Piemonte Flashcards
Piemonte is considered one of Italy’s most important wine regions along side what other place?
Tuscany
In English, what does Piemonte translate to?
“Foot of the Mountain”
Name two mountain ranges that cradle the Piemonte region.
Apennies
Alps
What is the major river that runs through the Piemonte region?
The Po River
True/False: The alluvial plains created by the Po River are suitable for viticulture.
No. The soils are too fertile.
Name the three provinces of Piemonte.
Asti
Alessandria
Cuneo
Generally speaking, what are the two “hills” that are most recognized in Piemonte?
Monferrato
Langhe
In relation to the Po River, where does most viticulture occur?
South of the river
Describe the general soil type found in Piemonte.
Thin, calcareous marl and sandstone
What is the general climate type of Piemonte?
Continental
Which mountain range is responsible for creating the rain shadow effect in Piemonte?
The Alps
In which region is there lore of producers firing cannons in the sky to ward off clouds?
Barbaresco
What is the term used for prized souther exposures in Piemonte (particularly Barbaresco)?
Sorì
What is the most notable native red grape of Piemonte?
Nebbiolo
From where does Nebbiolo take its name?
La Nebbia - the fog
Describe the general structure of Nebbiolo.
High alcohol, high acid, extreme tannin
A statue from ______ in La Morra threatened extreme physical punishment for uprooting Nebbiolo vines.
1431
Name the 3 major red grapes of Piemonte.
Nebbiolo
Dolcetto
Barbera
What does “dolcetto” mean in English?
Little sweet one
In Dolcetto wines, which is higher, the acid or the tannin?
Tannin
Are Dolcetto based wines meant to be drunk young, or with age?
Young
What is the most planted red grape in Piemonte?
Barbera
Aside from Piemonte’s “Big Three” red grapes, name 6 other red varietals that are indigenous to the region.
Brachetto Gringolino Ruchè Croatina Vespolina Freisa
What is the most planted white varietal in Piemonte?
Moscato Bianco
In France, Moscato Bianco is know as….?
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
Aside from Moscato, name 4 other white grapes grown in Piemonte.
Cortese
Arneis
Erbaluce
Favorita (Vermentino)
True/False: Piemonte is home to more DOC regions than anywhere else in Italy.
True
How many DOCG regions are recognized in Piemonte?
16
True/False: Over half of Piemonte’s production is DOC quality or better.
True
Name the two most prestigious DOCGs of Piemonte.
Barolo
Barbaresco
Name the river that runs through Cuneo province.
Tanaro River
The Barolo and Barbaresco zones lie within what larger DOC?
Langhe DOC
How many communes are authorized for Barolo production?
11
Name the 5 major communes for Barolo production.
La Morra Barolo Serralunga d'Alba Monforte d'Alba Castaglione Falletto
What are the two main soil types found in Barolo?
Tortonian
Serravallian (Helvetian)
Describe Tortonian soils and its impact on wine.
High proportion of calcareous marl
Softer style of wine
In which major communes are Tortonian soils prominently found?
La Morra
Barolo
Describe Serravallian soil and its impact on wine.
Sandstone
More structure in the wine
In which major communes of Barolo are Serravallian soils prominently found?
Serralunga d’Alba
Monforte d’Alba
Today, what is the required elevage for Barolo normale?
38 months from November 1 of the harvest year
18 months must be in oak
What is the required elevage for Barolo Riserva?
62 months from November 1 of the harvest year
18 months must be in oak