani’s fame rest, in part, upon?
On the wines of Luigi Einaudi, who was elected as the second President of the Italian Republic in 1948
What was the first still white wine in Piedmont to be promoted to the DOCG level?
Gavi (Cortese di Gavi)
Where is the Gavi DOCG located?
in the extreme southern portion of Alessandria province and shares its western border with Ovada
What styles are the Gavi DOCG wines made in?
The wines are generally still (tranquillo), spumante or frizzante versions are sometimes encountered
What appellation just south of Carema transitioned from DOC to DOCG in late 2010?
Erbaluce di Caluso
What may the wines of Erbaluce di Caluso be?
The white wines, produced from the high-acid, herbal-scented Erbaluce grape, may be still, spumante, or passito in style, with the latter type generally provoking the most praise.
What is the largest producer of DOCG wine in Italy?
Asti
Asti shed the pejorative “__ ___” label with its move from DOC to DOCG, but the wines are always fully ___
Asti Spumante, sparkling (Spumante)
The wines of Asti DOCG are comprised soley of what?
Moscato Bianco and blended from vast vineyards across the southern provinces of Piedmont
Asti DOCG wines undergo secondary fermentation, usually via what method?
the Charmat Method
the maximum allowed pressure for Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
was raised from 1.7 to 2 atmospheres in 2011
How does Moscato d’Asti differ from Asti?
is a rarer and more artisanal product crafted from riper Moscato Bianco grapes, it is only slightly sparkling (frizzante) rather than spumante
What is the alcohol level of Moscato d’Asti?
between 4.5% and 6.5%
More serious traditional method sparkling wines are produced as what in Piemonte?
Alta Langa DOCG from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, made in the style of Champagne or Franciacorta
What are the aging requirements for Alta langa spumpante wines?
In deference to the qualities impacted by aging on the lees, may not be released for 30 months after harvest, and riserva versions may not be released for a full 3 years
Despite the fact that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been planted in Piedmont since the early 1800s, the Alta Langa Spumante DOCG was not awarded until when?
late 2010, represents a rapid culmination of successes for an appellation that earned its DOC as recently as 2002, and contained only a scant 20 hectares of experimental plantings in 1994
Name some notable Alta Langa spumante producers
Fontanafredda and Enrico Serafino
Describe Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
sparkling reds, retain local rustic charm, are usually sweet but both dry and still versions of Brachetto exist, although they are increasingly rare
