Piemonte

Question 1

Where is Piemonte and what is its climate

Answer 1

Piemonte is in the northwest corner of Italy.

Climate is Moderate and Continental.

Long cold winters and thunderstorms, hail and fog in the summer

Mountains to the North provide a rain shadow, protecting the region from Northern winds and precipitation.

Question 2

What are the primary black grapes in Piemonte

Answer 2

Nebbiolo
Barbera (most planted)
Dolcetto

Question 3

What is the English meaning of Piemonte

Answer 3

In English, Piemonte means ‘at the foot of the mountains’

Question 4

What are the primary white grapes grown in Piemonte

Answer 4

Cortese and Moscato

Question 5

What are the 2 major rivers that flow through Piemonte

Answer 5

1. Po River

2. Tanaro River

Question 6

What is the name of the lake in North Piemonte that provides some moderating temperature influences

Answer 6

Lake Maggiore (maj-orr- ray)

Question 7

What is the height range in the Piemonte foothills

Answer 7

150 - 600m

Question 8

What are the names of the 2 most prestigious appellations in the Piemonte region and where are they located

Answer 8

Barolo and Barbaresco

Located South of Turin around the towns of Asti and Alba

Question 9

What shape is the Barolo wine region and what is the height range of the steep South facing slopes

Answer 9

Horseshoe

300 - 500m

Question 10

What black grape must Barolo DOCG be produced from

Answer 10

Nebbiolo

Question 11

What are the dryness, acidity, tannin, body and flavours of Nebbiolo

Answer 11

Dry
High Acidity
High Tannin
Medium to full body
Red fruit, cherry, plum
Dried herbs
Sometimes floral (rose & violet)

Question 12

What is the name of the range of hills that Barolo and Barbaresco are situated in

Answer 12

Langhe

Question 13

Is Barolo aged in oak and how long must it be aged for

Answer 13

Yes, either new or old, large or small barrels

Three years, including 18 months in oak

Question 14

What is the height range of of the South facing slopes where the vineyards are situated in Barbaresco

Answer 14

200 - 400 metres

Question 15

How long must Barbaresco be aged for

Answer 15

Two years including 9 months in oak

Question 16

What are the main differences between Barolo and Barbaresco

Answer 16

Barolo’s vineyards sit at a higher elevation

Barbaresco lies closer to the river Tanaro which provides influence

In Barbaresco the grapes ripen quicker, it’s fruitier and less perfumed

Question 17

In Piemonte, where is Gavi and what is the main white grape grown there

Answer 17

South Eastern Piemonte

The Cortese grape

Question 18

Why are the Cortese vines grown in the hills, and what influence does his impart

Answer 18

Altitude and sea breezes result in long, slow ripening

This emphasises it’s natural high acidity and floral character

Question 19

What are the characteristics of wines made from the Barbera grape

Answer 19

Dry
High acidity
Low - medium tannins 
Full body
Medium flavour of red fruit (cherry, plum) and sometimes black pepper